biology-dictionary_11-06-2009

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Organelle
One of several formed bodies with a specialized function, suspended in the cytoplasm and
found in eukaryotic cells.
Organic
(1) organisms or living things generally
(2) compounds formed by living organisms
3) the chemistry of compounds containing carbon.
Organ system
A group of related organs is an organ system
Organic chemistry
The study of carbon compounds (organic compounds).
Organic compound
A chemical comound containing the element carbon and usually synthesized by cells.
Organism
An individual living thing, such as a bacterium, fungus, protist, plant or animal.
Organogenesis
An early period of rapid embryonic development in which the organs take form from the
primary germ layers.
Orgasm
Rhythmic, involuntary contractions of certain reproductive structures in both sexes during
the human sexual response cycle.
Origin of replication
A specific sequence of bases in a nucleic acid molecule to which the enzymes responsible for
replicating the nucleic acid bind to initiate the copying process.
Orthotropous
Completely straight with the micropyle at the apex.
Osculum
The mouth like opening in a sponge, used to expel water.
Osmoconformer
An animal that does not actively adjust its internal osmolarity because it is isotonic with its
environment.

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