G
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Goddess of the Earth: this is the name given to an hypothesis by James Lovelock and Lynn Margulis that the planet Earth can be considered as a self-regulating system. They propose that living organisms help to maintain the conditions on the planet - for example the makeup of the atmosphere and oceans - in a state that is suitable for life.
A part of a DNA molecule that contains information specifying a protein. Altogether, the human genome is thought to contain about 100,000 genes. The information in each gene is coded by the sequence of base pairs along its length. Special sequences punctuate the beginning and end of each gene, and there are regulatory sequences which control the expression of the gene.
A structure in the body that produces a secretion. There are many different types of glands, but they can be classified into two main groups: exocrine and endocrine. Exocrine glands have ducts along which the secretions pass to be released onto an external or internal surface, while endocrine glands have no ducts and release their secretion (now called a hormone) into the blood.
These are supporting cells for the nervous system. Within the central nervous system there are astroglia, oligodendrocytes, neuroglia, and ependymal cells, while other glia - the schwann cells - provide support to peripheral nerves by myelinating and supporting the axons of neurons.
Carbohydrate molecules attached to the outer cell membrane.
This is a general term for the organs which produce gametes, either ovary or testis.