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ACT Science - Biochemistry and Cell Structure

Here you will learn some English words related to biochemistry and cell structure, such as "nucleus", "lipid", "enzyme", etc. that will help you ace your ACTs.

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ACT Vocabulary for Science
cellulose
cellulose
[noun]

a substance found in the cell walls of plants, providing structure and making up dietary fiber

Ex: Plants utilize cellulose as a structural component in their cell walls. 
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fructose
fructose
[noun]

a natural sugar found in fruits and honey, often used to sweeten foods and drinks

Ex: Fruits contain fructose, contributing to their natural sweetness. 
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glucose
glucose
[noun]

a basic kind of sugar that is a component of carbohydrates and provides energy for many living organisms

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peptide
peptide
[noun]

a short chain of amino acids linked together, which can function as a building block for proteins or act as a signaling molecule in the body

Ex: Scientists synthesized a peptide to study its potential as a new therapeutic drug. 
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carotenoid

a type of pigment found in plants, algae, and some bacteria, responsible for bright red, yellow, and orange colors and important for photosynthesis and antioxidant activity

Ex: The vivid orange color of carrots is due to the high concentration of carotenoids in their tissues. 
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enzyme
enzyme
[noun]

a substance that all living organisms produce that brings about a chemical reaction without being altered itself

Ex: Enzymes play a crucial role in digestion, breaking down food into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body. 
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proteome
proteome
[noun]

the entire set of proteins expressed by a cell, tissue, or organism at a specific time under defined conditions

Ex: Scientists used mass spectrometry to analyze the proteome of cancer cells, identifying potential biomarkers for early detection. 
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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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monosaccharide

a simple sugar molecule, the most basic form of carbohydrates that cannot be further hydrolyzed

Ex: The body metabolizes carbohydrates into monosaccharides for energy. 
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glutamate
glutamate
[noun]

a fundamental compound derived from glutamic acid, integral to biological functions and known for its role as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system

Ex: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular food additive used to enhance the savory taste of dishes. 
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antioxidant

a substance, such as vitamin E, that helps clean the body of harmful substances

Ex: The blueberries were rich in antioxidants, which helped protect the body against free radicals. 
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lipid
lipid
[noun]

any of a class of organic substances that do not dissolve in water that include many natural oils, waxes, and steroids

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mitochondrial
mitochondrial
[Adjective]

relating to or characteristic of mitochondria, which are organelles found in cells responsible for energy production

Ex: Mitochondrial diseases can result from mutations in genes within the mitochondrial DNA. 
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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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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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membrane
membrane
[noun]

a thin sheet of tissue that separates or covers the inner parts of an organism

Ex: The cell membrane protects the interior of the cell. 
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tissue
tissue
[noun]

a group of cells in the body of living things, forming their different parts

Ex: Muscle tissue enables movement and supports the body's structure. 
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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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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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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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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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nucleus
nucleus
[noun]

(biology) the part of a cell that contains most of the genetic information

Ex: The nucleus of a cell contains genetic material in the form of DNA, which regulates cellular activities. 
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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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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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morphology

a branch of biology concerning the scientific study of the form and structure of an organism including plants and animals

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intracellular
intracellular
[Adjective]

(biology) taking place inside one cell or more

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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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cambium
cambium
[noun]

a layer of actively dividing cells in plants, responsible for secondary growth by producing new xylem and phloem tissues

Ex: The vascular cambium in trees adds layers of wood and bark each year, contributing to trunk growth. 
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