Biology Definitions 📝

The diversification of a group of organisms into forms filling different ecological niches

the focus on specific molecules and their roles within biological systems, including how they are synthesized, interact, and function in cells and tissues

the ability of a virus to replicate and produce new viral particles effectively within a host

the theory that the evolution of life on earth typically follows a pattern in which long periods of little morphological change are punctuated by relatively short periods of significant change, when speciation occurs

abrupt evolutionary change; sudden large-scale mutation

regulatory mechanisms within the cell cycle that monitor and assess various conditions to ensure proper progression through the phases of cell division. They help maintain genomic stability by preventing errors that could lead to mutations or cancer

A natural process of self-destruction by degradative enzymes in certain cells, such as epithelial cells and erythrocytes, that are genetically programmed to have a limited lifespan or are damaged, as by irradiation or toxic drugs

external factors that influence the survival and reproduction of individuals within a population

The formation of new blood vessels

a molecule that binds to a specific site on a target protein, often a receptor, to form a complex that triggers a biological response. This binding can alter the shape and activity of the protein, leading to various cellular effects

highly reactive molecules formed from diatomic oxygen, water, and hydrogen peroxide

a group of chemically active molecules that contain nitrogen and can react with other substances. They play important roles in biological processes, including fighting infections and regulating various cellular functions, but can also contribute to cellular damage when present in excess

the ability of cells, particularly stem cells, to adapt and change their function or characteristics in response to environmental cues or physiological conditions

a biological process where epithelial cells lose their polarity and adhesion, gaining the ability to migrate and become mesenchymal cells, which can differentiate into various cell types. This process is important for development, wound healing, and has implications in cancer progression

the integration of multiple biological data layers (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, etc.) to understand cellular systems

The ability of a cell to divide and produce at least one identical daughter cell with the same properties

The process by which a cell becomes more specialized in structure and function

a regulatory protein whose levels fluctuate during the cell cycle and activate CDKs

a concept in evolutionary biology proposed by Richard Goldschmidt, suggesting that significant evolutionary changes, or new species, can arise suddenly through large mutations, known as macromutations, rather than through gradual changes

a family of proteases that drive apoptosis by cleaving key cellular proteins in a regulated cascade. Two types: initiator caspases (activate other caspases) and executioner caspases (break down the cell)

a key step in intrinsic apoptosis where the mitochondrial membrane becomes permeable, allowing release of pro-apoptotic factors

an apoptosis pathway triggered by extracellular ligands binding to cell surface receptors, activating caspases

a hallmark of cancer in which cells evade programmed cell death despite significant damage or stress

the level of pro-apoptotic signaling required to trigger cell death, determined by the balance of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins