QDenotes the longer of the two chromosome arms, e.g. human 10q is the long arm of human chromosome 10.
q-beta replicaseA viral RNA polymerase secreted by a bacteriophage that infects E. coli. It has the property of being able to copy RNA sequences at a rapid rate.
QPFQuantitative Precipitation Forecast. A spatial and temporal precipitation forecast that will predict the potential amount of future precipitation for a…
QPF DiscussionThis HPC forecast discussion is directed completely to explaining manual forecasts of areas in the contiguous 48 states expected to receive 1/4 inch or…
Quad-level occurrenceThe recorded occurrence of a species in the area represented by a specific, named U.S. Geological Survey 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle map (quad map).
QuadratSampling area, most commonly one square meter, used for analyzing vegetation. A square or rectangular plot of land marked off for the study of plants and…
QuadratureThe component of the complex signal that is 90 degrees out of phase with the inphase component.
quadrivalentA chromosome configuration visible in late prophase and metaphase of the first meiotic division, where four chromosome s are linked by chiasmata.
quadruplexThe inheritance of alleles in autotetraploids. A genotype AAAa will produce gametes AA, Aa in the ratio 3:1.
Qualifying FacilityA category of electric power producer established under the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA) of 1978, that includes small-power producers…
QualitativeHaving to do with quality or qualities. Descriptive of kind, type or direction, as opposed to size, magnitude or degree.
qualitative traitA trait that shows discontinuous variation - i.e. individuals can be assigned to one of a small number of discrete classes.
Quality Measurement Experiments (QME)A special class of value-added product that regularly compares two or more data sets intended to understand the individual datastreams either as functions…
Quality of LifeThe overall enjoyment of life. Many clinical trials assess the effects of cancer and its treatment on the quality of life.
Quality of SnowThe amount of ice in a snow sample expressed as a percent of the weight of the sample.
quality-assured dataTypically, the final form of data to be submitted to the ARM data system. Includes datastream description documentation, fully calibrated data in commonly…
QuantitativeHaving to do with quantity, capable of being measured. Descriptive of size, magnitude or degree.
quantitative geneticsThe area of genetics concerned with the inheritance of quantitative traits that show continuous variation, as opposed to qualitative trait s.
quantitative inheritanceInheritance of measurable traits that depend on the cumulative action of many genes and/or involve a significant proportion of non-genetic determination.
Quantitative Precipitation ForecastA spatial and temporal precipitation forecast that will predict the potential amount of future precipitation for a specified region, or area.
Quantitative Precipitation Forecast (QPF)A spatial and temporal precipitation forecast that will predict the potential amount of future precipitation for a specified region, or area.
Quantitative precipitation forecastsA projection that uses the interpretation of various observational, numerical, and objective aids to estimate the amount, location, and duration of…
quantitative structure-activity relationship(Abbreviation QSAR). A computer modelling technique that enables the prediction of the likely activity of a molecule before it is synthesized.
quantitative traitA measurable trait that shows continuous variation (e.g. height, weight, colour intensity, etc.) - i.e.
quantitative trait locus(Abbreviation: QTL). A locus where is associated with variation in a quantitative trait.
Quantum MechanicsA theory of physics that is applicable to systems of extremely small scales (ie. the size of an atom). QM quantifies the "fuzzyness" of the universe.
quantum speciationThe rapid formation of new species, primarily by genetic drift.
quarantineIsolation for a period after arrival in a new location, to allow any pre-existing disease symptoms to appear.
QuarkA fundamental matter particle that has strong interactions. Quarks have electric charge of either +2/3 (up, charm, top) or -1/3 (down, strange, bottom) in…
QuarryA rock pit. An open cut mine in rock chosen for physical rather than chemical characteristics.
QuartzVery hard, clear or translucent mineral composed of silica.
QuartziteA hard, metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone.
QuasarShort for Quasi-stellar Radio Source. A quasar behaves like a small galaxy powered by a super massive black hole, most of the time.
Quasi-stationary(abbrev. QSTNRY)- Describes a low or high pressure area or a front that is nearly stationary.
Quasi-stationary FrontA front which is nearly stationary or moves very little since the last synoptic position. Also known as a stationary front.
QuaternaryThe present period, forming the latter part of the Cenozoic Era, originating about 1 million years ago and including the Recent and Pleistocene epochs.
Quaternary periodthe second period of the Cenozoic era containing the Pleistocene epoch and the Holocene epoch and lasting from 1.8 million years to the present.
quaternary structureA level of protein structure where several individual molecules assemble together and form a functional cluster.
Quick LooksDaily and weekly plots of ARM data that give users a browsable quick view of a subset of data available at the ARM Archive.
QuicksandFine sand or silt that is prevented from settling firmly together by upward movement of ground water.
quiescentA temporary suspension or reduction in the rate of activity or growth, while retaining the potential to resume prior activity.