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Organisms A group of living beings that are capable of reproducing and evolving. ■ "I don't understand why organisms can't just get along. It's so basic!
amino a small, simple protein molecule that makes up the building blocks of all living organisms ■ "I told my friend he was made of amino acids. He didn't laugh."
bacteria Small, unicellular organisms that reproduce asexually and are involved in various biological processes, such as decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and fermentation. ■ "I'm sorry, but I can't go out tonight. I have a severe case of bacteria in my stomach."
Biohazard A substance or material that is so hazardous to living organisms that it requires special handling and containment. ■ "I accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee on my shirt, and now it's a biohazard!
biological Relating to or characteristic of living organisms, particularly plants and animals. ■ "The biological diversity of the world is amazing! There are so many different types of plants and animals out there."
biologically In a way that is true to the characteristics of living organisms, rather than being artificial or mechanical. ■ "I need biologically clean bedsheets or else I'll get sick."
biology The study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and the environment. ■ "I thought biology was boring, but then I learned about the mating rituals of some species and now I'm obsessed!"
Biotech A field of study that combines science and technology to manipulate living organisms. ■ "I can't believe you want to become a biotech engineer, it's like playing God!"
Elements The building blocks of everything in the universe, including atoms, molecules, and organisms. Without elements, nothing would exist. ■ "I'm just made up of a few simple elements: carbon, hydrogen, and some oxygen."
genes The genetic information that determines an organism's physical and behavioral traits. ■ "My genes are to blame for my love of pizza and my inability to function without coffee in the morning."
Genetics The study of the inheritance patterns and variations in traits among living organisms, including humans. ■ Why did the tomato turn red? Because it had good genetics!
Glucose A sweet, sticky substance that provides energy to living organisms. Also known as "candy." ■ "I need some glucose to power through this workout!"
grub A small, segmented animal that lives in the ground and feeds on plants or other organisms. ■ I accidentally stepped on a grub while gardening, but it was alright because I'm not afraid of grubs.
Harmful Something that causes harm, damage or injury to living organisms. ■ "I accidentally spilled my coffee on my shirt, and now I have a harmful stain on my shirt."
paleontology The study of ancient organisms, specifically those that lived more than 100 million years ago. ■ "I can't believe I'm studying paleontology instead of becoming a rock star."
Pathogen A type of microorganism that causes disease in living organisms. ■ "I can't believe I caught a pathogen at the gym. It must have been on the treadmill."
Physiological Relating to the natural processes and functions of living organisms, particularly those involving bodily functions such as digestion, respiration, and circulation. ■ "I had a terrible case of physiological indigestion after eating that spicy food."
Spores Small, dry particles that reproduce fungi and some other organisms. Also known as spores. ■ "I accidentally stepped on a pile of spores and now I'm sprouting mushrooms everywhere!"
toxin A poisonous substance that causes harm or death to living organisms. ■ "The snake charmer accidentally ingested a deadly toxin and died on the spot."
toxins A highly poisonous substance that is harmful to living organisms. ■ "I accidentally ate some moldy cheese and now I feel like a human toxin! "
animals A group of organisms that are capable of motion but lack the ability to reason or think. ■ "Animals" are known for their ability to make funny noises and do silly things, such as chasing their tails or barking at imaginary objects."
Biochemist A person who studies the chemical processes that occur within living organisms, and who often spends their days in a lab mixing chemicals and running experiments. Also known as a "lab rat." ■ "Why did the biochemist become a baker? Because he kneaded some dough!
biochemistry The study of the chemical reactions and processes that occur within living organisms, often with the goal of developing new treatments or cures for diseases. ■ "I never realized how important biochemistry was until I tried to make a protein shake without it - my muscles were so weak and flabby!
Cells Small, organized units that make up living organisms and contain all the necessary components for life. ■ "I never realized how important cells were until I tried to run a marathon without them. Turns out, they're kind of like the power source of your body."
Ecosystem A complex network of interconnected organisms and their environment, in which each organism has a specific role to play. ■ "The ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest is a delicate balance between the plants, animals, and insects that call it home. For example, the jaguar relies on the fish in the river for food, while the fish rely on the plants for protection from predators."
Geneticist A person who studies the genetic makeup of living organisms and uses this knowledge to improve the health and well-being of humans and other species. ■ "I went to the doctor to get my genes tested, but they told me I'm not a geneticist."
genome The complete set of genetic information that determines an organism's physical and biological traits. It is the blueprint for all living things. ■ "I don't know what my genome is saying, but I'm pretty sure it's telling me to eat more tacos."
hybrids A creature that is the result of combining two different types of organisms in a way that produces something new and unique. ■ "The scientists were able to create a hybrid of a giraffe and a chicken, resulting in a bird with long legs that could reach high branches."
Mite A small, harmless insect that lives in dirt and feeds on other tiny organisms. ■ I was walking in the park when I spotted a mite crawling on my shoe. I didn't let it bother me though, because I knew it was just a harmless little guy trying to make a living.
Physiology The study of the internal structure and function of living organisms, particularly humans. ■ "Did you know that the average human has over 100,000 miles worth of blood vessels? No wonder we're always running low on ink for our veins!
Plants Noun (biology) a group of living organisms that lack mobility, reproduce by seed, and grow by the photosynthesis of carbohydrates. ■ The plants in the garden are all flowering, creating a beautiful display., Noun (informal) a person who is very good at playing video games and is often competitive with others. ■ "I knew he was going to be the best plants player!" said John after his friend beat him in the game.
Species A group of organisms that are capable of interbreeding to produce viable offspring. ■ Once upon a time, there were two species of monkeys: the banana-eating monkeys and the nut-cracking monkeys. Despite their differences in dietary preferences, they were able to get along just fine.
Symbiotic A close and mutually beneficial relationship between two or more organisms of different species, in which one or both provide resources or support for the other(s). ■ "I can't believe I have to share my food with this pesky ant. But hey, at least I'm getting some free labor in return."
Toxicology The study of poisons, their effects on living organisms, and ways to counteract or prevent those effects. ■ "I accidentally ingested a bottle of poisonous snake venom while trying to impress my friends at the bar. Now I'm learning about toxicology so I can avoid any future incidents."
Viruses Small infectious agents that reproduce inside the cells of living organisms, often causing diseases. ■ "I'm telling you, my computer is running slower because it's infected with a virus. I bet if I install some antivirus software, it will be as fast as lightning!"
Water A transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's streams, lakes, and oceans, and the fluids of most living organisms. ■ "I forgot my umbrella, now I have to walk home in the pouring rain. Ha! Water is such a pain."