small RNA molecules (approximately 21 nucleotides in length) that bind to RNA molecules to degrade them

variation between individuals in the sequence and number of microsatellite DNA repeats

an instrument that magnifies an object

tissue that gives rise to the microspores or the pollen grain

male spore

central axis of a male cone on which bracts (a type of modified leaf) are attached

the cytoskeleton system's widest element; it helps the cell resist compression, provides a track along which vesicles move through the cell, pulls replicated chromosomes to opposite ends of a dividing cell, and is the structural element of centrioles, flagella, and cilia

cellular processes that increase the surface area of cells

part of the hearing apparatus that functions to transfer energy from the tympanum to the oval window of the inner ear

plane cutting through an animal separating the individual into even right and left sides

long-range seasonal movement of animal species

cyclic changes in the Earth's orbit that may affect climate

inorganic, elemental molecule that carries out important roles in the body

type of soil that is formed from the weathering of rocks and inorganic material; composed primarily of sand, silt, and clay

type of repair mechanism in which mismatched bases are removed after replication