Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.
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CAM Plants
CAM Plants Definition CAM – short for “Crassulacean Acid Metabolism” – is a method of carbon fixation evolved by some plants in dry circumstances. In most plants, the stomata – which are like tiny mouths that take in oxygen all along the surfaces of their leaves – open during the day to take in CO2 and […]
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Calvin Cycle
Calvin Cycle Definition The Calvin cycle is the cycle of chemical reactions performed by plants to “fix” carbon from CO2 into three-carbon sugars. Later, plants and animals can turn these three-carbon compounds into amino acids, nucleotides, and more complex sugars such as starches. This process of “carbon fixation” is how most new organic matter is created. […]
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Calmodulin
Calmodulin Definition Calmodulin, or calcium-modulated protein, is a calcium-binding protein found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. It interacts with many other proteins in the cell, and acts as a regulator or an effector molecule in a wide variety of cellular functions. These functions include things as diverse as regulation of the cell cycle, […]
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Bystander Effect
Bystander Effect Definition The bystander effect, also called bystander apathy, is a term in psychology that refers to the tendency of people to take no action in an emergency situation when there are others present. This phenomenon is highly studied in the field of sociology. Bystander Effect Explained Psychologically, there are many causes of the […]
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Bryophyte
Bryophyte Definition Bryophytes are a group of plant species that reproduce via spores rather than flowers or seeds. Most bryophytes are found in damp environments and consist of three types of non-vascular land plants: the mosses, hornworts, and liverworts. Bryophyte Characteristics The following characteristics are exhibited by bryophytes: Bryophyte Life Cycle The bryophyte lifecycle consists […]
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Bronchioles
Bronchioles Definition The bronchioles are tubes in the lungs which branch off from the larger bronchi that enter each lung, from the large and singular trachea which connects to the mouth. As such, bronchioles are one of the smallest airways in the respiratory tract, and lead directly to the alveolar ducts which house the alveoli responsible for exchanging gases with the blood. These […]
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Branched Chain Amino Acids
Definition The branched-chain amino acids or BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine are three of the nine nutritionally essential amino acids. These three ingredients form a popular health supplement primarily consumed by sports enthusiasts as it is believed they contribute to muscle tissue synthesis; however, the true value of BCAA supplements has yet to be proved. […]
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Brain
Brain Definition The brain is an organ that coordinates nervous system function in vertebrate and most invertebrate animals. The brain is typically located inside the head, within a protective covering such as an exoskeleton or skull. In humans, the brain weighs about three pounds and consumes a stunning 20-25% of all the body’s energy! The […]
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Botany
Botany Definition Botany is the study of organisms in the kingdom Plantae, otherwise known as plants. The word botany comes from the adjective botanic, which in turn comes from the Ancient Greek word botane, referring to plants, grasses, and pastures. Botany also has other, more specific meanings; it can refer to the biology of a specific […]
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Body Systems
Definition Body systems are groups of organs and tissues that work together to perform important jobs for the body. Some organs may be part of more than one body system if they serve more than one function. Other organs and tissues serve a purpose in only one body system. Examples include the respiratory system, nervous […]
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