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Related Concept Videos

Piecewise-Defined Functions01:28

Piecewise-Defined Functions

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Piecewise defined functions are mathematical models where different expressions define a function over distinct intervals of the domain. These functions are useful for representing systems with varying behaviors depending on input values.For example, the function:  uses a linear rule for inputs less than or equal to –1 and a quadratic rule for values greater than –1. Although it has two formulas, it still defines a single function.Another common type is the absolute value...
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Rules for Defining Functions01:29

Rules for Defining Functions

378
A relation is a function if each input x is associated with exactly one output y. For example, the equation      y = 2x + 5 defines a function because every value of x yields a unique y. However, x = y² + 1 is not a function of x, since a single x-value, such as x = 2, corresponds to two possible y-values: y = 1 and y = -1.The vertical line test helps determine whether a graph represents a function. If a vertical line intersects a curve more than once, the curve fails...
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Defining Psychology01:24

Defining Psychology

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Psychology is the scientific discipline dedicated to understanding both observable behavior and the internal mental processes underlying such behavior. It aims to comprehend human nature and apply this understanding to solve practical problems, enhance well-being, and improve societal outcomes. An example of psychology's application is the study of prosocial behavior, such as why and under what conditions individuals might help strangers in need. This process involves describing observed...
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Defining Social Psychology01:09

Defining Social Psychology

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Social psychology investigates how the presence and actions of others influence individual behavior, cognition, and emotion. Examining the social environment's impact provides a scientific framework for understanding how individuals perceive others and are, in turn, influenced by them. This field seeks to uncover the underlying principles guiding social interactions, exploring phenomena such as conformity, obedience, and prosocial behavior.Core Themes in Social PsychologyOne central focus of...
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Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight01:01

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

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Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight.  So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...
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Functional Groups02:45

Functional Groups

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Functional groups are a group of atoms with characteristic properties, which when linked to the carbon skeleton of a molecule, alter the properties of that molecule. For example, the presence of certain functional groups on a molecule will make them hydrophilic, whereas others will make them hydrophobic. These functional groups are an indispensable part of organic chemistry and important components of biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

A Method to Define the Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Colon Microbiome Biodiversity in a Mouse Colon Tumor Model
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Defining microbiome function.

Jonathan L Klassen1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA. jonathan.klassen@uconn.edu.

Nature Microbiology
|July 27, 2018
PubMed
Summary

Microbiome research requires clear definitions of microbial function and host association. Unclear definitions lead to confusion, hindering progress in understanding host health and microbiome contributions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Systems Biology

Background:

  • Defining microbial function in host-associated communities is challenging and debated.
  • Ambiguous definitions of 'function' mirror controversies in other biological fields, like the ENCODE project.
  • Host-microbe interactions are complex, necessitating precise terminology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To argue that unclear conceptions of function impede microbiome research.
  • To highlight the need for distinct definitions of 'who the function is for' in microbiome studies.
  • To propose clear functional definitions and evidence types for effective communication in microbiome research.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of 'function' in biological research.
  • Review of controversies in microbiome and ENCODE research.

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  • Illustrative examples using the holobiont concept.

    • Main Results:

    • Unclear or misapplied conceptions of function are a major pitfall in microbiome research.
    • Experiments supporting phenomenological models are often misconstrued as supporting functional models requiring evolutionary selection.
    • Failure to define the beneficiary of a function ('who the function is for') causes significant confusion.

    Conclusions:

    • Clear definitions of function and the beneficiary are essential for advancing microbiome research.
    • Misinterpretations of microbiome function can be mitigated by adopting precise terminology and evidence standards.
    • Effective communication of microbiome research is crucial for improving host health.