Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

Filtration Definition Filtration is the separating of substances based on their different physical and chemical qualities. Typically, we think of it as the removal of solid particles from a mixture containing both solids and liquids. In this process, we refer to the collected solid material as the residue and the fluid material as the filtrate. Usually, a tool […]

Fetus Definition Fetal development occurs between the embryonic stage of development and birth in humans. This stage begins after 11 weeks of gestation, when the embryo begins to exhibit human characteristics, and lasts until birth. Typically, all the major organs and tissues can be observed; however, they are not yet fully developed or appropriately situated […]

Fertilization Definition Fertilization is the process by which male and female gametes are fused together, initiating the development of a new organism. The male gamete or ’sperm’, and the female gamete, ’egg’ or ’ovum’ are specialized sex cells, which fuse together to begin the formation of a zygote during a process called sexual reproduction. Types of Fertilization Fertilization in Animals The fertilization process in animals […]

Fermentation Definition Fermentation refers to the metabolic process by which organic molecules (normally glucose) are converted into acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen or any electron transport chain. Fermentation pathways regenerate the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), which is used in glycolysis to release energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). […]

Feedback Inhibition Definition Feedback inhibition is a cellular control mechanism in which an enzyme’s activity is inhibited by the enzyme’s end product. This mechanism allows cells to regulate how much of an enzyme’s end product is produced. Most biochemical processes are complex and multi-step, requiring multiple enzymes to get from the starting substrate to the […]

Fecundity Definition Fecundity is a measure of the number of offspring produced by an organism over time. It is also called the reproductive rate of an organism. Fecundity is measured by the number of offspring that are created successfully. In sexually reproducing organisms, two gametes must meet and the process of fertilization must occur. This embryo must […]

Fauna Definition Fauna is a term which refers to all of the animal life within a specified region, time period, or both. The “flora and fauna” of a certain place is a descriptor of all the life in a region, including both the plant-like organisms and the animal-like organisms. However, while this was once used […]

Fatty Acids Definition Fatty acids are comprised of hydrocarbon chains terminating with carboxylic acid groups. Fatty acids and their associated derivatives are the primary components of lipids. The length and degree of saturation of the hydrocarbon chain is highly variable between each fatty acid, and dictates the associated physical properties (e.g., melting point and fluidity). […]

Fat Definition Fat is a term used to describe a class of macro nutrients used in metabolism called triglycerides. These make up one of three classes of macronutrients including proteins and carbohydrates. Fats provide a means of storing energy for most eukaryotes, as well as act as a food source. Fats have the highest energy […]

Facultative Anaerobe Definition A facultative anaerobe is an organism which can survive in the presence of oxygen, can use oxygen in aerobic respiration, but can also survive without oxygen via fermentation or anaerobic respiration. Most eukaryotes are obligate aerobes, and cannot survive without oxygen. Prokaryotes tolerate a wide range of oxygen, from obligate anaerobes which are poisoned by oxygen, to facultative anaerobes […]