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ACT Science - Biology

Here you will learn some English words related to biology, such as "decomposition", "assimilate", "virion", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Vocabulary for Science
organism
[noun]

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

Ex: A single-celled organism, such as an amoeba , can exhibit complex behaviors .
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a substance that provides nutrients and conditions for the growth of cells or microorganisms

Ex: The growth medium provided all the nutrients needed for microbial growth .
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culture
[noun]

the process of growing cells, tissues, or organisms in an artificial environment with controlled conditions such as temperature, nutrients, and pH

Ex: Fungal culture is conducted to identify and study fungi responsible for diseases in plants and humans .
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the chemical processes through which food is changed into energy for the body to use

Ex: Metabolism slows down with age, leading to changes in energy levels and body composition.
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specimen
[noun]

a small amount of something such as urine, blood, etc. that is taken for examination

Ex: A blood specimen was sent to the laboratory for testing to determine the patient 's cholesterol levels .
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strain
[noun]

a genetic variant or subtype of a microorganism, typically within a species, that possesses distinct characteristics from other members of the same species

Ex: Viral strain identification is crucial for developing vaccines that target specific variations of viruses .
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(of a cell, gland, or organ) to produce and release a liquid substance in the body

Ex: Sweat glands secrete perspiration, helping to regulate body temperature.
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to discharge waste products or substances from the body or cells into the environment, typically through urine, feces, or sweat

Ex: The liver excretes bile into the digestive system to aid in the breakdown of fats.
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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: Seaweeds, with their diverse forms, are eukaryotic algae found in marine ecosystems.
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a type of reproduction where a single organism can produce offspring without the involvement of another organism

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meiosis
[noun]

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

Ex: The phases of meiosis include prophase I , metaphase I , anaphase I , telophase I , prophase II , metaphase II , anaphase II , and telophase II .
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mitosis
[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

Ex: Somatic cells undergo mitosis, ensuring that each daughter cell retains the same genetic information as the parent cell .
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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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prophase
[noun]

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

Ex: The nuclear envelope disintegrates during prophase, allowing the spindle fibers to interact with the chromosomes .
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metaphase
[noun]

the stage of meiosis where homologous chromosomes align in pairs along the equator of the cell, preparing for their separation into haploid daughter cells

Ex: Metaphase II in meiosis follows after the first division , aligning chromatids at the metaphase plate for separation into individual chromosomes .
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anaphase
[noun]

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

Ex: Anaphase concludes when chromosomes reach opposite poles, marking the transition to telophase in mitosis or anaphase II in meiosis.
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telophase
[noun]

the last stage of meiosis where chromosomes reach opposite poles, nuclear envelopes reform, and cells prepare to divide into daughter cells with half the original chromosome number

Ex: The genetic material is distributed evenly among daughter cells during telophase, ensuring each cell receives a complete set of chromosomes .
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to break down or decompose naturally by biological processes, typically through the action of microorganisms like bacteria or fungi

Ex: The fallen tree began to biodegrade, returning nutrients to the forest floor .
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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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the existence of a range of different plants and animals in a natural environment

Ex: Marine biodiversity in coral reefs is threatened by rising ocean temperatures and pollution .
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a field of study that combines biology and computational methods to analyze and interpret biological data

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biocompatible
[Adjective]

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

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

Ex: Biometric studies in agriculture employ statistical models to assess crop yield variations based on environmental factors.
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mucus
[noun]

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

Ex: The respiratory therapist taught the patient how to perform chest physiotherapy to help loosen and mobilize mucus in the lungs .
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the branch of biology that deals with microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, and their effects on living organisms

Ex: A degree in microbiology opens doors to careers in healthcare and research .
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virion
[noun]

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

Ex: Understanding the structure and function of virions is crucial for developing antiviral treatments and vaccines .
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the process of training or adapting behavior through repeated experiences or stimuli to produce specific responses or associations

Ex: Social conditioning refers to the influence of societal norms and expectations on individual behavior and beliefs .
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nutrient
[noun]

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

Ex: Lack of certain nutrients can lead to health problems .
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an approach to innovation and problem-solving that draws inspiration from nature's designs, processes, and systems

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

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ecology
[noun]

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

Ex: The research team focused on ecology to explore how pollution affects aquatic life .
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anthropogenic
[Adjective]

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

Ex: Anthropogenic influences on the environment can have long-lasting effects on ecosystems and wildlife .
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tourism that includes visiting endangered natural environments which aims at preservation of the wildlife and the nature

Ex: The growing popularity of ecotourism is helping to fund nature reserves around the world .
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motility
[noun]

the ability of an organism or cell to move independently using specialized structures such as flagella, cilia, or pseudopodia

Ex: Motility is essential for the movement of cells during processes like wound healing and embryonic development .
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protist
[noun]

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

Ex: Protists play important ecological roles as primary producers and consumers in aquatic food webs .
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homologous
[Adjective]

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

Ex: Although they live in different environments , terrestrial and aquatic animals often exhibit homologous anatomical features .
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the light produced by by living organisms as a result of biochemical reactions, often used for communication, attracting prey, or camouflage

Ex: Certain species of jellyfish , like the Aequorea victoria , exhibit bioluminescence, emitting a greenish-blue glow as a defense mechanism against predators .
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hydroid
[noun]

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

Ex: Some species of hydroids have stinging cells similar to those of jellyfish .
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the process by which a differentiated cell changes its identity and adopts the characteristics of a different cell type

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mycelium
[noun]

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

Ex: The mushroom 's mycelium extended far beyond the visible fruiting body , hidden beneath the surface .
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mutualist
[Adjective]

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

Ex: Gardeners often introduce mutualist bacteria to the soil to promote plant health and growth.
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commensal
[Adjective]

describing a relationship between two organisms where one benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed

Ex: The commensal association between epiphytic plants and their hosts allows the epiphytes to access sunlight high in the canopy.
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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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(of organisms) to absorb and incorporate nutrients or substances from their environment into their own tissues or cells

Ex: The fungi assimilated the organic matter from the decaying leaves .
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spore
[noun]

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

Ex: The resilient spore can survive extreme temperatures , making it a crucial survival mechanism for certain bacteria .
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biomass
[noun]

the entirety of living organisms in a specific area or ecosystem, typically measured as dry weight after removing water

Ex: Forest management practices aim to maintain and increase biomass through sustainable harvesting techniques .
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taxonomic
[Adjective]

related to how living things are categorized based on their similarities

Ex: Taxonomic changes show how species are connected through evolution .
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a shallow, circular, transparent dish with a lid, commonly used in laboratories to culture and study microorganisms

Ex: The students carefully transferred the yeast cells into the Petri dish to study their reproductive behavior .
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agar
[noun]

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

Ex: The agar jelly shots were a hit at the party , with their vibrant colors and jiggly texture .
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cosmology
[noun]

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

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virulent
[Adjective]

(of a disease) able to make one sick

Ex: The virulent bacteria spread quickly through the population, causing widespread illness.
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the natural process where bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem

Ex: Scientists study decomposition rates to understand how different environments affect nutrient cycling .
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substrate
[noun]

the underlying surface or material where an organism attaches, grows, or feeds

Ex: Researchers chose a gel-like substrate in the Petri dish to culture and observe bacterial growth .
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excitatory
[Adjective]

capable of triggering an increase in the activity or responsiveness of the cell or organism

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

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the process by which organisms evolve over time to better suit their environment, survive, and reproduce more effectively

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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 play a role in nutrient cycling by consuming bacteria and organic matter in their habitats.
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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

Ex: Comparative physiologists investigate how different species adapt to their environments through physiological processes .
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genus
[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

Ex: Scientists debated whether the newly found fossil should be classified within the existing genus or if it represented a new genus entirely .
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