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BIOLOGY-EUKARYOTIC CELLS WORD LIST

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  1. organelle
    a specialized part of a cell; analogous to an organ
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  2. mitochondrion
    part of a cell involved in energy production
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  3. prokaryotic
    having cells that lack membrane-bound nuclei
    "In contrast, prokaryotic cells [like the ones in the study] do not have organelles and are less sensitive to the sedimentation effect," he said in an email.
  4. ultracentrifuge
    a high speed centrifuge used to determine the relative molecular masses of large molecules in high polymers and proteins
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  5. eukaryotic
    having cells with `good' or membrane-bound nuclei
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  6. Escherichia coli
    a species of bacterium normally present in intestinal tract of humans and other animals
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  7. escherichia
    a genus of enteric bacteria
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  8. cell nucleus
    a part of the cell containing DNA and RNA and responsible for growth and reproduction
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  9. microbe
    a minute life form, especially one that causes disease
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  10. earth science
    any of the sciences that deal with the earth or its parts
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  11. hitchhike
    travel by getting free rides from motorists
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  12. gravitational force
    the force of attraction between all masses in the universe
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  13. sedimentation
    the accumulation of matter deposited by some natural process
    "In contrast, prokaryotic cells [like the ones in the study] do not have organelles and are less sensitive to the sedimentation effect," he said in an email.
  14. multicellular
    consisting of many basic structural and functional units
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  15. shock wave
    a region of high pressure travelling through a gas at a high velocity
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  16. supernova
    a star that explodes and becomes luminous in the process
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  17. bacterial
    relating to single-celled microorganisms
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  18. E. coli
    a species of bacterium normally present in intestinal tract of humans and other animals
    Two of the species—E. coli and Paracoccus denitrificans, a common soil bacteria—grew under the strain of 403,627 g.
  19. biologically
    with respect to biology
    Bacteria are also more biologically suited to extreme gravity conditions, Deguchi said.
  20. bacteria
    single-celled organisms that can cause disease
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  21. National Academy of Sciences
    an honorary American society of scientists created by President Lincoln during the American Civil War
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  22. Earth
    the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  23. gravity
    the force of attraction between all masses in the universe
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  24. replicate
    reproduce or make an exact copy of
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  25. cosmic
    pertaining to or characteristic of the universe
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  26. eject
    put out or expel from a place
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  27. gravitational
    of or relating to or caused by gravitation
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  28. specialize
    become more focused on an area of activity or field of study
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  29. pellet
    a small sphere
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  30. jumbled
    in utter disorder
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  31. humans
    all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  32. alien
    from another place or part of the world
    Even More Alien Microbes Out There?
  33. cell
    the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  34. closeness
    the spatial property resulting from a relatively small distance
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  35. resistant
    disposed to or engaged in defiance of established authority
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  36. biologist
    a scientist who studies living organisms
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  37. mush
    any soft or soggy mass
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  38. sediment
    matter that has been deposited by some natural process
    When organelles are subjected to hypergravity, they tend to compact, or "sediment," Deguchi said.
  39. asteroid
    a small celestial body composed of rock and metal
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  40. Earth's surface
    the outermost level of the land or sea
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  41. et al
    and others
    Diagram courtesy Shigeru Deguchi et al
    Deguchi added.
  42. scientist
    a person with advanced knowledge of empirical fields
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  43. jumble
    assemble without order or sense
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  44. evolve
    undergo development
    (Related: "All Species Evolved From Single Cell, Study Finds.")
  45. accelerate
    move faster
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  46. withstand
    resist or confront with resistance
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  47. organism
    a living thing that can act or function independently
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  48. definitive
    clearly formulated
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  49. solar system
    the sun with the celestial bodies that revolve around it
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  50. survive
    continue in existence after
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  51. gut
    the part of the alimentary canal between the stomach and the anus
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  52. deter
    turn away from as by fear or persuasion
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  53. accelerated
    speeded up, as of an academic course
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  54. hitch
    hook or entangle
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  55. DNA
    material that carries genetic information in a cell
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  56. component
    one of the individual parts making up a larger entity
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  57. specialized
    developed or designed for a particular activity or function
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  58. unclear
    poorly stated or described
    Still, the study results suggests some bacterial species withstand hypergravity better than others, and the reasons for this are unclear.
  59. lab
    a workplace for the conduct of scientific research
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  60. nucleus
    a part of the cell responsible for growth and reproduction
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  61. diagram
    a drawing intended to explain how something works
    Diagram courtesy Shigeru Deguchi et al
    Deguchi added.
  62. tolerance
    willingness to respect the beliefs or practices of others
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  63. shut down
    cease to operate or cause to cease operating
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  64. basically
    in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  65. tolerate
    put up with something or somebody unpleasant
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  66. multiply
    combine by adding the same number repeatedly
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  67. comet
    a small frozen mass that travels around the sun
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  68. relate
    give an account of
    (Related: "Einstein's Gravity Confirmed on a Cosmic Scale.")
  69. clump
    a grouping of a number of similar things
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  70. calculate
    make a mathematical computation
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  71. study
    applying the mind to learning and understanding a subject
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  72. exploit
    use or manipulate to one's advantage
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  73. planet
    a celestial body that revolves around the sun
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  74. luckily
    by good fortune
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  75. findings
    a collection of tools and other articles used by an artisan to make jewelry or clothing or shoes
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  76. multiplied
    greatly increased as by multiplication
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  77. species
    taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  78. on earth
    used with question words to convey surprise
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  79. Marine
    a member of the United States Marine Corps
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  80. sensitive
    responsive to physical stimuli
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  81. spin
    revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  82. dwarf
    a person who is markedly small
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  83. normally
    under normal conditions
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  84. 400
    being one hundred more than three hundred
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  85. extreme
    of the greatest possible degree, extent, or intensity
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  86. expand
    extend in one or more directions
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  87. Jupiter
    supreme god of Romans; counterpart of Greek Zeus
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  88. collapse
    break down, literally or metaphorically
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  89. contrast
    the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  90. solar
    relating to the sun or utilizing the energies of the sun
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  91. confirm
    strengthen
    (Related: "Einstein's Gravity Confirmed on a Cosmic Scale.")
  92. compact
    closely and firmly united or packed together
    When organelles are subjected to hypergravity, they tend to compact, or "sediment," Deguchi said.
  93. consistent
    the same throughout in structure or composition
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  94. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  95. exposure
    the state of being exposed to harm
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  96. exist
    have a presence
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  97. tightly
    in a tight or constricted manner
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  98. descend
    move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  99. related
    connected logically or causally or by shared characteristics
    (Related: "Einstein's Gravity Confirmed on a Cosmic Scale.")
  100. increasingly
    advancing in amount or intensity
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  101. detailed
    developed with careful treatment of particulars
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  102. bulk
    the property possessed by a large mass
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  103. suited
    meant or adapted for an occasion or use
    Bacteria are also more biologically suited to extreme gravity conditions, Deguchi said.
  104. impact
    the striking of one body against another
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  105. conditions
    the context that influences the performance of a process
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  106. courtesy
    a considerate and respectful manner
    Diagram courtesy Shigeru Deguchi et al
    Deguchi added.
  107. turn to
    direct one's interest or attention towards; go into
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  108. soil
    material in the top layer of the surface of the earth
    Two of the species—E. coli and Paracoccus denitrificans, a common soil bacteria—grew under the strain of 403,627 g.
  109. equal to
    having the requisite qualities for
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  110. massive
    containing a great quantity of matter
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  111. tend
    have a disposition to do or be something; be inclined
    When organelles are subjected to hypergravity, they tend to compact, or "sediment," Deguchi said.
  112. factory
    a plant with facilities for manufacturing
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  113. star
    a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  114. academy
    a learned establishment for the advancement of knowledge
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  115. estimate
    judge tentatively
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  116. condition
    a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  117. make up
    form or compose
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  118. aboard
    on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  119. Japan
    a constitutional monarchy occupying the Japanese Archipelago
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  120. proceedings
    (law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  121. wave
    (physics) a movement up and down or back and forth
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  122. force
    influence that results in motion, stress, etc. when applied
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  123. masses
    the common people generally
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  124. say
    utter aloud
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  125. size
    the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  126. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  127. confirmed
    having been established or made firm or received the rite of confirmation
    (Related: "Einstein's Gravity Confirmed on a Cosmic Scale.")
  128. tough
    substantially made or constructed
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  129. human
    a person; a hominid with a large brain and articulate speech
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  130. unlike
    marked by dissimilarity
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  131. strain
    exert much effort or energy
    Two of the species—E. coli and Paracoccus denitrificans, a common soil bacteria—grew under the strain of 403,627 g.
  132. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    Still, the study results suggests some bacterial species withstand hypergravity better than others, and the reasons for this are unclear.
  133. normal
    being approximately average or within certain limits
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  134. detail
    a small part considered separately from the whole
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  135. 300
    being one hundred more than two hundred
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  136. science
    a branch of study or knowledge involving the observation, investigation, and discovery of general laws or truths that can be tested systematically
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  137. scale
    an ordered reference standard
    (Related: "Einstein's Gravity Confirmed on a Cosmic Scale.")
  138. technology
    the practical application of science to commerce or industry
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  139. intense
    possessing a distinctive feature to a heightened degree
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  140. shock
    an unpleasant or disappointing surprise
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  141. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
    Unlike the eukaryotic cells that make up our bodies, bacterial cells don't have specialized structures called organelles.
  142. space
    the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  143. previously
    at an earlier time or formerly
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  144. email
    (computer science) a system of world-wide electronic communication in which a computer user can compose a message at one terminal that can be regenerated at the recipient's terminal when the recipient logs in
    "In contrast, prokaryotic cells [like the ones in the study] do not have organelles and are less sensitive to the sedimentation effect," he said in an email.
  145. create
    bring into existence
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  146. agency
    the state of being in action or exerting power
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  147. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  148. proceed
    move ahead; travel onward in time or space
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  149. consciousness
    an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  150. for example
    as an example
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  151. key
    metal device that allows a lock's mechanism to be rotated
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  152. call
    utter a sudden loud cry
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  153. ability
    the quality of having the means or skills to do something
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  154. More
    English statesman who opposed Henry VIII's divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was imprisoned and beheaded; recalled for his concept of Utopia, the ideal state
    Even More Alien Microbes Out There?
  155. trip
    miss a step and fall or nearly fall
    (Also see "Alien Life Can Survive Trip to Earth, Space Test Shows.")
  156. rock
    material consisting of the aggregate of minerals
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  157. energy
    forceful exertion
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  158. proof
    any evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  159. brown
    of a color similar to that of wood or earth
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  160. machine
    a mechanical or electrical device that transmits energy
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  161. mass
    the property of a body that causes it to have weight
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  162. test
    standardized procedure for measuring sensitivity or aptitude
    (Also see "Alien Life Can Survive Trip to Earth, Space Test Shows.")
  163. body
    an individual 3-dimensional object that has mass
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  164. suit
    a set of garments for outerwear of the same fabric and color
    Bacteria are also more biologically suited to extreme gravity conditions, Deguchi said.
  165. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  166. range
    a variety of different things or activities
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  167. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  168. rapidly
    with quick movements
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  169. production
    the act or process of making something
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  170. ride
    sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  171. add
    join or combine or unite with others
    Diagram courtesy Shigeru Deguchi et al
    Deguchi added.
  172. times
    a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  173. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  174. thousand
    the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  175. common
    having no special distinction or quality
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  176. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  177. finding
    something that is discovered
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  178. shut
    move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut
    With their key components tightly jumbled up, the cells basically shut down.
  179. ten
    the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  180. grow
    increase in size by natural process
    Two of the species—E. coli and Paracoccus denitrificans, a common soil bacteria—grew under the strain of 403,627 g.
  181. increased
    made greater in size or amount or degree
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  182. larger
    large or big relative to something else
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  183. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  184. leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  185. surface
    the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  186. lose
    fail to keep or to maintain
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  187. animal
    a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  188. growth
    changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  189. able
    having the necessary means or skill to do something
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  190. life
    the organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  191. needed
    necessary for relief or supply
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  192. equal
    having the same quantity, value, or measure as another
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  193. forced
    forced or compelled
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  194. today
    on this day as distinct from yesterday or tomorrow
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  195. find
    discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  196. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  197. usually
    under normal conditions
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  198. piece
    a separate part of a whole
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  199. ancient
    belonging to times long past
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  200. team
    a cooperative unit
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
  201. appear
    come into sight or view
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  202. new
    not of long duration
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  203. start
    take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  204. can
    airtight sealed metal container for food or drink, etc.
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  205. four
    the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
    The scientists rapidly spun four species of bacteria—including the common human gut microbe Escherichia coli—to create increasingly intense gravity conditions.
  206. outside
    the region that is outside of something
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  207. single
    existing alone or consisting of one entity or part or aspect or individual
    (Related: "All Species Evolved From Single Cell, Study Finds.")
  208. result
    something that follows as a consequence
    Still, the study results suggests some bacterial species withstand hypergravity better than others, and the reasons for this are unclear.
  209. whatever
    one or some or every or all without specification
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  210. under
    below some quantity or limit
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  211. also
    in addition
    Bacteria are also more biologically suited to extreme gravity conditions, Deguchi said.
  212. group
    any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  213. more
    greater in size or amount or extent or degree
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  214. effect
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
    "In contrast, prokaryotic cells [like the ones in the study] do not have organelles and are less sensitive to the sedimentation effect," he said in an email.
  215. system
    a group of independent elements comprising a unified whole
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  216. said
    being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
    The extreme "hypergravity" of 400,000 g is usually found only in cosmic environments, such as on very massive stars or in the shock waves of supernovas, said study leader Shigeru Deguchi, a biologist at the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
  217. seem
    give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  218. beyond
    farther along in space or time or degree
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  219. national
    of or relating to or belonging to a country
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  220. further
    to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  221. are
    a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
    Bacteria are also more biologically suited to extreme gravity conditions, Deguchi said.
  222. idea
    the content of cognition
    The new findings are consistent with an idea called panspermia, which says that life on Earth may be descended from alien microbes that hitched rides to our planet aboard ancient asteroids and comets.
  223. subject
    some situation or event that is thought about
    When organelles are subjected to hypergravity, they tend to compact, or "sediment," Deguchi said.
  224. at least
    not less than
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  225. and so
    subsequently or soon afterward
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  226. turn
    move around an axis or a center
    The bodies of multicellular organisms—such as humans—start to collapse and turn to mush under the force of just a few g.
  227. live
    have life, be alive
    "If life does exist outside the solar system, then it can live and exploit more places than we previously thought," Deguchi said.
  228. up to
    busy or occupied with
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  229. place
    a point located with respect to surface features of a region
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  230. hard
    resisting weight or pressure
    Still, Deguchi said, "there is no definitive evidence whatever that life exists beyond Earth," and so there's no hard proof for the panspermia theory.
  231. need
    require or want
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  232. reason
    a logical motive for a belief or action
    Still, the study results suggests some bacterial species withstand hypergravity better than others, and the reasons for this are unclear.
  233. early
    at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
    Scientists calculate that pieces of space rock ejected during those early impacts would have been accelerated up to 300,000 g—conditions that it now appears some hitchhiking microbes might have been able to survive.
  234. hundred
    ten 10s
    For example, scientists estimate that the gravity on brown dwarfs—cosmic bodies with masses between those of Jupiter-like planets and small stars—is about ten to a hundred g.
  235. big
    above average in size or number or quantity
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  236. show
    make visible or noticeable
    (Also see "Alien Life Can Survive Trip to Earth, Space Test Shows.")
  237. form
    a perceptual structure
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  238. five
    the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
    Most humans, by contrast, can tolerate forces equal to about three to five times Earth's surface gravity (g) before losing consciousness.
  239. still
    not in physical motion
    Still, the study results suggests some bacterial species withstand hypergravity better than others, and the reasons for this are unclear.
  240. certain
    established beyond doubt or question; definitely known
    "Further studies are needed to say if certain groups of microbes are more resistant to hypergravity than others," Deguchi said.
  241. other
    not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
    Examples of organelles include cell nuclei, which house the bulk of DNA in humans and other animals, and mitochondria, the energy-production factories of eurkaryotic cells.
  242. least
    the superlative of `little' that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by `the'; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
    Luckily, the new study also expands the range of places we can look today for alien life—at least in bacterial form, The soil bacteria P. denitrificans, seen after exposure to normal gravity (left) and hypergravity in the lab.
  243. time
    the continuum of experience in which events pass to the past
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  244. matter
    that which has mass and occupies space
    For Extreme Gravity Tolerance, Size Matters


    Part of the microbes' ability to withstand hypergravity has to do with their sizes, Deguchi explained.
  245. have
    possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  246. together
    in contact with each other or in proximity
    The bacteria clumped together into pellets as the gravity increased, but their forced closeness didn't seem to deter growth: All four species multiplied normally under thousands to tens of thousands of times Earth's gravity.
  247. week
    any period of seven consecutive days
    The hypergravity study is detailed in this week's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
  248. felt
    a fabric made of compressed matted animal fibers
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  249. large
    above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude
    The larger an organism, the more sensitive it is to gravitational forces.
  250. some
    quantifier
    you don't have to be big to be tough, some microbes can survive gravity more than 400,000 times that felt on Earth, a new study says.
  251. use
    put into service
    Deguchi and his team were able to replicate hypergravity on Earth using a machine called an ultracentrifuge.
Created on Thu Feb 23 10:23:48 EST 2012

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