Biology

Ever admired a rose up close and then compared it to a tulip? Unlike most flowers, the colorful parts of a tulip aren't classic petals, but rather structures called tepals. While petals are the usual colorful attractors for pollinators, some flowers, like tulips or lilies, have these unique tepals....

Chromatophores are specialized cells that contain internal pigments that reflect light. The functions of chromatophores include camouflage, communication and protection against ultraviolet radiation. There are different types of chromatophores, including melanophores, erythrophores, xanthophores, iridophores...

The nucleoid is a characteristic feature of prokaryotic cells, houses the organism's genetic material and plays pivotal roles in genetic storage, DNA replication, transcription, and gene regulation. It is formed through the condensation and functional organization of a single chromosomal DNA molecule. In...

We all admire the vibrant flowers and the delicate leaves of a plant, but have you ever stopped to consider the vital role played by the stem? Often overlooked, the stem is much more than just a simple support structure. This seemingly ordinary part holds the key to a plant's survival and growth. This...

Within the microscopic world of cells, a specialized compartment called the vacuole plays a vital role in the survival and reproduction of the cell. This membrane-bound sac acts as a storage unit, waste disposal center, and even a regulator of water balance within the cell. In this article by thedailYECO,...

Ferns are the living fossils of our planet, some of the first inhabitants of the Earth's green world. Often grouped with other non-flowering vascular plants like horsetails and club mosses, these ancient giants once ruled the plant kingdom millions of years ago. Their reign even contributed to the vast...

Cilia and flagella are specialized structures located on the surface of single-celled eukaryotic cells, as well as organisms such as bacteria and archaea. While they have differences in terms of structure and function, they are often confused with each other due to their similarities. In terms of structure,...

Plants may seem simple at first glance, but each part plays a crucial role in their survival and success. We can easily identify a tree's trunk or a flower's bloom, but delving deeper reveals a fascinating world of specialized structures. From the anchoring power of roots to the intricate dance of flowers...

Unlike animal cells, plant cells wear a sturdy exoskeleton - the cell wall! This essential structure is more than just a protective shell. It provides crucial support, safeguards the cell's interior, and even plays a role in regulating growth and nutrient exchange. Made primarily of cellulose, a complex...

For any gardening enthusiast, the word "bulb" is practically a household term. These fascinating underground structures play a vital role in countless plants, gracing our gardens with vibrant blooms and enriching our kitchens with delicious vegetables. From the lily to the onion, bulbs come in a surprising...

A protozoan is a single-celled organism than belongs to the kingdom Protista, although this is a somewhat archaic terminology. This is because protozoa are no longer considered animals, but are types of eukaryotic organisms. Despite this, they have behaviors which make it understandable why they were once...

Indicator species act like silent alarms, their presence or absence alerting scientists to potential air, water, and soil pollution. Their presence, absence, or abundance can reveal the environmental conditions of a particular habitat. They are essentially like a canary in a coal mine for the environment. This...

We continue our series at thedailyECO which describes cellular components by asking what does the rough endoplasmic reticulum do? The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is an essential cellular organelle that plays a critical role in protein synthesis and molecule processing in eukaryotic cells. Its...

The centrosome is an essential organelle in animal cells which plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. While research has revealed to us its importance, the study of its function and structure is an ongoing process in the field of cellular biology. Centrosomes are composed of two centrioles,...

Nature is full of remarkable adaptations, and thermoregulation is no exception. This section will explore three fascinating ecogeographical principles: Bergmann's rule, Allen's rule, and Gloger's rule. These principles reveal intriguing patterns in how body size, appendages, and pigmentation influence...

Many of us think of dinosaurs when we think of fossils, these terrifying animals often most capturing the imagination. However, all types of life have been fossilized. These are no less important in terms of the evolutionary development of our planet. Plant fossils are the preserved remains of prehistoric...

Spores are small yet vital reproductive units created by a variety of organisms. Unlike seeds, which contain intricate structures like embryos and food reserves, spores are simpler in composition. Nevertheless, these tiny cells play a crucial role in the survival and spread of their parent organisms. By...

The endomembranous system is a set of membranes and structures in eukaryotic cells that collaborate in the modification, packaging and transport of lipids and proteins. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) is a network of tubular and membranous structures which are connected to each other. Their function...

Flowers are the vibrant crowns of the plant kingdom, captivating us with their diverse shapes, sizes, and colors. However, they serve a vital purpose that goes beyond aesthetics: reproduction. These magnificent exhibitions are nature's intricate factories, producing seeds for the following generation....

Tree sap is a substance produced by plants which has different functions for the survival of the plant. Although we often associate it with trees, all vascular plants contain sap in some form. It is vital for the growth and development of a plant, but also for its continued functioning. Sap is composed...

Some parts of a flower are easier to identify than others, with the stalk and petals being two of the most obvious. Although they are related and sound similar, the sepals are less well known than petals, but they are important structures in angiosperm plants. Angiosperms are also known as flowering plants...

Flowers dazzle us with their vibrant colors and sweet scents, but behind this beauty lies a complex reproductive system. At the heart of this system are carpels, the often-overlooked female reproductive organs of flowering plants. These modified leaves play a critical role in ensuring plant survival and...

Animals are classified by many different criteria, but the type of food they eat is one of the most significant. Piscivores are animals which feed primarily on fish, deriving their necessary nutrients mainly from this source. While being piscivorous is a commonality in these animals, they are an incredibly...

Trichomes are epidermal appendages in plant organisms. Their function is to protect the plant organism against external factors and to carry out various metabolic processes. The types of trichomes in plants can be classified according to different factors, including the presence of glands, the number...

Tiny but mighty, tardigrades are microscopic creatures that are virtually indestructible. Also known as water bears, tardigrades can withstand extremes that would kill most other living things. These include boiling temperatures, freezing cold, even the vacuum of space. But what makes these creatures so...

Imagine a cell that possesses the amazing capacity to change into any component of the body, healing injuries and fending off disease. This incredible potential is embodied by stem cells, which act as nature's architects. They can be divided in three main types, and each type serves a different purpose...

Thallophytes are a type of plant organism which some may not immediately recognize as plants. Plants are categorized using various criteria, with one important factor being cellular organization. Cell can be arranged in various ways to carry out the basic processes of nutrition, respiration and reproduction....

Although not well known outside of botanists, monoecious plants are very common across the globe. In fact, they are one of the most numerous types of plants in the world. The reason it is little known is because their categorization is due to their reproductive processes. There are various types of reproduction...

Pyrophytic plants are those species of plants that resist and resist the effects of fire. While fires can be devastating, they are also an integral part of certain ecosystems. They are important for nutrient cycling, improving biodiversity and other factors. They are also not new and have been occurring since...

Allelopathy is a complex phenomenon in the natural world where plants release specialized chemicals, known as allelochemicals, that impact the growth, development, and survival of other organisms in their environment. These interactions can be positive, negative, or neutral, influencing various aspects...

Also known as the cell membrane, the plasma membrane is a structural component of all cells. Its main purpose is to act as a barrier, separating the interior cellular components from the extracellular space. It also has many other functions, such as maintaining the electrochemical gradient and transportation...

Of the many different types of poisonous frogs, some are deadly. Their poison is so strong that it is often used by indigenous communities as a dart poison to kill much larger animals. These frogs did not create their poison to help these communities hunt, but they did so for self-preservation. This is...

In biology, the female reproductive organs of plants are collectively known as the gynoecium. It is one of the most important parts of a flower since it is essential for reproduction of the plant to continue its species. At thedailyECO, we explain in detail what are the gynoecium parts of a flower? We provide...

Prokaryotic cells are cells of living organism which lack a true nucleus. They are often discussed on comparison to eukaryotic cells which do have a true nucleus. This lack of a nucleus is very important for the functioning of the organism. Each organism has specific needs and carries out particular responses...

Basidiomycetes, commonly known as basidiomycota, are a diverse and fascinating group of fungi that encompass a wide range of familiar and well-known species. In fact, basidiomycetes represent the largest and most diverse division of fungi, accounting for approximately 30% of all known fungal species. Their ecological...

The cytoskeleton is a network of filaments that is part of the cytoplasm. Its characteristics are flexibility, firmness and a three-dimensional shape. Its function is the support, motility and regulation of biochemical processes in the cell. The structure is divided into microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate...

Cytoplasm is a vital component of cells, but it is important to know it is not an organelle. Its function is important to organelles as it holds these cellular structures in place within the cell. Cytoplasm is composed of complex network of proteins known as the cytoskeleton and cytosol, the latter being...

Eukaryotic cells are the fundamental building blocks of life, forming the structural and functional basis of plants, animals, fungi, and protists. These cells are distinguished by their complex internal organization, featuring a true nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, and a cytoskeleton. In contrast to simpler...

In the realm of biology, reproduction is a fundamental process that ensures the continuity of life. While sexual reproduction, involving the fusion of male and female gametes, is the predominant mode, plants exhibit a remarkable diversity in their reproductive strategies. Among these, apomixis stands...

The cell nucleus is a cellular organelle of eukaryotes. These are the subcellular structures which allow the cell to carry out its functions. The nucleus is the largest organelle of eukaryotic cells, a type of cell found in all animals and plants. The parts of the cell nucleus include the nuclear envelope,...

The different types of coral species can be grouped into the two main categories of stony and soft corals. Unlike some other cnidarian species, corals only have a polyp stage. This means they remain sessile and attached to another surface. Since they are also typically colonial organisms, groups of these...

The difference between haploid and diploid cells concerns the chromosomes found within the nucleus of cells. Nuclei of eukaryotic cells contain the genetic information that results in how an organism is formed and functions. This information is packed very compactly into structures known as chromosomes....

The journey of life originates in our genes. They hold the key to an individual's physical characteristics, behaviors, and biochemistry. Among these genetic aspects, we find the genotype and the phenotype. Though closely intertwined, they are unique in their roles and characteristics. In this article...

Seeds are remarkable and fundamental components of the plant kingdom. They serve as the means through which plants reproduce and spread their genetic material. Seeds come in a stunning array of shapes, sizes, and adaptations. Different plants have evolved seeds that are uniquely suited to their specific...

The most venomous fish in the world are mostly from marine environments, although we cannot forget freshwater venomous fish such as catfish. The most deadly are certainly those found in saltwater environments. Many of us may associate venom with terrestrial animals such as snakes or spiders. In actuality,...

Explore the fascinating world of microalgae, a diverse and intricate realm teeming with tiny yet extraordinary organisms. Despite their diminutive size, these microorganisms hold immense significance in shaping our planet's ecosystems and supporting life as we know it. From environmental sustainability to...

Soft corals are a mesmerizing and diverse group of marine organisms that captivate the imagination with their unique beauty and intriguing characteristics. Unlike their stony counterparts, these corals do not build rigid calcium carbonate skeletons, leading to their name "soft corals." Instead, they showcase an array...

Birds, fascinating creatures that grace the skies and inhabit various corners of the world, captivate us with their diversity, behaviors, and unique adaptations. As denizens of the air, land, and water, birds have evolved to thrive in diverse environments, leading to a rich array of classifications based...

Microorganisms are microscopic living beings imperceptible to the eye that are found everywhere. We can find them in the soil, at the bottom of the ocean and even in the human intestine. We often associate microbes with harmful organisms such as pathogens. These are microorganisms which cause disease...

Mitochondria are one of the most important organelles of most eukaryotic cells. Within each mitochondrion, important processes are carried out in which different proteins, molecules, channels and membranes are involved. The functions of mitochondria are so advanced, it has been postulated that these organelles...