Biology PDF - Glossary

Abiotic: Non-living factors in the environment, such as temperature, light, and minerals. Adaptation: A characteristic or trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment Allele: One of the alternative forms of a gene that occupies a specific position (locus) o...

Abiotic: Non-living factors in the environment, such as temperature, light, and minerals. Adaptation: A characteristic or trait that enhances an organism's survival and reproduction in a specific environment Allele: One of the alternative forms of a gene that occupies a specific position (locus) on a chromosome. Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins, consisting of a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group). Anaerobic: Processes that occur in the absence of oxygen. Autotroph: An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Biodiversity: The variety of living organisms in a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Cell: The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. Chromosome: A thread-like structure composed of DNA and proteins, carrying genetic information. Cloning: The process of producing genetically identical individuals or cells. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): The hereditary material in cells, containing genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms. Ecology: The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. Enzyme: A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions in living organisms. Evolution: The process of gradual change in a population of organisms over time. Genome: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism. Hormone: Chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system, regulating various physiological processes. Lipid: A class of organic molecules that includes fats, oils, and phospholipids. Mitosis: The process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells. Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence of a gene. Natural Selection: The process by which organisms with advantageous traits for their environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully. Organelle: Specialized structures within a cell that perform specific functions. Photosynthesis: The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water. Reproduction: The process by which organisms produce offspring. I Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. Taxonomy: The science of classifying and naming organisms. Transcription: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template. Translation: The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA. Virus: A non-living infectious agent that relies on host cells for replication. Xylem: Plant tissue that transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. Zygote: The cell formed by the fusion of two gametes during fertilization. Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): The primary energy currency of cells, used for various cellular processes. Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems on Earth, including all living organisms and their interactions with the physical environment. Catalyst: A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without undergoing any permanent change itself. Diffusion: The movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Eukaryote: An organism whose cells have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Feedback Mechanism: A regulatory process in which the output or response affects the input or stimulus, either amplifying or inhibiting it. Glycolysis: The initial stage of cellular respiration, breaking down glucose into pyruvate. Homeostasis: The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite external fluctuations. Inheritance: The process by which genetic information is passed from one generation to the next. Joule: The unit of energy used in the International System of Units (SI). Karyotype: The number and visual appearance of the chromosomes in the cell nuclei of an organism. Lysosome: A membrane-bound organelle containing enzymes that break down cellular waste and debris. Meiosis: The process of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the number of chromosomes. Niche: The role or function of an organism or species in an ecosystem. Osmosis: The movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Population: A group of individuals of the same species living in a specific geographic area. Quantitative Trait: A trait determined by multiple genes and influenced by environmental factors, resulting in a continuous variation. Respiration: The process by which cells break down organic molecules to release energy. Sexual Selection: Natural selection arising through preference by one sex for certain characteristics in individuals of the other sex. Trophic Level: The position of an organism in a food chain or energy pyramid. Urea: A nitrogenous waste product excreted in urine, resulting from the breakdown of proteins. Vascular Bundle: A strand of vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) in the stems and leaves of plants. Wavelength: The distance between successive peaks of a wave, often used in the context of electromagnetic radiation. Xerophyte: A plant adapted to live in arid or dry conditions. Yeast: Single-celled fungi commonly used in baking and brewing. Zoonosis: An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Apoptosis: Programmed cell death, a natural and controlled process that eliminates unnecessary or damaged cells. Biome: A large geographic biotic unit, characterized by specific plant and animal communities, climate, and soil. Cytoskeleton: A network of protein filaments and tubules within the cell that provides structural support and facilitates cell movement. Diploid: Cells or organisms that have two sets of chromosomes (2n), one from each parent. Ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. Fungi: A kingdom of eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms. Gel Electrophoresis: A laboratory technique used to separate and analyze DNA, RNA, or proteins based on their size and charge. Haploid: Cells or organisms that have one set of chromosomes (n). Invasive Species: Non-native species that have been introduced to a new environment and can cause harm to the ecosystem. Kinetochore: A protein structure on chromatids where spindle fibers attach during cell division to pull the chromatids apart. Lamarckism: A theory of evolution suggesting that acquired traits can be passed on to offspring. Monomer: A molecule that can join together with other molecules to form a polymer. Nucleotide: The basic building block of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Omnivore: An organism that eats both plants and animals. Phenotype: The observable traits or characteristics of an organism, resulting from both genetic and environmental influences. Quantum Biology: The study of quantum phenomena in biological systems, exploring how quantum processes may play a role in biological functions. Ribosome: Cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis by translating messenger RNA (mRNA) into amino acid sequences. Symbiosis: A close and long-term interaction between two different species, often benefiting both. Tissue: A group of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function. Uracil: A nitrogenous base found in RNA, complementary to adenine. Vestigial Structure: An anatomical structure that has lost its original function through evolution. Wolbachia: Intracellular bacteria that commonly infect insects and other arthropods, influencing their reproduction. Xenotransplantation: The transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another. Yolk Sac: A membranous sac attached to the embryo's ventral surface, providing nutrients in the early stages of development. Zygospore: A thick-walled resting cell formed by the fusion of gametes in some fungi and algae. Recombinant DNA Technology: The process of combining genes from different sources to create a new DNA sequence, often used in genetic engineering. Genetic Engineering: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. Cloning: The production of genetically identical copies of a gene, cell, or organism. CRISPR-Cas9: A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows precise modification of DNA sequences. Bioremediation: The use of living organisms to detoxify or remove pollutants from the environment. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO): An organism whose genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination. Transgenic Organism: An organism that has been genetically modified by introducing genes from another species. PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A laboratory technique used to amplify and produce multiple copies of a specific DNA sequence. Stem Cell: A type of cell with the potential to develop into different cell types in the body. Gene Therapy: The introduction, removal, or change of genetic material within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. Protein Engineering: The design and construction of new proteins or enzymes with desired functions. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: The use of biotechnology techniques in the development and production of pharmaceuticals. Fermentation: A metabolic process that converts sugars to acids, gases, or alcohol using microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, or fungi. Bioinformatics: The use of computer science and information technology to analyze and interpret biological data, particularly genetic data. Enzyme Immobilization: The technique of fixing enzymes to a solid support, allowing for reuse in industrial processes. Synthetic Biology: The design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, as well as the re-design of existing, natural biological systems. Biosensor: A device that uses biological molecules to detect the presence of specific substances. DNA Sequencing: The process of determining the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule. CRISPRi (CRISPR Interference): A modified version of CRISPR-Cas9 used to inhibit gene expression rather than edit the DNA sequence. Downstream Processing: The purification and recovery of a biotechnological product after its production. Expression Vector: A plasmid or other genetic element used to introduce a foreign gene into a host cell for protein expression. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): A laboratory technique used to detect the presence of antibodies or antigens in a sample. Genomic Medicine: The use of an individual's genomic information in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. In vitro Fertilization (IVF): A fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body and then implanted in the uterus. Nanobiotechnology: The application of nanotechnology to biology, often involving the manipulation of molecules or structures on the nanoscale. Epigenetics: The study of heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. Gene Expression: The process by which information from a gene is used to synthesize a functional gene product, often a protein. High-Throughput Screening: A method for rapidly testing the biological or biochemical activity of a large number of compounds. Metabolic Engineering: The optimization of cellular metabolic pathways for the production of desired compounds. Omics Technologies: Technologies that analyze large-scale biological data, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. RNA Interference (RNAi): A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation. Western Blot: A laboratory technique used to detect specific proteins in a sample using antibodies. Bioprocessing: The large-scale production of biological products, often involving the use of microorganisms or cells. CRISPR-Cas12 (Cpf1): An alternative to CRISPR-Cas9, using the Cas12 enzyme for precise gene editing. Organ-on-a-Chip: Microscale devices that mimic the functions of human organs, used for drug testing and disease modeling. Synthetic Genomics: The design and creation of entirely new genomes with desired functions. Phenomics: The study of the physical and biochemical traits of organisms as influenced by genetic and environmental factors. RNA Sequencing (RNA-Seq): A high-throughput method to analyze the transcriptome of a cell or tissue. Bioethics: The study of ethical issues arising in the fields of biology and biomedicine, including those related to biotechnology. In Silico: Processes or experiments conducted using computer-based simulations or models. Biofuel: Renewable fuels produced from biological sources, such as plants or algae. DNA Methylation: The addition of methyl groups to DNA, often involved in the regulation of gene expression. Phage Display: A laboratory technique for the study of protein-protein, protein-peptide, or protein-DNA interactions. Regenerative Medicine: The use of tissue engineering and stem cell therapy to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. Proteomics: The large-scale study of proteins, including their structures and functions. Biocompatible Materials: Materials that are well-tolerated by living organisms and do not elicit an immune response. Biosafety: Measures to prevent accidental release of potentially harmful biological materials. DNA Barcoding: The use of short DNA sequences to identify and classify species. RNA Vaccines: Vaccines that use mRNA to instruct cells to produce antigens and stimulate an immune response. Toxicogenomics: The study of how genes respond to toxic substances. Quorum Sensing: The regulation of gene expression in response to cell population density, often seen in bacteria.