Biology
High quality articles created by Biology experts will give you a broader and more complete view on this topic. You can also share your problem or any doubt about Biology and we will help you find the best solution for you.
120 articles
New
New
Bacterial pili are crucial, hair-like structures that extend from the surface of many bacteria, playing essential roles in survival and adaptation. These tiny appendages help bacteria adhere to surfaces, communicate with other cells, and exchange genetic material, which often leads to increased antibiotic resistance....
New
New
Rotifers are tiny animals from the phylum Rotifera, mostly microscopic organisms which inhabit freshwater aquatic environments. Sometimes known as wheel animals or wheel animalcules, they have a segmented body which is divided into a head, trunk and foot. They also have a characteristic corona which is...
New
New
Plastids are organelles found in certain cells which play a crucial role in the survival of the organism. They are most associated with plants, but they can also be found in algae and some other eukaryotes. One of the key characteristics of plastids is that they are bound by a membrane, allowing for various...
Amyloplasts are specific plastids present in plant cells, specifically they are organelles responsible for functions such as starch synthesis and storage. Amyloplast organelles have a double membrane, composed of a smooth outer membrane and an inner membrane that invaginates to form tubules. The inner...
Porpoises are marine mammals of the Phocoenidae family. Although very similar in appearance to dolphins, they are genetically different and are more closely related to other cetaceans. Most live in ocean habitats, but there are some which are known to live in brackish waters and one which is known to...
Ctenophores, commonly known as comb jellies, are marine invertebrates that, despite their jelly-like appearance, they are distinct from jellyfish. They belong to their own unique phylum, Ctenophora. Characterized by rows of cilia, or comb-like structures, these creatures use these for movement, creating a...
The Last Universal Common Ancestor, or LUCA, represents the most recent shared ancestor of all life on Earth. LUCA is not a single organism but rather a hypothetical entity from which all modern organisms—bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes—descend. Understanding LUCA provides crucial insights into the...
Stomata are tiny, but vital structures found on the surfaces of plant leaves and stems, playing a crucial role in the processes of gas exchange and transpiration. These microscopic pores allow plants to absorb carbon dioxide for photosynthesis while releasing oxygen and water vapor. However, not all stomata...
Chromoplasts are a type of cell organelle that are present exclusively in certain plants, algae and other eukaryotes. Specifically, they are a type of plastid. They are responsible for pigment generation in plants, meaning they give color to flowers and other parts. In addition, their functions include...
Leucoplasts are small rounded structures that belong to the plastid family. These are membrane-bound organelles which are found in certain cells, mainly plants and algae. The functions of leucoplasts include lipid synthesis, carbohydrate storage and starch production. There are three types to carry out these...
Granivorous animals are those that carry out seed predation as their main form of nourishment. This means they search for seeds and grains to acquire the nutrients they need for survival. Without them, they will be unable to survive. There are other animals which will supplement their main diet with seeds,...
Clams, mussels, oysters, and scallops are just a few examples of fascinating creatures belonging to the bivalve family. These aquatic invertebrates are distinguished by their unique two-part shells, which protect their soft bodies. Whether they inhabit freshwater lakes or salty oceans, bivalves play a crucial...
Nature is a complex interplay of competition and cooperation. While survival often hinges on outcompeting others, many species have evolved mutually beneficial relationships. Unlike the predator-prey dynamic where one thrives at the expense of another, mutualism represents a win-win scenario, with both...
Life as we know it thrives within specific parameters, but Earth is also home to extraordinary organisms that defy these limitations. Among them are halophilic bacteria, microbes that not only survive but flourish in environments saturated with salt. From the depths of salt mines to the sun-baked surfaces...
Have you ever stopped to think about how some animals in the vast ocean manage to find sustenance? Unlike the known powerful predators with razor-sharp teeth, many aquatic creatures rely on a much more delicate approach – filter feeding. These fascinating animals are the ultimate opportunists, extracting...
Glial cells are structural, metabolic and trophic support cells for neurons. They are found in both the central nervous system and in the peripheral nervous system. For any function in an organism to be carried out, specialized cells are required. Despite being part of the central nervous system, glial cells...
Woody plants are a diverse and essential group of flora characterized by their durable, lignified stems and trunks. Defined by their robust internal structure, called secondary xylemthey, they differ significantly from their soft-stemmed herbaceous counterparts. These plants form the backbone of many...
Berries are more than just a tasty treat. They're a fascinating example of co-evolution, a partnership between plants and animals that benefits both sides. As animals munch on the berries, they also help spread the plant's seeds far and wide. And forget the image of berries as all small and round. They...
Also known as the horse family, equines are part of the taxonomic family Equidae. In the order Perissodactyla, they are four-legged mammals which are defined by robust bodies, placental birth, herbivorous diet and herd living. There are various types of equines, all with their own specific characteristics....
Seed dispersal is the process by which seeds are moved away from the parent plant. Plants can't walk around and sow their seeds in new locations, so they've evolved clever ways to hitch a ride on wind, water, animals, or even just rely on gravity. This movement not only increases individual plant survival...
The blueprint of life, DNA, holds the secrets of inheritance and variation. But how does this blueprint get shuffled and combined to create new possibilities? Enter genetic recombination, a fascinating process where genetic material is exchanged between chromosomes, leading to a vibrant dance of genes....
As part of the larger cell nucleus, the nucleolus is a suborganelle which is responsible for the biosynthesis of ribosomes in the cell, among other functions. It is a nuclear body which is distinguished by its presence as a dark, spherical structure within the nucleus of cells. Its own structure that...
Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction that involves the simultaneous duplication of DNA and division of the cytoplasm. In doing so, it generates two identical daughter cells. This mainly takes place in prokaryotic cells such as bacteria, but it can also take place in unicellular eukaryotes....
Ever admired a rose up close and then compared it to a tulip? Unlike most flowers, the colorful parts of a tulip aren't classic petals, but rather structures called tepals. While petals are the usual colorful attractors for pollinators, some flowers, like tulips or lilies, have these unique tepals....
Chromatophores are specialized cells that contain internal pigments that reflect light. The functions of chromatophores include camouflage, communication and protection against ultraviolet radiation. There are different types of chromatophores, including melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores, iridophores...
The nucleoid is a characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells, houses the organism's genetic material and plays pivotal roles in genetic storage, DNA replication, transcription, and gene regulation. It is formed through the condensation and functional organization of a single chromosomal DNA molecule.
In...
We all admire the vibrant flowers and the delicate leaves of a plant, but have you ever stopped to consider the vital role played by the stem? Often overlooked, the stem is much more than just a simple support structure. This seemingly ordinary part holds the key to a plant's survival and growth.
This...
Within the microscopic world of cells, a specialized compartment called the vacuole plays a vital role in the survival and reproduction of the cell. This membrane-bound sac acts as a storage unit, waste disposal center, and even a regulator of water balance within the cell.
In this article by thedailYECO,...
Ferns are the living fossils of our planet, some of the first inhabitants of the Earth's green world. Often grouped with other non-flowering vascular plants like horsetails and club mosses, these ancient giants once ruled the plant kingdom millions of years ago. Their reign even contributed to the vast...
Cilia and flagella are specialized structures located on the surface of single-celled eukaryotic cells, as well as organisms such as bacteria and archaea. While they have differences in terms of structure and function, they are often confused with each other due to their similarities. In terms of structure,...
Plants may seem simple at first glance, but each part plays a crucial role in their survival and success. We can easily identify a tree's trunk or a flower's bloom, but delving deeper reveals a fascinating world of specialized structures. From the anchoring power of roots to the intricate dance of flowers...
Unlike animal cells, plant cells wear a sturdy exoskeleton - the cell wall! This essential structure is more than just a protective shell. It provides crucial support, safeguards the cell's interior, and even plays a role in regulating growth and nutrient exchange. Made primarily of cellulose, a complex...
For any gardening enthusiast, the word "bulb" is practically a household term. These fascinating underground structures play a vital role in countless plants, gracing our gardens with vibrant blooms and enriching our kitchens with delicious vegetables. From the lily to the onion, bulbs come in a surprising...
A protozoan is a single-celled organism than belongs to the kingdom Protista, although this is a somewhat archaic terminology. This is because protozoa are no longer considered animals, but are types of eukaryotic organisms. Despite this, they have behaviors which make it understandable why they were once...
Indicator species act like silent alarms, their presence or absence alerting scientists to potential air, water, and soil pollution. Their presence, absence, or abundance can reveal the environmental conditions of a particular habitat. They are essentially like a canary in a coal mine for the environment.
This...
We continue our series at thedailyECO which describes cellular components by asking what does the rough endoplasmic reticulum do? The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is an essential cellular organelle that plays a critical role in protein synthesis and molecule processing in eukaryotic cells. Its...
The centrosome is an essential organelle in animal cells which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. While research has revealed to us its importance, the study of its function and structure is an ongoing process in the field of cellular biology. Centrosomes are composed of two centrioles,...
Nature is full of remarkable adaptations, and thermoregulation is no exception. This section will explore three fascinating ecogeographical principles: Bergmann's rule, Allen's rule, and Gloger's rule. These principles reveal intriguing patterns in how body size, appendages, and pigmentation influence...
Many of us think of dinosaurs when we think of fossils, these terrifying animals often most capturing the imagination. However, all types of life have been fossilized. These are no less important in terms of the evolutionary development of our planet. Plant fossils are the preserved remains of prehistoric...
Spores are small yet vital reproductive units created by a variety of organisms. Unlike seeds, which contain intricate structures like embryos and food reserves, spores are simpler in composition. Nevertheless, these tiny cells play a crucial role in the survival and spread of their parent organisms. By...
The endomembranous system is a set of membranes and structures in eukaryotic cells that collaborate in the modification, packaging and transport of lipids and proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is a network of tubular and membranous structures which are connected to each other. Their function...
Flowers are the vibrant crowns of the plant kingdom, captivating us with their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. However, they serve a vital purpose that goes beyond aesthetics: reproduction. These magnificent exhibitions are nature's intricate factories, producing seeds for the following generation....
Tree sap is a substance produced by plants which has different functions for the survival of the plant. Although we often associate it with trees, all vascular plants contain sap in some form. It is vital for the growth and development of a plant, but also for its continued functioning. Sap is composed...
Some parts of a flower are easier to identify than others, with the stalk and petals being two of the most obvious. Although they are related and sound similar, the sepals are less well known than petals, but they are important structures in angiosperm plants. Angiosperms are also known as flowering plants...
Flowers dazzle us with their vibrant colors and sweet scents, but behind this beauty lies a complex reproductive system. At the heart of this system are carpels, the often-overlooked female reproductive organs of flowering plants. These modified leaves play a critical role in ensuring plant survival and...
Animals are classified by many different criteria, but the type of food they eat is one of the most significant. Piscivores are animals which feed primarily on fish, deriving their necessary nutrients mainly from this source. While being piscivorous is a commonality in these animals, they are an incredibly...
Trichomes are epidermal appendages in plant organisms. Their function is to protect the plant organism against external factors and to carry out various metabolic processes. The types of trichomes in plants can be classified according to different factors, including the presence of glands, the number...
Tiny but mighty, tardigrades are microscopic creatures that are virtually indestructible. Also known as water bears, tardigrades can withstand extremes that would kill most other living things. These include boiling temperatures, freezing cold, even the vacuum of space. But what makes these creatures so...
Imagine a cell that possesses the amazing capacity to change into any component of the body, healing injuries and fending off disease. This incredible potential is embodied by stem cells, which act as nature's architects. They can be divided in three main types, and each type serves a different purpose...
Thallophytes are a type of plant organism which some may not immediately recognize as plants. Plants are categorized using various criteria, with one important factor being cellular organization. Cell can be arranged in various ways to carry out the basic processes of nutrition, respiration and reproduction....