Biology Concepts and Terminologies

A collection of important biology terms and their definitions to aid in study and understanding of key concepts.

Neuron

A specialized cell transmitting nerve impulses.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism.

Endocrine glands

Glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Synapse

The junction between two nerve cells, where impulses are transmitted.

Osmosis

The movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

Meiosis

A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing four gametes.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Mutagen

An agent that causes changes in the DNA sequence.

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Allele

A variant form of a gene.

Biotechnology

The use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to develop products.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Antagonistic muscles

Muscle pairs that work against each other, such as biceps and triceps.

Respiration

The biochemical process in which organic molecules are broken down to release energy.

Gene therapy

A technique that modifies a person's genes to treat or prevent disease.

Fertilization

The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain.

Excretion

The process of eliminating waste products from the body.

Meristem

Growing tissue in plants, responsible for growth.

Cilia

Hair-like structures that help in movement and sensing the environment.

Niche

The role or function of an organism or species within an ecosystem.

Tendons

Fibrous connective tissue that attaches muscle to bone.

Vaccine

A substance used to stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against diseases.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

Ploid

Referring to the number of sets of chromosomes in a cell.

Dehydration

The loss of water from the body or from tissues.

Plasmids

Small circular DNA molecules found in bacteria.

Visking tubing

A type of semi-permeable membrane used to demonstrate osmosis.

Capillaries

Small blood vessels where the exchange of substances occurs.

Sustainable development

Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.