Advanced Academic IELTS Words for "Biology"

ribosome

noun

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a tiny structure within cells that assembles proteins by reading the genetic instructions carried by messenger RNA

Example

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Ribosomes are the cellular factories responsible for building proteins, essential for various biological functions.

Ribosomes play a fundamental role in cellular activities by producing the diverse proteins required for cell structure and function.

Golgi apparatus

noun

/ɡˈɑːlɡi ˌæpɚɹˈæɾəs/

a cellular organelle involved in the processing, packaging, and distribution of proteins and lipids within the cell, consisting of a stack of flattened membrane sacs called cisternae

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

lysosome

noun

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a small, enzyme-filled sac in a cell that breaks down waste materials and unwanted substances

mitochondrion

noun

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an organelle that is abundantly present in most cells and is responsible for energy production

chloroplast

noun

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a plant cell organelle that uses sunlight to produce energy and make glucose through photosynthesis

cytoplasm

noun

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the gel-like, semifluid substance within a cell that surrounds the organelles, providing a medium for cellular activities, including metabolism, transport of substances, and support for cellular structures

cytoplast

noun

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a cell that has had its nucleus removed or the cellular material excluding the nucleus

cytoskeleton

noun

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a network of protein fibers in a cell that gives it shape, supports its structure, and aids in movement

nucleotide

noun

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a molecule that forms the basic building block of DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base

genome

noun

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the complete set of genetic material of any living thing

polypeptide

noun

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a linear chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming a primary structure of a protein

organelle

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a specialized, membrane-bound structure within a cell that performs specific functions, contributing to the cell's overall structure and function

vacuole

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a cell organelle in plants, fungi, and some protists that stores nutrients, manages waste, and helps maintain cell pressure

centriole

noun

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a pair of small cylinders near the nucleus in animal cells, organizing cell division by forming the mitotic spindle

telomere

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a repetitive DNA sequence at the end of a linear chromosome, protecting it from deterioration during replication, and playing a role in cellular aging and cancer development

histone

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a type of protein that plays a structural role in the packaging of DNA into nucleosomes, fundamental units of chromatin

phenotype

noun

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the observable physical and behavioral characteristics of an organism, resulting from the interaction of its genotype (genetic makeup) with the environment

homeostasis

noun

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the tendency of an organism or cell to regulate its internal environment and maintain a stable, balanced condition, despite external changes

translation

noun

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the process by which the information encoded in the sequence of nucleotides in DNA is converted into a functional product, typically a protein

transcription

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the process by which a segment of DNA is used as a template to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule

replication

noun

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the process by which an organism duplicates its genetic material, particularly the copying of DNA in cell division

heterozygote

noun

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an individual organism or cell with two different alleles at a specific gene locus, having inherited different genetic information from each parent

homozygote

noun

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an individual organism or cell with two identical alleles at a specific gene locus, having inherited the same genetic information from both parents

codon

noun

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a sequence of three adjacent nucleotides in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis or serves as a start or stop signal in the translation process

symbiosis

noun

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a close and often long-term interaction between two different species living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both

ameba

noun

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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

Grammatical Information:

Plural form

amebae, amoebae

capsid

noun

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the protein coat of a virus that encases its genetic material and helps it attach to and enter host cells during infection

chlorophyll

noun

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a green pigment found in all green plants and cyanobacteria that is responsible for the absorption of the sunlight needed for the photosynthesis process

eukaryote

noun

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

prokaryote

fetus

noun

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an offspring of a human or animal that is not born yet, particularly a human aged more than eight weeks after conception

ovum

noun

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a mature, female reproductive cell or egg, typically larger than a sperm cell, capable of fusing with a sperm cell during fertilization to form a zygote

pepsin

noun

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an enzyme produced in the stomach that helps in the digestion of proteins by breaking them down into smaller peptides

What is "pepsin"?

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that plays a crucial role in the human body's digestion of proteins. It is produced in the stomach and acts to break down large protein molecules into smaller peptides. Pepsin works optimally in the acidic environment of the stomach, where it helps initiate the process of protein digestion, enabling the body to absorb essential amino acids for various biological functions.

adenosine triphosphate

noun

/ˈædənˌɑːsaɪn tɹˈɪfəsfˌeɪt/

a molecule that carries energy within cells, composed of adenine, a ribose sugar, and three phosphate groups

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

prokaryote

noun

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a simple, single-celled organism that lacks a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria and archaea

eukaryote

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