Biology Terminology - Life Science Concepts

154 flashcards · Advanced · Science & Technology

Essential biology terminology for students and professionals. Learn cellular biology, genetics, ecology, and biological processes.

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Cell

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Cell Biology

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.

Cell

Pronunciation

sel

What you'll learn

Grasp core cellular biology terms.
Master essential genetics vocabulary.
Understand key ecological concepts.
Identify vital biological processes.

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Cell Biology · 23

Cell/ sel /: The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms. It is the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently.
Prokaryote/ proh-KAR-ee-oht /: A single-celled organism that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus, mitochondria, or any other membrane-bound organelle.
Eukaryote/ yoo-KAR-ee-oht /: An organism whose cells contain a nucleus and other organelles enclosed within membranes.
Nucleus/ NOO-klee-us /: A membrane-bound organelle that contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell's growth and reproduction.
Mitochondria/ my-toh-KON-dree-uh /: An organelle found in large numbers in most eukaryotic cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
Chloroplast/ KLOR-oh-plast /: A plastid that contains chlorophyll and in which photosynthesis takes place.
Cell Wall/ sel wawl /: A rigid layer outside the plasma membrane of plant cells, fungi, bacteria, and algae, providing structural support and protection.
Cell Membrane/ sel MEM-brayn /: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell.
Cytoplasm/ SY-toh-plaz-um /: The material or protoplasm within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.
Ribosome/ RY-boh-sohm /: A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that serves as the site of biological protein synthesis (translation).
Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)/ en-doh-PLAZ-mik reh-TIK-yoo-lum /: A network of membranes found throughout the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells, involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
Golgi Apparatus/ GOL-jee ap-uh-RAT-us /: An organelle in eukaryotic cells that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.
Vacuole/ VAK-yoo-ohl /: A membrane-bound organelle present in plant and fungal cells and some protists, that stores water, nutrients, and waste products.
Lysosome/ LY-soh-sohm /: An organelle in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells containing degradative enzymes enclosed in a membrane.
Organelle/ OR-guh-nel /: Any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.
Cellular Respiration/ SEL-yoo-ler res-puh-RAY-shun /: The metabolic process in which organisms obtain energy (ATP) by oxidizing nutrients and releasing waste products.
ATP/ ay-tee-pee /: Adenosine triphosphate; the main energy currency of the cell, used to power various cellular processes.
Osmosis/ oz-MOH-sis /: The spontaneous net movement of solvent molecules through a selectively permeable membrane into a region of higher solute concentration, in the direction that tends to equalize the solute concentrations on the two sides.
Diffusion/ dih-FYOO-zhun /: The net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.
Active Transport/ AK-tiv TRANS-port /: The movement of ions or molecules across a cell membrane into a region of higher concentration, assisted by enzymes and requiring energy.
Passive Transport/ PAS-iv TRANS-port /: The movement of substances across a cell membrane without the expenditure of energy by the cell.
Mitosis/ my-TOH-sis /: A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.
Meiosis/ my-OH-sis /: A type of cell division that reduces the number of chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four gamete cells. This process is required to produce egg and sperm cells for sexual reproduction.

Botany · 9

Photosynthesis/ foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis /: The process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, stored in glucose.
Xylem/ ZY-lem /: The vascular tissue in plants that conducts water and dissolved nutrients upward from the root and also helps to form the woody element in the stem.
Phloem/ FLOH-em /: The vascular tissue in plants that conducts sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.
Stomata/ STOH-muh-tuh /: Minute pores on the epidermis of the leaf or stem of a plant, forming a slit that allows for gas exchange.
Transpiration/ trans-puh-RAY-shun /: The process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.
Pollination/ pol-ih-NAY-shun /: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma of a plant, enabling fertilization and the production of seeds.
Botany/ BOT-uh-nee /: The scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, genetics, ecology, distribution, classification, and economic importance.
Tropism/ TROH-piz-um /: The turning of all or part of an organism in a particular direction in response to an external stimulus.
Germination/ jer-mih-NAY-shun /: The process by which a plant grows from a seed or a spore.

Genetics · 18

Chromosome/ KROH-moh-sohm /: A thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
DNA/ dee-en-ay /: Deoxyribonucleic acid; a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.
RNA/ ar-en-ay /: Ribonucleic acid; a polymeric molecule essential in various biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. It is a single-stranded nucleic acid.
Gene/ jeen /: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
Heredity/ huh-RED-ih-tee /: The passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another.
Allele/ uh-LEEL /: One of two or more alternative forms of a gene that arise by mutation and are found at the same place on a chromosome.
Genotype/ JEE-noh-type /: The genetic makeup of an organism; the set of alleles an individual possesses for a particular trait.
Phenotype/ FEE-noh-type /: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
Homozygous/ hoh-moh-ZY-gus /: Having two identical alleles for a particular gene.
Heterozygous/ het-uh-roh-ZY-gus /: Having two different alleles for a particular gene.
Dominant/ DOM-ih-nunt /: An allele that produces the same phenotype whether its paired allele is identical or different.
Recessive/ ree-SES-iv /: An allele that produces its characteristic phenotype only when its paired allele is identical (homozygous).
Mutation/ myoo-TAY-shun /: A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene or chromosome.
Transcription/ trans-KRIP-shun /: The process by which the information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA).
Translation/ trans-LAY-shun /: The process by which a sequence of messenger RNA (mRNA) is decoded to produce a specific sequence of amino acids, forming a protein.
Genetic Code/ juh-NET-ik kohd /: The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells.
DNA Replication/ dee-en-ay rep-lih-KAY-shun /: The biological process of producing two identical replicas of DNA from one original DNA molecule.
Genetics/ juh-NET-iks /: The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Biochemistry · 19

Protein/ PROH-teen /: Large biomolecules, or macromolecules, consisting of one or more long chains of amino acid residues. They perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli, and transporting molecules.
Enzyme/ EN-zyme /: A substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Metabolism/ muh-TAB-uh-liz-um /: The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
Catabolism/ kuh-TAB-uh-liz-um /: The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, with the release of energy.
Anabolism/ uh-NAB-uh-liz-um /: The synthesis of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler ones together with the storage of energy.
Proton/ PROH-ton /: A stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron.
Electron/ ee-LEK-tron /: A stable subatomic particle with a negative electric charge, found in all atoms and acting as the primary carrier of electricity in solids.
Molecule/ MOL-uh-kyool /: A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Compound/ KOM-pownd /: A substance formed when two or more chemical elements are chemically bonded together.
Carbohydrate/ kar-boh-HY-drayt /: Any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues and including sugars, starch, and cellulose. They typically contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water (2:1) and can be broken down to release energy in the animal body.
Lipid/ LIP-id /: Any of a class of organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include many natural oils, waxes, and steroids.
Nucleic Acid/ noo-KLEH-ik AS-id /: A complex organic substance present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA, whose molecules consist of many nucleotides linked in a long chain.
Amino Acid/ uh-MEE-noh AS-id /: A simple organic compound containing both a carboxyl (—COOH) and an amino (—NH2) group. They are the building blocks of proteins.
Enzyme Substrate/ EN-zyme SUB-strayt /: The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.
Active Site/ AK-tiv syt /: The specific region of an enzyme where a substrate binds and catalysis takes place.
Catalyst/ KAT-uh-list /: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.
pH/ pee-aych /: A measure of hydrogen ion concentration; a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Acid/ AS-id /: A chemical substance that neutralizes alkalis, dissolves some metals, and turns litmus red; typically, a corrosive or sour-tasting liquid of this kind. In biology, a substance that donates hydrogen ions (H+).
Base (Alkali)/ bays (AL-kuh-lye) /: A chemical substance that neutralizes acids and turns litmus blue; typically, a bitter-tasting substance. In biology, a substance that accepts hydrogen ions (H+).

Biotechnology · 2

Biotechnology/ by-oh-tek-NOL-uh-jee /: The exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.
Genetic Engineering/ juh-NET-ik en-juh-NEER-ing /: The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.

Ecology · 25

Ecosystem/ EE-koh-sis-tum /: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Biome/ BY-ohm /: A large naturally occurring community of flora and fauna occupying a major habitat, e.g., forest or tundra.
Habitat/ HAB-i-tat /: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Niche/ nich /: The role and position a species has in its environment; how it meets its needs for food and shelter, how it survives, and how it reproduces.
Population/ pop-yoo-LAY-shun /: A group of individuals of the same species living in the same area at the same time.
Community/ kuh-MYOO-nih-tee /: An interacting group of various species in a common location.
Producer/ proh-DOO-ser /: An organism that produces its own food, typically through photosynthesis (autotroph).
Consumer/ kun-SOO-mer /: An organism that obtains energy by feeding on other organisms or their remains (heterotroph).
Decomposer/ dee-kum-POH-zer /: An organism, especially a soil bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate, that decomposes organic material.
Food Chain/ food chayn /: A hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
Food Web/ food web /: A system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.
Trophic Level/ TROF-ik lev-ul /: Each of several hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising organisms that share the same function in the food chain and the same nutritional relationship to the primary sources of energy.
Biodiversity/ by-oh-dih-VER-sih-tee /: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
Symbiosis/ sim-by-OH-sis /: A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.
Mutualism/ MYOO-choo-uh-liz-um /: A symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.
Commensalism/ kuh-MEN-suh-liz-um /: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.
Parasitism/ PAR-uh-sih-tiz-um /: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).
Predation/ preh-DAY-shun /: An interaction in which one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey).
Competition/ kom-puh-TISH-un /: An interaction between organisms or species in which both the organisms or species are harmed to some extent.
Succession/ suk-SESH-un /: The process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
Biosphere/ BY-oh-sfeer /: The part of Earth where life exists, including land, water, and air.
Carbon Cycle/ KAR-bun SY-kul /: The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, pedosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere of the Earth.
Nitrogen Cycle/ NY-truh-jen SY-kul /: The series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms, including nitrogen fixation and denitrification.
Water Cycle/ WAW-ter SY-kul /: The continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.
Ecology/ ee-KOL-uh-jee /: The branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings.

Anatomy & Physiology · 22

Tissue/ TISH-oo /: A group of similar cells from the same origin that together carry out a specific function.
Organ/ OR-gun /: A collection of tissues joined in a structural unit to serve a common function.
Organ System/ OR-gun SIS-tum /: A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions.
Homeostasis/ hoh-mee-oh-STAY-sis /: The tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes.
Neuron/ NOO-ron /: A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses; a nerve cell.
Hormone/ HOR-mohn /: A regulatory substance produced in an organism and transported in tissue fluids such as blood or sap to stimulate specific cells or tissues into action.
Circulatory System/ SUR-kyoo-luh-tor-ee SIS-tum /: The system that circulates blood and lymph through the body, consisting of the heart, blood vessels, blood, lymph, and the lymphatic vessels and glands.
Respiratory System/ RES-puh-ruh-tor-ee SIS-tum /: The system of organs and tissues that help you breathe. It includes your airways, lungs, and blood vessels.
Digestive System/ dy-JES-tiv SIS-tum /: The organs that take in food and turn it into energy and waste products. It includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, and other associated organs.
Nervous System/ NER-vus SIS-tum /: The network of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body. It includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Immune System/ ih-MYOON SIS-tum /: The bodily system that protects the body from foreign substances, cells, and tissues by producing the immune response.
Skeletal System/ SKEL-uh-tul SIS-tum /: The framework of the body, consisting of bones and other connective tissues, which protects and supports the body tissues and internal organs.
Muscular System/ MUS-kyoo-ler SIS-tum /: The organ system that permits movement of the body, maintains posture, and circulates blood throughout the body.
Endocrine System/ EN-doh-krin SIS-tum /: The system of glands that produce endocrine secretions that help to control bodily metabolic activity.
Excretory System/ EKS-kruh-tor-ee SIS-tum /: The system that removes waste products from the body. It includes the kidneys, bladder, and associated ducts.
Reproduction/ ree-proh-DUK-shun /: The biological process by which new individual organisms – 'offspring' – are produced from their 'parents'.
Anatomy/ uh-NAT-uh-mee /: The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.
Physiology/ fiz-ee-OL-uh-jee /: The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.
Homeostasis (re-entry for emphasis)/ hoh-mee-oh-STAY-sis /: The ability or tendency of an organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by adjusting its physiological processes.
Feedback Loop/ FEED-bak loop /: A biological mechanism whereby a product or output of an event or reaction acts as a stimulus for the same event or reaction (positive feedback) or inhibits it (negative feedback).
Stimulus/ STIM-yoo-lus /: A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue.
Response/ ree-SPONS /: A reaction to a specific stimulus.

Evolution · 9

Evolution/ ev-oh-LOO-shun /: The process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the Earth.
Natural Selection/ NACH-uh-rul suh-LEK-shun /: The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
Adaptation/ ad-ap-TAY-shun /: A feature that is common in a population because it provides some improved function.
Speciation/ spee-shee-AY-shun /: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.
Common Ancestor/ KOM-un AN-ses-tor /: An ancestral species from which later species evolved.
Phylogeny/ fy-LOJ-uh-nee /: The evolutionary history and relationship of a group of organisms.
Vestigial Structure/ ves-TIJ-ee-ul STRUK-cher /: A structure in an organism that has lost all or most of its original function in a species through evolution.
Homologous Structure/ hoh-MOL-uh-gus STRUK-cher /: Structures derived from a common ancestor or developmental origin, but may have different functions.
Analogous Structure/ uh-NAL-uh-gus STRUK-cher /: Structures that have similar functions but different origins, evolving independently due to similar environmental pressures.

Zoology · 10

Vertebrate/ VER-tuh-brate /: An animal of a large group distinguished by the possession of a backbone or spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes.
Invertebrate/ in-VER-tuh-brate /: An animal lacking a backbone, such as an arthropod, mollusk, annelid, or coelenterate.
Mammal/ MAM-ul /: A warm-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that is distinguished by the possession of hair or fur, the secretion of milk by females for the nourishment of the young, and (typically) the birth of live young.
Amphibian/ am-FIB-ee-un /: A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that comprises frogs, toads, newts, and salamanders. They are distinguished by having an aquatic gill-breathing larval stage followed by a terrestrial lung-breathing adult stage.
Reptile/ REP-tile /: A cold-blooded vertebrate animal of a class that includes snakes, lizards, crocodiles, turtles, and tortoises. They are distinguished by having a dry scaly skin and typically laying soft-shelled eggs on land.
Bird/ burd /: A warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate animal distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, a beak, and typically by being able to fly.
Fish/ fish /: A limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins living wholly in water.
Arthropod/ AR-thruh-pod /: An invertebrate animal of the large phylum Arthropoda, such as an insect, spider, or crustacean.
Mollusk/ MOL-usk /: An invertebrate animal of the large phylum Mollusca, such as a snail, clam, or octopus, typically having a soft unsegmented body and often a shell.
Zoology/ zoh-OL-uh-jee /: The scientific study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, classification, and distribution.

Microbiology · 6

Fungus/ FUN-gus /: Any of a group of eukaryotic organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds, as well as the more familiar mushrooms. These organisms are heterotrophic and typically absorb nutrients from their environment.
Bacteria/ bak-TEER-ee-uh /: A large group of unicellular microorganisms that have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus, including some that can cause disease.
Virus/ VY-rus /: An infective agent that typically consists of a nucleic acid molecule in a protein coat, is too small to be seen by light microscopy, and is able to multiply only within the living cells of a host.
Pathogen/ PATH-uh-jen /: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
Antibiotic/ an-tee-by-OT-ik /: A medicine (such as penicillin or its derivatives) that inhibits the growth of or destroys microorganisms.
Microbiology/ my-kroh-by-OL-uh-jee /: The scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.

Immunology · 3

Vaccine/ VAK-seen /: A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against one or several diseases, prepared from the causative agent of a disease, its products, or a synthetic substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease.
Antibody/ AN-tih-bod-ee /: A protein produced by the immune system in response to the presence of an antigen (a foreign substance). Antibodies recognize and bind to specific antigens to help eliminate them from the body.
Antigen/ AN-tih-jen /: A toxin or other foreign substance which induces an immune response in the body, especially the production of antibodies.

Classification · 4

Taxonomy/ tak-SON-uh-mee /: The branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms; systematics.
Kingdom/ KING-dum /: The highest taxonomic rank, grouping together all forms of life having certain fundamental characteristics in common.
Species/ SPEE-sheez /: A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding.
Genus/ JEE-nus /: A principal taxonomic category that ranks above species and below family, and is denoted by a capitalized Latin name.

Reproduction · 2

Fertilization/ fer-tih-lih-ZAY-shun /: The process of combining the male gamete (sperm) with the female gamete (ovum). The result is a zygote.
Zygote/ ZY-goht /: A diploid cell resulting from the fusion of two haploid gametes; a fertilized ovum.

Developmental Biology · 2

Embryo/ EM-bree-oh /: An unborn or unhatched offspring in the process of development, from conception until it is typically eight weeks old (in humans).
Differentiation/ dif-uh-ren-shee-AY-shun /: The process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type.

Biology Terminology - Life Science Concepts

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Frequently asked questions

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