Biology Dictionary

  • Distillation

    Distillation

    A method of separating components of a mixture based on differences in their boiling points, often used to purify liquids.

  • Disulfide

    Disulfide

    A chemical bond formed between two sulfur atoms, commonly found in proteins, stabilizing their structure.

  • Disulfide bond or disulfide bridge

    Disulfide bond or disulfide bridge

    A covalent bond between the sulfur atoms of two cysteine amino acids in a protein, important for maintaining protein structure.

  • Diterpene

    Diterpene

    A class of terpenes consisting of two terpene units, typically found in plants and contributing to the synthesis of essential oils and hormones.

  • Diurnal

    Diurnal

    Referring to organisms or processes that are active during the day and inactive during the night.

  • Dilation

    Dilation

    The process of enlarging or expanding, such as the widening of blood vessels or the pupil of the eye.

  • Dimensional analysis

    Dimensional analysis

    A method used to check the consistency of equations by analyzing the units of measurement in physical quantities.

  • Dimer

    Dimer

    A molecule or compound formed by the combination of two smaller molecules, known as monomers, through a chemical bond.

  • Dimerism

    Dimerism

    The existence of two distinct forms or isomers of a molecule, particularly in the context of biological molecules or organisms.

  • Dimethyl sulfate (dms)

    Dimethyl sulfate (dms)

    A chemical compound often used in laboratories for methylation reactions, but also recognized for its toxicity.