Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
branches of biology including population genetics. In this theory,
evolution occurs through the selection of mutations of genes, an
idea which did not exist in Darwin's theory as he knew nothing of
genetics. However, this synthetic theory encompasses more than
what is known as neo-Darwinism, which developed through the
merger, initiated by August Weismann, of Darwinism with the work
of the first geneticists at the end of the 19th century.
Ex vivo
: Experimentation on a living system out of its normal
context, e.g. cells isolated from the organism and cultured inde-
pendently (see
Cell culture
).
Final cause:
See
Aristotelism
,
Essentialism
.
Finality:
See
Aristotelism
,
Essentialism
.
Fluctuation in molecular concentration:
See
Molecular interaction
.
Form:
See
Aristotelism
,
Essentialism
.
Formal cause
: See
Aristotelism
,
Essentialism
.
Gene
: Determinant of the hereditary phenotypic characteristic
carried on the chromosomes. Initially geneticists considered the
genes subject to absolute determinism. Nowadays, it is more often
accepted that they are influenced by environmental factors
(see
Phenotype
).
Genome
: The total genetic material (DNA) of a cell.
Genotype
: All the genes carried on the chromosomes (see
Gene
).
Growth factors
: Small proteins initially described for their ability to
activate cell proliferation. They exert pleiotropic effects on several cel-
lular processes (differentiation, survival, apoptosis) in different lines.
