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Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9) - Biology

Here, you will learn some English words related to Biology that are necessary for the Academic IELTS exam.

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Vocabulary for Academic IELTS (8)
ribosome
ribosome
[noun]

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

Ex: Ribosomes are the cellular factories responsible for building proteins, essential for various biological functions. 
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Golgi apparatus

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

Ex: The Golgi apparatus modifies and packages proteins, ensuring they are properly shaped and functional. 
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lysosome
lysosome
[noun]

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

Ex: Lysosomes act as the "recycling centers" of cells, breaking down and digesting cellular waste materials. 
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mitochondrion

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

Ex: The mitochondrion is a membrane-bound organelle found in most eukaryotic cells. 
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chromosome

a very small threadlike structure in a living organism that carries the genes and genetic information

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chloroplast

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

Ex: Chloroplasts are the green structures in plant cells where photosynthesis, the process of converting light into energy, takes place. 
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cytoplasm
cytoplasm
[noun]

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

Ex: Cytoplasm fills the interior of a cell, serving as a supportive medium for cellular structures and activities. 
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cytoplast
cytoplast
[noun]

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

Ex: The scientist carefully examined the cytoplast under the microscope to analyze its cellular structure. 
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cytoskeleton

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

Ex: The cytoskeleton acts like a cell's internal scaffolding, maintaining its shape and structural integrity. 
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nucleotide

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

Ex: The sequence of nucleotides in DNA determines genetic information. 
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genome
genome
[noun]

the complete set of genetic material of any living thing

Ex: The human genome consists of approximately 3 billion base pairs of DNA, encoding all the information needed for human development and function. 
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polypeptide

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

Ex: Insulin is a polypeptide hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. 
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organelle
organelle
[noun]

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

Ex: The nucleus, an organelle housing genetic material, regulates cell activities. 
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vacuole
vacuole
[noun]

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

Ex: Vacuoles in plant cells may contain pigments, giving flowers and fruits their vibrant colors. 
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centriole
centriole
[noun]

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

Ex: Centrioles play a crucial role in animal cell division, forming the mitotic spindle. 
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telomere
telomere
[noun]

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

Ex: Think of telomeres as the plastic tips on the ends of a phone charger cable that keep it from wearing out. 
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histone
histone
[noun]

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

Ex: Histones act as spools around which DNA winds, forming compact structures called nucleosomes. 
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phenotype
phenotype
[noun]

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

Ex: Eye color, hair texture, and height are examples of human phenotypes. 
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homeostasis

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

Ex: Sweating to cool down the body temperature is an example of homeostasis in response to external heat. 
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translation

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

Ex: In the first step of translation, messenger RNA (mRNA) is synthesized based on the DNA template. 
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transcription

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

Ex: Transcription initiates when RNA polymerase binds to the DNA at the promoter region. 
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replication

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

Ex: DNA replication is a fundamental process that occurs before cell division, ensuring genetic continuity. 
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heterozygote

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

Ex: An organism with one allele for brown eyes and one for blue eyes is a heterozygote for the eye color gene. 
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homozygote

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

Ex: An organism with two alleles for brown eyes is a homozygote for the eye color gene. 
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codon
codon
[noun]

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

Ex: AUG is the start codon, initiating the translation process in protein synthesis. 
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symbiosis
symbiosis
[noun]

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

Ex: The relationship between cleaner fish and larger fish, where the cleaner fish remove parasites, represents a mutualistic symbiosis. 
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ameba
ameba
[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

Ex: Amebas are commonly found in various aquatic environments, including freshwater ponds and streams. 
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capsid
capsid
[noun]

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

Ex: The capsid of a virus provides structural integrity, enclosing and protecting its genetic material. 
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chlorophyll

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

Ex: Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of plants, reflecting its role in photosynthesis. 
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eukaryote
eukaryote
[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

Ex: Plants, with their roots, stems, and leaves, are examples of eukaryotes. 
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fetus
fetus
[noun]

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

Ex: The ultrasound showed that the fetus was developing normally. 
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ovum
ovum
[noun]

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

Ex: Human females typically release one ovum during each menstrual cycle. 
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pepsin
pepsin
[noun]

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

Ex: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that helps break down proteins into smaller peptides. 
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adenosine triphosphate

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

Ex: Adenosine triphosphate is often referred to as the "energy currency" of cells due to its role in energy transfer. 
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prokaryote

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

Ex: Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), are common examples of prokaryotes. 
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