Science / Biology Glossary

Basidia: Specialized club-shaped structures on the underside of club fungi (Basidiomycetes) within which spores form (sing.: basidium).

Basidiomycetes: The club fungi, a major group of fungi that all produce a structure (basidium) on which basidiospores are produced. Includes mushrooms and toadstools.

Basidiospores: The spores formed on the basidia of club fungi (Basidiomycetes).

Benthic Zone: One of the two basic subdivisions of the marine biome; includes the sea floor and bottom-dwelling organisms.

Beta Decay: Type of radioactive decay in which a radioisotope emits a small, negatively-charged and fast-moving particle from its nucleus. The beta particle is similar in size, charge, and speed to an e . . . View Full Definition

Bicarbonate Ions: A weak base present in saliva that helps to neutralize acids in food.

Big Bang Theory: A model for the evolution of the universe that holds that all matter and energy in the universe were concentrated in one point, which suddenly exploded. Subsequently, matter condensed to fo . . . View Full Definition

Bilateral Symmetry: In animals, refers to those that have a single axis of symmetry.

Biliary System: The bile-producing system consisting of the liver, gallbladder, and associated ducts.

Binary Fission: The method by which bacteria reproduce. The circular DNA molecule is replicated; then the cell splits into two identical cells, each containing an exact copy of the original cells DNA.

Binding Sites: Areas on the ribosome within which tRNA-amino acid complexes fit during protein synthesis.

Binomial System Of Nomenclature: A system of taxonomy developed by Linnaeus in the early eighteenth century. Each species of plant and animal receives a two-term name; the first term is the genus, and the second is the species.

Biochemical Cycle: The flow of an element through the living tissue and physical environment of an ecosystem; e. g., the carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus cycles.

Biochemical Reactions: Specific chemical processes that occur in living things.

Biochemistry: Chemical processes associated with living things.

Biodiversity: Biological diversity; can be measured in terms of genetic, species, or ecosystem diversity.

Biogeography: The study of the distribution of plants and animals across the Earth.

Bioluminescent: Refers to organisms that emit light under certain conditions.

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