Auxin Definition An auxin is a plant hormone derived from the amino acid tryptophan. An auxin may be one of many molecules, but all auxin molecules are involved in some sort of cellular regulation. Auxin molecules are one of five major types of plant hormone. The other major groups are the gibberellins, cytokinins, ethylene, and … Read more

Deoxyribose Definition Deoxyribose is the five-carbon sugar molecule that helps form the phosphate backbone of DNA molecules. DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid is a polymer formed of many nucleic acids. Each nucleic acid is composed of a deoxyribose molecule bound to both a phosphate group and either a purine or a pyrimidine.  Purines have two carbon … Read more

Definition Oblique muscle refers to two abdominal muscles – the external and internal obliques. These provide trunk flexion and rotation. The external oblique is the thickest and runs from the lower ribs to the iliac crest. The internal oblique lies under the external muscle and also originates at the iliac crest before reaching the pubic … Read more

Stomach Definition The stomach is a muscular organ that is found in our upper abdomen. If we were to locate it on our bodies, it can be found on our left side just below the ribs. In simple terms, the stomach is a kind of digestive sac. It is a continuation of the esophagus and … Read more

Cell Wall Definition Outside of the cell membrane, a cell wall is an outer layer that surrounds certain cells. Most bacteria, archaea, and plants have cells without cell walls, but all have cell membranes. In addition to providing strength and structural support to the cell, the cell wall also controls to some extent what types … Read more

Genetic Recombination Definition Genetic recombination occurs when genetic material is exchanged between two different chromosomes or between different regions within the same chromosome. We can observe it in both eukaryotes (like animals and plants) and prokaryotes (like archaea and bacteria).  Keep in mind that in most cases, in order for an exchange to occur, the … Read more

Interphase Definition Interphase is the longest stage in the eukaryote cell cycle. During interphase, the cell acquires nutrients, creates and uses proteins and other molecules, and starts the process of cell division by replicating the DNA. Interphase is divided into three distinct stages, Gap 1, Synthesis, and Gap 2, which are discussed below.  The purpose … Read more

Definition Allosteric inhibition is the slowing down of enzyme-catalzyed chemical reactions that occur in cells. These metabolic processes are responsible for the proper functioning and maintenance of our bodies’ equilibrium, and allosteric inhibition can help regulate these processes. Essentially, metabolic processes break down and build up important molecules. They are fundamental for anything from the … Read more