Biology Dictionary

  • Exon (extron)

    Exon (extron)

    A segment of a gene that codes for proteins, which is expressed in the final mRNA after splicing.

  • Exon-shuffling hypothesis

    Exon-shuffling hypothesis

    The hypothesis that exons from different genes can be recombined to create new proteins, contributing to genetic diversity.

  • Exonuclease

    Exonuclease

    An enzyme that removes nucleotides from the ends of a polynucleotide chain, often used in DNA repair processes.

  • Exoskeleton

    Exoskeleton

    A hard external structure that provides support and protection to certain organisms, such as arthropods and some mollusks.

  • Exothermic (adj)

    Exothermic (adj)

    Describing a process or reaction that releases energy, typically in the form of heat.

  • Exotic

    Exotic

    Describing species, plants, animals, or phenomena that are unusual, foreign, or introduced from other regions or countries.

  • Euramerica (sometimes called ‘the old red continent’)

    Euramerica (sometimes called ‘the old red continent’)

    A term used to refer to a large landmass during the Paleozoic era, formed by the joining of several ancient continents.

  • Eurybathic

    Eurybathic

    Able to live in a wide range of water depths, typically referring to species that can thrive in both shallow and deep water.

  • Euryhaline

    Euryhaline

    Describing organisms that can tolerate a wide range of salinities, found in estuaries and brackish water.

  • Euryphagous

    Euryphagous

    Able to consume a wide variety of food sources, not restricted to a specific type of diet.