kentrogon
(Gr. kentron, a
point, spine, + gonos, progeny,
generation). A larva of the cirripede order
Rhizocephala (subphylum Crustacea) that
functions to inject the parasite cells into
the host hemocoel.
keratin
(Gr. kera, horn, + in,
suffix of proteins). A scleroprotein found in
epidermal tissues and modified into hard
structures such as horns, hair, and nails.
keystone species
A species (typically a
predator) whose removal leads to reduced
species diversity within the community.
kinesis
(Gr. kinesis, movement).
Movements by an organism in random
directions in response to stimulus.
kinetochore
(Gr. kinein, to
move, + choris, asunder, apart). A disc of
proteins located on the centromere,
specialized to interact with the spindle
fibers during mitosis.
kinetodesma
pl. kinetodesmata (Gr. kinein, to move, + desma, bond). Fibril arising from the
kinetosome of a cilium in a ciliate
protozoan, and passing along the
kinetosomes of cilia in that same row.
kinetosome
(Gr. kinetos,
moving, + soma, body). The selfduplicating
granule at the base of the
flagellum or cilium; similar to centriole,
also called basal body or blepharoplast.
kinety
(Gr. kinein, to move). All the
kinetosomes and kinetodesmata of a row of
cilia.
kinin
(Gr. kinein, to move, + in, suffix
of hormones). A type of local hormone that
is released near its site of origin; also called
parahormone or tissue hormone.
K-selection
(from the K term in the logistic
equation). Natural selection under
conditions that favor survival when
populations are controlled primarily by
density-dependent factors.
Kupffer cells
Phagocytic cells in the liver, part
of the reticuloendothelial system.
kwashiorkor
(from Ghana).
Malnutrition caused by diet high in
carbohydrate and extremely low in protein.
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