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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
organism
[noun]

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

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

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

Ex: The lab used a growth medium to cultivate the bacteria. 
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culture
culture
[noun]

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

Ex: Microbiologists use agar plates to culture bacteria for studying their growth and characteristics. 
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metabolism

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

Ex: Metabolism involves various biochemical reactions that convert nutrients from food into energy. 
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specimen
specimen
[noun]

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

Ex: The nurse collected a urine specimen from the patient for laboratory analysis. 
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strain
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: The influenza virus mutates frequently, resulting in new strains each flu season. 
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to secrete

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

Ex: Salivary glands secrete enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. 
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to excrete

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

Ex: The kidneys excrete excess water and waste products from the bloodstream. 
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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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asexual reproduction

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

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meiosis
meiosis
[noun]

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

Ex: Meiosis ensures genetic diversity by creating haploid cells with unique combinations of chromosomes. 
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mitosis
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: Mitosis is essential for the growth and development of multicellular organisms, as it results in the production of new cells. 
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interphase

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
prophase
[noun]

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

Ex: During prophase, the duplicated chromosomes become visible under a microscope as they condense. 
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metaphase
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: During metaphase I of meiosis, homologous chromosomes pair up and align at the metaphase plate. 
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anaphase
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: During anaphase of mitosis, sister chromatids separate and move toward opposite ends of the cell. 
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telophase
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: During telophase I of meiosis, nuclear envelopes reassemble around the chromosomes at opposite poles. 
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to biodegrade

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

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

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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biodiversity

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

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

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

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biocompatible
biocompatible
[Adjective]

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

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biometrics

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

Ex: Biometrics in biology uses statistical methods to analyze genetic variations among different populations. 
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mucus
mucus
[noun]

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

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

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

Ex: Microbiology is essential for understanding disease transmission. 
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virion
virion
[noun]

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

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

the process of training or adapting behavior through repeated experiences or stimuli to produce specific responses or associations

Ex: Pavlov's experiments demonstrated classical conditioning, where dogs learned to associate a bell with food. 
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nutrient
nutrient
[noun]

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

Ex: Fiber is a nutrient that aids in digestion. 
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biomimicry

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

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gamete
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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microbiome

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

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ecology
ecology
[noun]

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

Ex: Ecology examines how plants and animals adapt to their environments. 
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anthropogenic
anthropogenic
[Adjective]

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

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

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

Ex: They planned an ecotourism trip to a rainforest to learn about local conservation efforts. 
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motility
motility
[noun]

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

Ex: Sperm cells exhibit motility as they swim towards the egg for fertilization. 
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protist
protist
[noun]

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

Ex: Paramecium and amoeba are protists commonly found in freshwater habitats. 
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homologous
homologous
[Adjective]

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

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

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

Ex: 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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hydroid
hydroid
[noun]

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

Ex: The marine biologist studied the unique structures of the hydroid colony. 
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transdifferentiation

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

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mycelium
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 forest floor was rich with mycelium, crucial for nutrient recycling in the ecosystem. 
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mutualist
mutualist
[Adjective]

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

Ex: Bees are mutualists because they pollinate flowers while collecting nectar for food. 
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commensal
commensal
[Adjective]

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

Ex: The commensal relationship between barnacles and whales allows the barnacles to travel vast distances. 
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mycorrhiza

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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to assimilate

(of organisms) to absorb and incorporate nutrients or substances from their environment into their own tissues or cells

Ex: The plants assimilate nutrients from the soil through their roots. 
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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

Ex: Ferns reproduce by releasing spores into the air, which then settle and grow into new plants. 
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biomass
biomass
[noun]

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

Ex: The tropical rainforest contains a vast biomass of plants and animals, contributing to its incredible biodiversity. 
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taxonomic
taxonomic
[Adjective]

related to how living things are categorized based on their similarities

Ex: The scientist studied the taxonomic groups of insects. 
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petri dish

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

Ex: The scientist placed the bacterial sample in a Petri dish to observe its growth over several days. 
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agar
agar
[noun]

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

Ex: The agar cubes added a delightful chewiness to the tropical fruit salad. 
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cosmology
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
virulent
[Adjective]

(of a disease) able to make one sick

Ex: The outbreak was caused by a virulent strain of the flu virus. 
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decomposition

the natural process where bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem

Ex: The fallen leaves underwent decomposition, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients. 
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substrate
substrate
[noun]

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

Ex: The lichen adhered firmly to the rocky substrate, surviving in harsh conditions. 
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excitatory
excitatory
[Adjective]

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

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fission yeast

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

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adaptation

the process by which organisms evolve traits that improve their chances of survival and reproduction in a particular environment

Ex: Camouflage is an adaptation that helps animals avoid predators. 
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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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physiologist

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: The physiologist conducted experiments to understand how muscles contract and relax. 
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genus
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: The genus Rosa includes all the species of roses, known for their beautiful flowers and fragrance. 
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