A virus that invades bacteria and sometimes uses bacterial RNA and ribosomes to self replicate.
Base peak
The most intense peak in a mass spectrum.
Beta carbon
A carbon two carbons away from the functional group under consideration.
Bile
A solution of salts, pigments, and cholesterol produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder; it emulsifies large fat droplets when secreted into the small intestine via the bile duct.
Binary fission
A type of asexual reproduction characteristic of prokaryotes in which there is equal nuclear and cytoplasmic division (budding).
Blastocoel
The fluid filled central cavity of the blastula.
Blastopore
Opening of the archenteron to the external environment in the gastrula stage of embryonic development.
Blastula
The early embryonic stage during which the embryo is a hollow fluid filled sphere of undifferentiated cells.
Boat conformation
Transition state conformation of cyclohexane, in which all hydrogens are eclipsed and the \'flagpole\' hydrogen repel each other because of their proximity. The boat conformation is less stable than the chair conformation because of steric hinderance.
Boiling point
Temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid is equal to atmospheric pressure, and the liquid and gas phases are in equilibrium.
Bowman\'s Capsule
The cuplike structure of the nephron; it collects the glomerular filtrate and channels it into the proximal convoluted tubule.
