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polypeptide

n. a molecule consisting of numerous (usually more than 10–20) amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The synthesis of polypeptides in living cells takes place at ribosomes according to the genetic instructions encoded in the cell’s DNA. Polypeptides are assembled by the cell into proteins.

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Psychology term of the day

February 23rd 2025

vacuum activity

vacuum activity

in classical ethology, the occurrence of a fixed action pattern in the absence of the usual external stimulus (the releaser, or sign stimulus) that triggers the pattern. This is believed to be caused by a build-up of action-specific or motivational energy that overrides the innate releasing mechanism. Also called vacuum response. [proposed by Konrad Lorenz]