Serine
Serine (symbol Ser or S) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH+3 form under biological conditions), a carboxyl group (which is in the deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), and a side chain consisting of a hydroxymethyl group, classifying it as a polar amino acid. It can be synthesized
Pistacia terebinthus aka the terebinth and the turpentine tree
Pistacia palaestina, terebinth Pistacia terebinthus also called the terebinth and the turpentine tree, is a deciduous tree species of the genus Pistacia, native to the Mediterranean region from the western regions of Morocco and Portugal to Greece and western and southeastern Turkey. At one time terebinths growing on the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea (in Syria, Lebanon and Israel) were regarded as a separate species, Pistacia palaestina, but these are
Catecholamine (CA)
A catecholamine (abbreviated CA) is a monoamine neurotransmitter, an organic compound that has a catechol (benzene with two hydroxyl side groups next to each other) and a side-chain amine. Fitzgerald, P. A. (2011). "Chapter 11. Adrenal Medulla and Paraganglia". In Gardner, D. G.; Shoback, D. (eds.). Greenspan's Basic & Clinical Endocrinology (9th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. Retrieved October 26, 2011. Catechol, not to be confused with Catechin which
Buzz Pollination or Sonication
Buzz pollination or sonication is a technique used by some bees, such as solitary bees to release pollen which is more or less firmly held by the anthers. Fidalgo, Adriana De O.; Kleinert, Astrid De M. P. (2009-12-01). "Reproductive biology of six Brazilian Myrtaceae:‐is there a syndrome associated with buzz-pollination?". New Zealand Journal of Botany. 47 (4): 355–365. doi:10.1080/0028825x.2009.9672712. ISSN 0028-825X. The anthers
The Garden of Earthly Delights, Hieronymus Bosch
Hieronymus Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights The Garden of Earthly Delights is the modern title[a] given to a triptych oil painting on oak panel painted by the Early Netherlandish master Hieronymus Bosch, between 1490 and 1510, when Bosch was between 40 and 60 years old. It has been housed in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain since 1939. Bosch's exact date
Goldfinch in art
The bird that repeatedly, almost obsessively, turns up in Renaissance religious painting is the European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis, almost always in the hands of the Infant Jesus, and symbolising variously the soul, resurrection, sacrifice and death, but with a particular further dimension of meaning, following the plagues
The lactating birds and the bees (gastrin, pepsin, etc)
Crop milk is a secretion from the lining of the crop of parent birds that is regurgitated to young birds. It is found among all pigeons and doves where it is referred to as pigeon milk. An analog to crop milk is also secreted from the esophagus of flamingos and the male emperor penguin. Levi, Wendell (1977). The Pigeon.
Megachile pluto aka king of the bees
The female Megachile pluto, shown here in this drawing by Dr H Friese (1911), is covered with velvety black fur but she has a band of white fur on the front part of her abdomen. She has enormous jaws for collecting resin. Dr. Heinrich Friese (* 4.
Pluto is a genus of aphid wasps
Pluto is a genus of aphid wasps in the family Crabronidae. There are at least 50 described species in Pluto. "Pluto". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 10 April 2021. "Pluto". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 10 April 2021. "Pluto". Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 10 April 2021. The subfamily Pemphredoninae also known as the aphid wasps, is a large group in the wasp family Crabronidae,
The Ant and the Caterpillar
As an Ant of his talents superiorly vain,Was trotting with consequence over the plain;A Worm, in his progress remarkably slow,Cry’d ‘Bless your good worship, wherever you go!‘I hope your great mightiness won’t take it ill,‘I pay my respects from an hearty good will.’With a look of
Plutus opal butterflies and black cocktail ants
Plutus opal Chrysoritis plutus Chrysoritis plutus, the Plutus opal, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae found only in South Africa. The wingspan is 24–28 mm for males and 26–35 mm for females. Flight period is two broods from August to December and January to April. Woodhall, Steve (2005). Field Guide to Butterflies of South Africa. Cape Town, South Africa:
Daedalus (Greek mythology)
The Daedalus and Icarus mosaic. From the Enc. Britt. about Daedalus: (Greek: “Skillfully Wrought”), mythical Greek architect and sculptor, who was said to have built, among other things, the paradigmatic Labyrinth for King Minos of Crete. Daedalus fell out of favour with Minos and was imprisoned;
