Biology Dictionary

  • Inhibiting factor

    Inhibiting factor

    A substance that decreases the secretion of another substance, such as a hormone.

  • Inhibitor

    Inhibitor

    A substance that slows down or stops a chemical reaction or biological process.

  • Inia geofrensis

    Inia geofrensis

    The scientific name for the Amazon river dolphin, also known as the boto.

  • Initiation codon

    Initiation codon

    The first codon of a messenger RNA transcript that is translated by a ribosome, typically AUG.

  • Innate behavior

    Innate behavior

    Behavior that is genetically hardwired and does not require learning or experience.

  • Inoculate

    Inoculate

    To introduce microorganisms or vaccines into a medium or organism to produce immunity or growth.

  • Inorganic chemistry

    Inorganic chemistry

    The branch of chemistry dealing with inorganic compounds, typically those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.

  • Incomplete metamorphosis

    Incomplete metamorphosis

    A type of insect development that lacks a pupal stage; juveniles resemble miniature adults.

  • Incomplete protein

    Incomplete protein

    A protein that lacks one or more essential amino acids required by the human body.

  • Incubate

    Incubate

    To keep eggs, cells, or organisms at an optimal temperature for development.