| biology | <study> The scientific study of living organisms. (09 Oct 1997) |
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| bioluminescence | <biochemistry> Light produced by a living organism. The best known system is firefly luciferase (an ATPase), which is used routinely as a sensitive ATP assay system. Many other organisms, particularly deep sea organisms, produce light and even leucocytes emit a small amount of light when their oxidative metabolism is stimulated. does not really differ from chemiluminescence, except that the light emitting molecule occurs naturally and is not a synthetic compound like luminol or lucigenin. (21 Mar 1998) |
| biolysis | <biology> The decay or decomposition of organic matter into simpler chemicals by organisms. (21 Mar 1998) |
| biolytic | <biology> Relating to the destruction of life. Origin: Gr. Life + to destroy. (21 Mar 1998) |