a Related Biological Terms

A drug whose physical structure is related to that of another drug. Although they have similar physical properties, analogs can have very different chemical and biological properties.

Analogous structures are features of different species that are similar in function but not necessarily in structure and which do not derive from a common ancestral feature (compare to homologous structures) and which evolved in response to a similar environmental challenge.

resemblance in characteristics (e.g., body form, behavior) as a consequence of independent adaptation to the same or similar environmental conditions and not due to common ancestry.

A systematic approach to problem solving. Complex problems are made simpler by separating them into more understandable elements (data).

(ANOVA)a basic statistical technique for analyzing experimental data. It subdivides the total variation of a data set into meaningful component parts associated with specific sources of variation in order to test a hypothesis on the parameters of the model or to estimate variance components. ANOVA is used to test whether the means of many samples differ but it does so using variation instead of mean. It compares the amount of variation within the samples to the amount of variation between the means of samples. If the 'between variation' is significantly larger than the 'within variation', we conclude that the mean of our response has changed.

Individual who performs the analysis. Also called a technician.

The branch of chemistry involved with the measurement of molecules without any particular regard to what the molecule is.

The stage of meiosis and mitosis in which sister chromatids (meiosisII) or homologous chromosomes (mitosis and meiosisI) are separated by spindle fibers. An intermediate stage of nuclear division during which chromosomes or chromatids are pulled to the poles of the spindle.

anaphase of meiosis I; homologs separate.

anaphase of meiosis II, when chromatids separate.