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Biology

ACT Science / Biology

Biology

60 Words

30m

1
organism
or
ga
ni
sm
Noun

a living thing such as a plant, animal, etc., especially a very small one that lives on its own

The pond ecosystem is home to a variety of organisms, including fish, algae, and bacteria.

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2
growth medium
Noun

a substance that provides nutrients and conditions for the growth of cells or microorganisms

The lab used a growth medium to cultivate the bacteria.

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3
culture
cul
ture
Noun

the general beliefs, customs, and lifestyles of a specific society

In Japanese culture, it's customary to bow when greeting someone.

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4
metabolism
me
ta
bo
li
sm
Noun

the chemical processes through which food is changed into energy for the body to use

Metabolism involves various biochemical reactions that convert nutrients from food into energy.

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5
specimen
spe
ci
men
Noun

a representative or characteristic sample that is examined or analyzed to gain insights or understanding of a particular group or category

The scientist examined the specimen under the microscope for research.

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6
strain
Noun

a special variety of domesticated animals within a species

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7
secrete
sec
rete
Verb

(of a cell, gland, or organ) to produce and release a liquid substance in the body

Salivary glands secrete enzymes that aid in the digestion of food.

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8
excrete
exc
rete
Verb

to discharge waste products or substances from the body or cells into the environment, typically through urine, feces, or sweat

The kidneys excrete excess water and waste products from the bloodstream.

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9
eukaryote
eu
ka
ryote
Noun

a type of living thing with cells that have a nucleus and other structures enclosed in membranes, like plants, animals, fungi, and some microorganisms

Plants, with their roots, stems, and leaves, are examples of eukaryotes.

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10
asexual reproduction
Noun

a type of reproduction where a single organism can produce offspring without the involvement of another organism

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11
meiosis
meiosis
Noun

a type of cell division that creates reproductive cells with half the usual number of chromosomes

Meiosis ensures genetic diversity by creating haploid cells with unique combinations of chromosomes.

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12
mitosis
mi
to
sis
Noun

a type of cell division that results in the formation of two daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell

Mitosis is essential for the growth and development of multicellular organisms, as it results in the production of new cells.

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13
interphase
in
ter
phase
Noun

the longest phase of the cell cycle during which the cell grows, replicates its DNA, and carries out its normal functions

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14
prophase
pro
phase
Noun

the initial phase of mitosis, where chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear membrane dissolves, preparing for cell division

During prophase, the duplicated chromosomes become visible under a microscope as they condense.

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15
metaphase
me
ta
phase
Noun

the stage of mitosis where chromosomes align along the center (equator) of the cell, preparing for their separation into daughter cells

During metaphase, chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers and align at the cell's equator.

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16
anaphase
a
na
phase
Noun

the stage of cell division where sister chromatids or homologous chromosomes are pulled apart towards opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibers

During anaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell.

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17
telophase
te
lo
phase
Noun

the final stage of mitosis

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18
bio
deg
rade
Verb

to break down or decompose naturally by biological processes, typically through the action of microorganisms like bacteria or fungi

Organic materials like food waste biodegrade in compost piles, turning into nutrient-rich soil.

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19
bio
mo
le
cule
Noun

any molecule produced by living organisms including large molecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as smaller molecules like vitamins, hormones, and metabolites

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20
biodiversity
bio
di
ver
si
ty
Noun

the existence of a range of different plants and animals in a natural environment

The rainforest is known for its rich biodiversity, housing countless species of flora and fauna.

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21
bioinformatics
bio
in
for
ma
tics
Noun

a field of study that combines biology and computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data

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22
bio
com
pa
ti
ble
Adjective

not causing harmful reactions or adverse effects when in contact with biological systems

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23
biometrics
bio
met
rics
Noun

a branch of biology that employs statistical analysis to study and interpret biological phenomena and observations

Biometrics in biology uses statistical methods to analyze genetic variations among different populations.

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24
mucus
mu
cus
Noun

a thick slimy substance produced by mucous membranes, inside the nose or the mouth, to lubricate and protect them

When you have a cold, your body produces excess mucus to help trap and expel harmful viruses and bacteria.

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25
microbiology
mic
ro
bio
lo
gy
Noun

the branch of biology that deals with microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, and their effects on living organisms

Microbiology is essential for understanding disease transmission.

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26
virion
vi
rion
Noun

a complete virus particle that includes genetic material wrapped in a protein coat, capable of infecting host cells to replicate

The influenza virion contains viral RNA enclosed within a protein capsid and an outer lipid envelope.

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27
condition
con
di
tion
Noun

the state of something at a particular time

He checked the condition of the tires before the long road trip.

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28
nutrient
nut
rient
Noun

a substance such as a vitamin, protein, fat, etc. that is essential for good health and growth

Fiber is a nutrient that aids in digestion.

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29
biomimicry
bio
mi
mic
ry
Noun

an approach to innovation and problem-solving that draws inspiration from nature's designs, processes, and systems

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30
gamete
ga
mete
Noun

a special cell used for reproduction, with sperm cells being the male gametes and egg cells being the female gametes

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31
microbiome
mic
ro
biome
Noun

the collection of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that inhabit a particular environment

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32
ecology
e
co
lo
gy
Noun

the scientific study of the environment or the interrelation of living creatures and the way they affect each other

Ecology examines how plants and animals adapt to their environments.

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33
anthropogenic
anth
ro
po
ge
nic
Adjective

refering to processes, effects, or phenomena that are caused by human activity or influence

Climate change is largely driven by anthropogenic factors such as greenhouse gas emissions.

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34
ecotourism
e
co
tou
ri
sm
Noun

tourism that includes visiting endangered natural environments which aims at preservation of the wildlife and the nature

They planned an ecotourism trip to a rainforest to learn about local conservation efforts.

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35
motility
mo
ti
li
ty
Noun

a change of position that does not entail a change of location

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36
pro
tist
Noun

a single-celled organism that is neither a plant, animal, nor fungus, typically found in aquatic or moist environments

Paramecium and amoeba are protists commonly found in freshwater habitats.

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37
homologous
ho
mo
lo
gous
Adjective

reflecting a similarity in arrangement, type, or origin, particularly within the same species

Within the animal kingdom, one can find homologous bone structures that suggest a shared lineage.

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38
bio
lu
mi
nesc
ence
Noun

the light produced by by living organisms as a result of biochemical reactions, often used for communication, attracting prey, or camouflage

The glow-worm's bioluminescence attracts mates by emitting a soft green light from its tail, visible in the darkness of the forest.

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39
hyd
roid
Noun

a small, plant-like aquatic organism belonging to the class Hydrozoa, often forming branching colonies

The marine biologist studied the unique structures of the hydroid colony.

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40
trans
di
ffe
ren
tia
tion
Noun

the process by which a differentiated cell changes its identity and adopts the characteristics of a different cell type

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41
mycelium
my
ce
lium
Noun

the network of thread-like structures that form the vegetative part of a fungus, typically growing underground or within a substrate

The forest floor was rich with mycelium, crucial for nutrient recycling in the ecosystem.

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42
mu
tua
list
Adjective

(of an organism) engaging in a symbiotic relationship where both participants benefit from the interaction

Bees are mutualists because they pollinate flowers while collecting nectar for food.

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43
commensal
co
mmen
sal
Noun

either of two different animal or plant species living in close association but not interdependent

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44
my
corrh
i
za
Noun

a mutually beneficial symbiotic association between the roots of plants and fungi where the fungus colonizes the root system, facilitating nutrient uptake from the soil

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45
assimilate
a
ssi
mi
late
Verb

to fully comprehend and integrate information or ideas

Students took time to assimilate the historical events discussed in class, connecting them to broader societal contexts.

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46
spore
spore
Noun

a reproductive cell capable of developing into a new organism without fusion with another cell, often adapted for survival in harsh conditions

Ferns reproduce by releasing spores into the air, which then settle and grow into new plants.

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47
biomass
bio
mass
Noun

animal or plant substances or other organic matter that is used as a source of fuel

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48
taxonomic
tax
o
no
mic
Adjective

related to how living things are categorized based on their similarities

The scientist studied the taxonomic groups of insects.

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49
petri dish
petri dish
Noun

a shallow, circular, transparent dish with a lid, commonly used in laboratories to culture and study microorganisms

The scientist placed the bacterial sample in a Petri dish to observe its growth over several days.

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50
agar
a
gar
Noun

a gelatinous substance derived from seaweed and used as a gelling agent in various food

The agar cubes added a delightful chewiness to the tropical fruit salad.

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51
cosmology
cos
mo
lo
gy
Noun

the scientific study of how the universe is created, its development, and how it is going to end

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52
vi
ru
lent
Adjective

extremely poisonous

The snake's bite was virulent and required immediate treatment.

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53
decomposition
de
com
po
si
tion
Noun

the analysis of a vector field

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54
substrate
subs
trate
Noun

the substance that is acted upon by an enzyme or ferment

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55
excitatory
exc
i
ta
to
ry
Adjective

(of drugs e.g.) able to excite or stimulate

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56
fission yeast
Noun

a single-celled organism used extensively in biological research as a model organism

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57
adaptation
a
dap
ta
tion
Noun

a movie, TV program, etc. that is based on a book or play

The film adaptation of the bestselling novel stayed true to the book's plot and characters.

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58
ame
ba
Noun

a single-celled, microscopic organism belonging to the group of protozoa, characterized by a flexible cell membrane and the absence of a fixed body shape

Amebas are commonly found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater ponds and streams.

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59
physiologist
phy
sio
lo
gist
Noun

a scientist who studies the normal functions and activities of living organisms and their parts, often focusing on how biological systems work at the molecular, cellular, and organ levels

The physiologist conducted experiments to understand how muscles contract and relax.

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60
genus
ge
nus
Noun

(biology) any of the groups that plants, animals, etc. with similar characteristics are divided into, which is larger than a species and smaller than a family

The genus Rosa includes all the species of roses, known for their beautiful flowers and fragrance.

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