Chromatin Definition Chromatin refers to a complex formed by DNA, histones and other proteins, which makes it possible for the eukaryotic cell to condense and store all its DNA inside the nucleus. Chromatin forms chromosomes. Chromatin and Chromosomes For its cycle (growth, metabolism, differentiation, division and death), eukaryotic cell needs a lot of information, all […]

Chromosome definition Chromosome consists of a large, linear DNA molecule that is associated with proteins responsible for its packaging, forming chromatin (this structure is similar in eukaryotes, including fungi, plants and animals). The main function of chromosome is transportation of genes from parental cell to daughter cells. Chromosome constitution Due to its large size, the […]

Cytology derives from the Greek kytos (cell) and logos (study), concerns the study of the cell and aims the evaluation of their structure, function and generation as a single entity. The term “cell” was described for the first time in 1665 by the English scientist Robert Hooke. Cytology study areas Depending on the context and purpose of use, […]

Cytopathology (also known by cytology) is the branch of Pathology (medical specialty) that study the morphology of single cells with the aim of detecting morphological anomalies that aid in the diagnosis of diseases. Rudolf Virchow, a German physician, was responsible for the foundation of this discipline in 1858.   Exams ind Cytopathology The exams are […]

Concept To prevent that DNA damage and errors remain in the cell, having serious consequences or being passed on to offspring, the cell has several mechanisms that correct errors and maintain genome integrity, called DNA repair mechanisms. Both eukaryotes and prokaryotes have these mechanisms. The importance of DNA repair DNA is the basis of the […]

Endosome definition Endosome refers to the vesicular compartment/organelle present in animal cells, involved in transport of material ingested by the cell by endocytosis to the lysosomes. Endocytosis Every single cell need to ingest material from the extracellular medium, either for their regulation and for their growth. In the case of prokaryotic cells, this process occurs […]

Gap junction definition Gap junction (also known as communicating junctions) refers to the type of cellular junction that allows passage of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. This exchange is done through formation of a protein channel in cell plasma membrane. Cellular communication and cell junctions Formation of functional tissues and […]

Genetic Code Definition Genetic Code refers to the correspondence system between a codon and an amino acid. This code is universal, i.e., it is used by (practically) all existing species, and it is redundant, which means that the same amino acid is encoded by different codons. From DNA to Protein Based on the Biology Central […]

Genetics definition Genetics derives from ancient Greek genesis meaning “origin” and refers to the science that studies genes, heredity and diversity in living organisms. It is the branch of Biology that focuses on study of transmission of biological characteristics from parents to children, that is, from generation to generation over time. The functional unit responsible for […]

GFP – Green Fluorescent Protein, is the first naturally fluorescent protein that has been identified. Its discovery has revolutionized the life sciences.