Glossary

A type of protein that makes up the thick filaments in a myofibril.

A machine that is used to create an automatic and regular action in something. In this case, the actuator moves a metal plate up and down in a very controlled way to vibrate the silicon phantom breast.

An alteration or adjustment in structure or habits, which is often hereditary, by which a species or individual improves its condition in relationship to its environment.

Respiration that uses oxygen.

Ability to use oxygen to provide energy.

The proportion of solar radiation that is reflected by the Earth’s surface, typical for white surfaces (i.e. snow, ice, clouds).

A large and diverse group of simple plants that contain chlorophyll and can therefore photosynthesise.

A blend of metals, or metals and non-metals. Examples of alloys are bronze (alloy of copper and tin) and steel (alloy of iron and carbon).

Land that has been built up from soil or sediments deposited by a river or other running water.

A primitive singled-celled animal.

An electronic device used to increase the strength of the current or voltage fed into it.

The maximum displacement from the equilibrium on an energy wave (i.e. the size of the wave).

Respiration that does not use oxygen.

Ability to provide energy without using oxygen.

Relating to the structure of living things.

An aneurysm is a localised, blood-filled dilation of a blood vessel or cardiac (heart) chamber caused by disease or weakening of the vessel or chamber wall. A ruptured aneurysm results in haemorrhage and is often fatal. Doctors can use clips placed across the aneurysm to stop the blood escaping.

Having properties that differ according to the direction of measurement.

Regions of water in the Southern Ocean that are organised by temperature and salinity, the boundaries between them are called fronts (see also Subantarctic Front (SAF) and Antarctic Polar Front (APF).

Originally signed by 12 countries, the Antarctic Treaty is now a collection of documents signed by over 40 countries. These contracts explain how Antarctica can be used for things like science and tourism and the types of things that cannot be done in Antarctica (such as military use or mining).

A substance produced by an organism that kills bacteria.

A protein that attaches to and then destroys or neutralises harmful foreign substances in the body. Part of the immune system.

A form of cell death in which a programmed sequence of events leads to the elimination of cells without releasing harmful substances into the surrounding area.

Single-celled microorganisms that often live in extreme environments. They look like bacteria but biochemically and genetically are very unlike bacteria.

A naturally occurring element that is highly toxic to most organisms.

Blood vessels carrying blood away from the heart.

An experiment that is carried out to detect the presence of a chemical or living organism, or to determine the amount of a chemical or living organism.

A unit of matter, the smallest unit of an element, having all the characteristics of that element. An atom consists of a positively charged nucleus, containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by negatively charged electrons.

An instrument that uses a tiny probe to ‘feel’ a surface and map its atoms.

Adenosine triphosphate is a chemical used by cells to store and transport energy.