Biology Dictionary

  • Catabolite activator protein

    Catabolite activator protein

    A protein that binds to DNA and enhances the expression of genes involved in the breakdown of specific nutrients.

  • Catabolite repression

    Catabolite repression

    The process by which the presence of certain carbon sources represses the expression of genes involved in the utilization of…

  • Catadromous

    Catadromous

    Describing fish species that live in freshwater but migrate to the sea to spawn, such as eels.

  • Catalysis

    Catalysis

    The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a substance known as a catalyst, which is not consumed in the reaction.

  • Catalyst

    Catalyst

    A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the activation energy required, without being consumed in…

  • Carbon-14 (¹⁴C, also radiocarbon)

    Carbon-14 (¹⁴C, also radiocarbon)

    A radioactive isotope of carbon used in radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient biological materials.

  • Carbonic anhydrase

    Carbonic anhydrase

    An enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of carbon dioxide and water to carbonic acid, playing a key role in…

  • Carboniferous period

    Carboniferous period

    A geologic period from about 359 to 299 million years ago, known for the extensive formation of coal beds and…

  • Carbonyl

    Carbonyl

    A functional group consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, found in compounds like aldehydes and ketones.

  • Carbonyl group (C=O)

    Carbonyl group (C=O)

    A functional group with a carbon-oxygen double bond, found in aldehydes, ketones, and other organic compounds.