Texas Biology TEKS Vocabulary List

Overview

• Grade Level: 9th grade
• Topic: Texas Biology TEKS Vocabulary
• Number of Words: 250

Vocabulary Words

1. Cell

   • Definition: The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.
   • Example: Every organism is made up of one or more cells.

2. Photosynthesis

   • Definition: The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy using carbon dioxide and water.
   • Example: Photosynthesis allows plants to create glucose and oxygen.

3. Mitosis

   • Definition: A process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells.
   • Example: During mitosis, a single cell divides into two cells.

4. Meiosis

   • Definition: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, leading to the formation of gametes.
   • Example: Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction in many organisms.

5. Chromosome

   • Definition: A structure found in the nucleus of a cell that contains DNA and genetic information.
   • Example: Humans have 46 chromosomes in their somatic cells.

6. DNA

   • Definition: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for living organisms.
   • Example: DNA is often described as the blueprint for life.

7. RNA

   • Definition: Ribonucleic acid, a molecule involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.
   • Example: RNA plays a critical role in translating genetic information into proteins.

8. Gene

   • Definition: A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein or trait.
   • Example: Genes are passed from parents to offspring.

9. Trait

   • Definition: A characteristic or feature of an organism that can be inherited or acquired.
   • Example: Eye color and height are examples of traits.

10. Allele

    • Definition: Different versions of a gene that determine distinct traits.
    • Example: An organism may have two different alleles for a particular gene.

11. Phenotype

    • Definition: The observable physical and functional traits of an organism, resulting from its genotype and environment.
    • Example: The phenotype of a plant can be influenced by sunlight and water availability.

12. Genotype

    • Definition: The genetic makeup of an organism, including all of its alleles.
    • Example: An individual's genotype determines their potential traits.

13. Biodiversity

    • Definition: The variety of life in the world, including the diversity of species and ecosystems.
    • Example: Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience.

14. Ecosystem

    • Definition: A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.
    • Example: A forest is a complex ecosystem with many species interacting.

15. Homeostasis

    • Definition: The maintenance of a stable internal environment in an organism despite external changes.
    • Example: Humans maintain homeostasis by regulating body temperature.

16. Natural Selection

    • Definition: The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
    • Example: Natural selection can lead to evolution over long periods.

17. Adaptation

    • Definition: A characteristic that improves an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in a particular environment.
    • Example: The long neck of a giraffe is an adaptation for reaching high leaves.

18. Species

    • Definition: A group of similar organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
    • Example: The lion and the tiger are different species.

19. Ecology

    • Definition: The scientific study of interactions among organisms and their environment.
    • Example: Ecology helps us understand the relationships in ecosystems.

20. Cell Membrane

    • Definition: The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell, controlling the passage of substances in and out.
    • Example: The cell membrane helps maintain a stable internal environment.

21. Organelle

    • Definition: A specialized subunit within a cell that has a specific function, such as mitochondria or chloroplasts.
    • Example: Mitochondria are known as the powerhouse of the cell.

22. Chloroplast

    • Definition: An organelle found in plant cells that conducts photosynthesis, converting solar energy into chemical energy.
    • Example: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color.

23. Vacuole

    • Definition: A membrane-bound organelle in the cytoplasm of a cell that stores materials such as water, nutrients, or waste.
    • Example: Plant cells have large vacuoles that maintain turgor pressure.

24. Eukaryote

    • Definition: An organism whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, as opposed to prokaryotes.
    • Example: Humans are eukaryotic organisms.

25. Prokaryote

    • Definition: A microscopic single-celled organism that has neither a distinct nucleus with a membrane nor other specialized organelles.
    • Example: Bacteria are examples of prokaryotic organisms.

26. Mutation

    • Definition: A change in the DNA sequence that may lead to changes in an organism's traits.
    • Example: Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders.

27. Biochemical Cycle

    • Definition: A pathway by which a chemical substance moves through biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere.
    • Example: The carbon cycle is a major biochemical cycle.

28. Genome

    • Definition: The complete set of genes or genetic material present in a cell or organism.
    • Example: The human genome contains about 20,000-25,000 genes.

29. Nucleotide

    • Definition: The basic structural unit of nucleic acids, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
    • Example: DNA is made up of long chains of nucleotides.

30. Endoplasmic Reticulum

    • Definition: An organelle involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids, found in eukaryotic cells.
    • Example: The rough ER is studded with ribosomes for protein synthesis.

31. Golgi Apparatus

    • Definition: An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or use within the cell.
    • Example: The Golgi apparatus is often referred to as the cell's shipping center.

32. Cytoplasm

    • Definition: The material within a cell, excluding the nucleus, where organelles are found.
    • Example: Cytoplasm is the site of many cellular processes.

33. Fructose

    • Definition: A type of sugar found in many plants, commonly associated with fruits.
    • Example: Fructose is sweeter than glucose.

34. Proteins

    • Definition: Large biomolecules composed of amino acids, essential for the structure and function of cells.
    • Example: Proteins play critical roles in almost all biological processes.

35. Carbohydrates

    • Definition: Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a major energy source.
    • Example: Sugars and starches are types of carbohydrates.

36. Lipids

    • Definition: A group of organic compounds that are insoluble in water, including fats and oils.
    • Example: Lipids serve as energy storage and make up cell membranes.

37. Enzyme

    • Definition: A protein that acts as a catalyst to accelerate a chemical reaction in a living organism.
    • Example: Enzymes are crucial for digestion and metabolism.

38. Chemical Equation

    • Definition: A symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants and products involved.
    • Example: The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

39. Biology

    • Definition: The scientific study of life and living organisms.
    • Example: Biology encompasses various fields including genetics, ecology, and microbiology.

40. Microorganism

    • Definition: A microscopic organism, typically a bacterium, virus, or fungus, that can only be seen with a microscope.
    • Example: Microorganisms are crucial for processes like decomposition.

41. Cell Differentiation

    • Definition: The process by which a cell specializes to perform a specific function.
    • Example: Cell differentiation is essential for the development of multicellular organisms.

42. Organ System

    • Definition: A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions for the body.
    • Example: The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels.

43. Nucleus

    • Definition: The organelle that houses the genetic material of a cell and controls its activities.
    • Example: The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell.

44. Cell Cycle

    • Definition: The series of phases that a cell goes through in order to divide and replicate.
    • Example: The cell cycle includes interphase and mitotic phase.

45. Carrier Protein

    • Definition: A protein that transports specific substances across a cell membrane.
    • Example: Carrier proteins assist in the active transport of molecules.

46. Facilitated Diffusion

    • Definition: The process of spontaneous passive transport of molecules across a cell membrane via specific transmembrane proteins.
    • Example: Glucose enters cells via facilitated diffusion.

47. Affinity

    • Definition: A measure of the likelihood of the binding of a molecule to a specific receptor or enzyme.
    • Example: The affinity of an enzyme for its substrate is crucial for its function.

48. Osmosis

    • Definition: The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.
    • Example: Osmosis helps maintain the balance of fluids in cells.

49. Isotonic

    • Definition: A solution having the same osmotic pressure as another solution, especially one in a cell or bodily fluid.
    • Example: Cells in an isotonic solution maintain their shape.

50. Hypotonic

    • Definition: Having a lower concentration of solute outside the cell compared to inside, causing the cell to swell.
    • Example: When placed in a hypotonic solution, the cell may burst.

51. Hypertonic

    • Definition: Having a higher concentration of solute outside the cell compared to inside, causing the cell to shrink.
    • Example: In a hypertonic solution, the cell loses water and shrivels.

52. Signal Transduction

    • Definition: The process by which a cell responds to substances outside its membrane through a series of molecular events.
    • Example: Cellular signaling is crucial for responding to environmental changes.

53. Feedback Mechanism

    • Definition: A process that uses the conditions of one component to regulate the function of another component.
    • Example: Negative feedback loops help maintain homeostasis in biological systems.

54. Ribosome

    • Definition: The cellular structure that is the site of protein synthesis, composed of RNA and proteins.
    • Example: Ribosomes can be found free-floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

55. Amino Acid

    • Definition: The building blocks of proteins, which are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
    • Example: There are 20 different amino acids that combine to form proteins.

56. Cell Theory

    • Definition: The scientific theory that states that all living things are composed of cells, which are the basic unit of life.
    • Example: Cell theory forms the foundation of biology.

57. Phagocytosis

    • Definition: The process by which a cell engulfs large particles or cells, often acting as a defense mechanism.
    • Example: White blood cells use phagocytosis to consume pathogens.

58. Pinocytosis

    • Definition: The process by which a cell takes in liquid, along with any solutes dissolved in it.
    • Example: Pinocytosis allows cells to absorb extracellular fluids.

59. Apoptosis

    • Definition: Programmed cell death, a process that allows cells to die in a controlled manner as part of growth and development.
    • Example: Apoptosis is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms.

60. Tissue

    • Definition: A group of cells that work together to perform a specific function in an organism.
    • Example: Muscle tissue is responsible for movement.

61. Organ

    • Definition: A group of tissues that work together to perform specific functions within an organism.
    • Example: The heart is an organ that pumps blood throughout the body.

62. Organism

    • Definition: An individual entity that exhibits the characteristics of life; can be unicellular or multicellular.
    • Example: A tree is a multicellular organism.

63. Population

    • Definition: A group of individuals of the same species that live in the same area at the same time.
    • Example: The population of deer in this forest has increased.

64. Community

    • Definition: All the populations of different species that live and interact in a particular area.
    • Example: The forest community includes trees, birds, insects, and fungi.

65. Biosphere

    • Definition: The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth, including land, water, and the atmosphere.
    • Example: The biosphere supports diverse forms of life.

66. Symbiosis

    • Definition: A close interaction between two different species, where at least one species benefits.
    • Example: The clownfish and sea anemone have a symbiotic relationship.

67. Carrying Capacity

    • Definition: The maximum number of individuals in a population that an environment can support sustainably.
    • Example: The carrying capacity of the environment determines population stability.

68. Invasive Species

    • Definition: Non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, can disrupt the local ecosystems.
    • Example: Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources.

69. Succession

    • Definition: The process of change in the species composition of an ecological community over time.
    • Example: Ecological succession can occur after a disturbance such as a fire.

70. Carnivore

    • Definition: An organism that primarily eats other animals.
    • Example: Lions are carnivores that hunt other mammals.

71. Herbivore

    • Definition: An organism that primarily eats plants.
    • Example: Cows are herbivores that feed on grass.

72. Omnivore

    • Definition: An organism that eats both plants and animals for food.
    • Example: Bears are omnivores that enjoy berries and fish.

73. Trophic Level

    • Definition: The position an organism occupies in a food chain, defined by its feeding relationships.
    • Example: Producers occupy the first trophic level in an ecosystem.

74. Food Web

    • Definition: A system of interrelated food chains that demonstrate how energy flows through an ecosystem.
    • Example: A food web illustrates the complex feeding relationships among organisms.

75. Energy Pyramid

    • Definition: A graphical representation showing the flow of energy at different trophic levels in an ecosystem.
    • Example: Energy decreases as you move up the energy pyramid.

76. Biogeochemical Cycle

    • Definition: A cycle that describes the movement of biological and geological elements through biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem.
    • Example: Water, carbon, and nitrogen cycles are all examples of biogeochemical cycles.

77. Pollination

    • Definition: The transfer of pollen from male anthers to female stigma in flowering plants, enabling fertilization.
    • Example: Pollination is essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants.

78. Fertilization

    • Definition: The fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote, a process necessary for sexual reproduction.
    • Example: Fertilization occurs after pollination in many plants.

79. Emphasis

    • Definition: The importance given to a particular idea or aspect in a study or presentation.
    • Example: Emphasis on environmental conservation is crucial in biology.

80. Scientific Method

    • Definition: A systematic process for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
    • Example: The scientific method involves observation, hypothesis, experimentation, and conclusion.

81. Data

    • Definition: Quantitative or qualitative values collected during observations or experiments, used for analysis.
    • Example: Data collected during the experiment is vital for drawing conclusions.

82. Hypothesis

    • Definition: A testable prediction about the relationship between two or more variables in scientific research.
    • Example: Formulating a hypothesis is the starting point for any scientific experiment.

83. Variable

    • Definition: Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types in an experiment.
    • Example: The temperature was the independent variable in the study.

84. Control Group

    • Definition: A group in an experiment that does not receive treatment, used as a benchmark to measure the effect of treatment on another group.
    • Example: The control group remained untreated to compare results.

85. Experimental Group

    • Definition: The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or factor being tested.
    • Example: The experimental group was given a new type of fertilizer.

86. Conclusion

    • Definition: A summary of the results of an experiment or study, drawn from the analysis of data collected.
    • Example: The conclusion indicated that the new fertilizer improved plant growth.

87. Observation

    • Definition: The act of noting and recording an event, characteristic, or behavior for scientific study.
    • Example: Careful observation is essential for accurate data collection.

88. Biotic Factor

    • Definition: A living component of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals, that may affect other organisms.
    • Example: Predators are biotic factors that influence the population of prey species.

89. Abiotic Factor

    • Definition: A non-living component of an ecosystem, such as temperature, water, and minerals, that influences living organisms.
    • Example: Climate is an important abiotic factor affecting biodiversity.

90. Population Density

    • Definition: The number of individuals per unit area or volume, often used in ecology to assess population size and health.
    • Example: High population density can lead to competition for resources.

91. Carrying Capacity

    • Definition: The maximum number of individuals an environment can sustain indefinitely without degrading the habitat.
    • Example: A sudden increase in population can exceed the ecosystem's carrying capacity.

92. Niche

    • Definition: The role or function of a species within an ecosystem, including its habitat, resource use, and interactions with other species.
    • Example: The niche of hawks includes hunting small mammals for food.

93. Interspecific Competition

    • Definition: Competition between individuals of different species for the same resources in an ecosystem.
    • Example: Interspecific competition can lead to competitive exclusion.

94. Intraspecific Competition

    • Definition: Competition between individuals of the same species for resources, such as food, mates, or habitat.
    • Example: Intraspecific competition can drive natural selection.

95. Toxicology

    • Definition: The study of the effects of toxic substances on living organisms and the environment.
    • Example: Toxicology research provides insights into how pollutants affect wildlife.

96. Conservation Biology

    • Definition: The scientific study aimed at understanding the loss of biodiversity and finding ways to preserve it.
    • Example: Conservation biology plays a vital role in protecting endangered species.

97. Ethology

    • Definition: The scientific study of animal behavior, particularly in natural environments.
    • Example: Ethology helps us understand how animals interact with their ecosystems.

98. Morphology

    • Definition: The branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms, including their shape, size, and arrangement of parts.
    • Example: Morphology is critical for species identification in taxonomy.

99. Sustainability

    • Definition: The ability to maintain ecological balance by meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs.
    • Example: Sustainability practices help ensure resource availability for future generations.

100. Pollution

     • Definition: The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, resulting in adverse effects on ecosystems.
     • Example: Air pollution can harm both human health and wildlife.

101. Anthropogenic

     • Definition: Related to or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature, often regarding pollution or natural resources.
     • Example: Anthropogenic activities contribute significantly to climate change.

102. Ecological Footprint

     • Definition: A measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems, representing the amount of land and water required to support their lifestyle.
     • Example: Reducing our ecological footprint is essential for sustainability.

103. Geographic Distribution

     • Definition: The natural arrangement and location of various species or populations across the Earth.
     • Example: The geographic distribution of species can indicate environmental conditions.

104. Immune Response

     • Definition: The reaction of the immune system against foreign pathogens, including the production of antibodies.
     • Example: The immune response can be critical in protecting against infections.

105. Pathogen

     • Definition: An organism, such as a bacteria or virus, that causes disease in another organism.
     • Example: Vaccinations help the body prepare for infections caused by pathogens.

106. Biotechnology

     • Definition: The use of living systems and organisms to develop or make products, often modifying them for specific purposes.
     • Example: Biotechnology can be used in agriculture to create pest-resistant crops.

107. Stem Cells

     • Definition: Undifferentiated cells with the potential to develop into various cell types in the body, crucial for development and repair.
     • Example: Stem cells hold the promise for regenerative medicine.

108. Genetic Engineering

     • Definition: The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology to alter its characteristics.
     • Example: Genetic engineering can produce crops that yield more food.

109. Transgenic Organism

     • Definition: An organism that has been genetically modified to contain a gene from another species.
     • Example: Transgenic plants can express traits such as pest resistance.

110. Zoonosis

     • Definition: An infectious disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
     • Example: Rabies is a serious zoonosis that can be fatal if not treated.

111. Epidemiology

     • Definition: The study of how diseases spread, their causes, and their effects on populations.
     • Example: Epidemiology is essential for controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases.

112. Cloning

     • Definition: The process of creating a genetically identical copy of an organism or cell.
     • Example: Cloning has applications in agriculture and medicine.

113. Bioinformatics

     • Definition: The application of computer technology to the management and analysis of biological data, especially genetic information.
     • Example: Bioinformatics plays a vital role in genomics research.

114. Mycology

     • Definition: The scientific study of fungi, including their genetic and biochemical properties, and their use in medicine.
     • Example: Mycology is important for understanding fungal diseases.

115. Phytoplankton

     • Definition: Tiny photosynthetic organisms found in aquatic environments that form the base of marine food webs.
     • Example: Phytoplankton are vital for the ocean's ecosystem as primary producers.

116. Zooplankton

     • Definition: Small free-floating aquatic organisms that are a key part of the marine food chain.
     • Example: Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton and are in turn eaten by larger animals.

117. Nitrogen Fixation

     • Definition: The process by which nitrogen in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia or related compounds in soil, enabling plant growth.
     • Example: Nitrogen fixation is critical for maintaining soil fertility.

118. Symbiotic Relationship

     • Definition: A relationship between two different organisms that live closely together and can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one another.
     • Example: The relationship between bees and flowers is a mutualistic symbiotic relationship.

119. Hypothesis Testing

     • Definition: The process of conducting experiments to determine the validity of a proposed hypothesis.
     • Example: Hypothesis testing is a fundamental part of the scientific method.

120. Controlled Experiment

     • Definition: An experiment in which all variables are kept constant except for the one being tested, allowing for a fair comparison.
     • Example: A controlled experiment helps isolate the effects of an independent variable.

121. Dissection

     • Definition: The process of carefully cutting apart a biological specimen to study its internal structures and systems.
     • Example: Dissection allows students to learn about organ systems in anatomy.

122. Natural Resources

     • Definition: Materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain or sustenance, such as water, minerals, and timber.
     • Example: Conserving natural resources is essential for environmental sustainability.

123. Renewable Resources

     • Definition: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass.
     • Example: Solar energy is a renewable resource that can help reduce fossil fuel reliance.

124. Non-renewable Resources

     • Definition: Natural resources that cannot be replenished within a human lifetime, such as fossil fuels and minerals.
     • Example: Non-renewable resources are critical to current energy production.

125. Ethics in Biology

     • Definition: The study of moral implications and responsibilities in biological research and applications, including topics like genetic engineering and conservation.
     • Example: Ethics in biology raises questions about the morality of cloning and genetic manipulation.

126. Hydrophobic

     • Definition: Having an aversion to water; tending to repel or fail to mix with water.
     • Example: Lipids are hydrophobic molecules that form cellular membranes.

127. Hydrophilic

     • Definition: Having an affinity for water; able to mix or dissolve in water.
     • Example: Sugars are typically hydrophilic and easily dissolve in water.

128. Biomagnification

     • Definition: The process by which the concentration of toxins increases as they move up trophic levels in an ecosystem.
     • Example: Biomagnification can lead to severe health effects in top predators.

129. Transpiration

     • Definition: The process by which water vapor is released from the leaf surfaces of plants into the atmosphere.
     • Example: Transpiration helps regulate water and temperature in plants.

130. Carbon Cycle

     • Definition: The biogeochemical cycle by which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.
     • Example: The carbon cycle is vital for regulating Earth's climate.

131. Nitrogen Cycle

     • Definition: The series of processes by which nitrogen and its compounds are interconverted in the environment and in living organisms.
     • Example: The nitrogen cycle involves nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.

132. Phosphorus Cycle

     • Definition: The biogeochemical cycle that describes the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.
     • Example: The phosphorus cycle is essential for plant growth.

133. Biomass

     • Definition: The total mass of organisms in a given area or volume, typically measured as dry weight.
     • Example: Biomass is an important indicator of ecosystem productivity.

134. Trophic Cascade

     • Definition: A phenomenon in which changes at the top of the food chain can have cascading effects on the lower levels.
     • Example: Removing a top predator can lead to an overabundance of herbivores.

135. Heterotroph

     • Definition: An organism that cannot produce its own food and instead obtains nutrients by consuming other organisms.
     • Example: Humans and animals are examples of heterotrophs.

136. Autotroph

     • Definition: An organism that produces its own food from inorganic substances, typically through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
     • Example: Plants are autotrophs that convert sunlight into energy.

137. Synthesis

     • Definition: The process of combining different components to form a coherent whole, especially in relation to organic compounds.
     • Example: Protein synthesis is a vital process for cell function.

138. Genetic Diversity

     • Definition: The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, which is essential for adaptation and survival.
     • Example: Genetic diversity within a population helps enhance resilience to environmental changes.

139. Population Dynamics

     • Definition: The study of how and why populations change over time, including birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration.
     • Example: Population dynamics are essential for understanding species conservation.

140. Conservation Status

     • Definition: An assessment of the risk of extinction for a species, indicating its population size and trend.
     • Example: The conservation status of the rhinoceros is critically endangered.

141. Paleoecology

     • Definition: The study of ecosystems and their interactions in the geological past using fossil evidence.
     • Example: Paleoecology helps reconstruct ancient environments.

142. Evolutionary Biology

     • Definition: The branch of biology that studies the processes of evolution and the diversity of life on Earth.
     • Example: Evolutionary biology examines how species adapt and evolve over time.

143. Speciation

     • Definition: The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution, often through processes like geographic isolation.
     • Example: Speciation can occur rapidly in response to environmental changes.

144. Extinction

     • Definition: The end of an organism or a species, occurring when the last existing member dies.
     • Example: Habitat destruction can lead to extinction of many species.

145. Habitat Fragmentation

     • Definition: The process where large habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches, often due to human activities.
     • Example: Habitat fragmentation can hinder species migration and biodiversity.

146. Ecotoxicology

     • Definition: The study of the effects of toxic chemicals on biological organisms, particularly in relation to their environment.
     • Example: Ecotoxicology investigates how pollutants affect ecosystems.

147. Bioremediation

     • Definition: The use of living organisms, typically microbes, to remove or neutralize contaminants from soil or water.
     • Example: Bioremediation can clean up oil spills in marine environments.

148. Transgenic Plants

     • Definition: Plants that have been genetically modified to contain genes from other species.
     • Example: Transgenic plants can be engineered to resist pests and diseases.

149. Gene Splicing

     • Definition: The process of cutting DNA from one organism and inserting it into the DNA of another organism.
     • Example: Gene splicing allows for the creation of genetically modified organisms.

150. Microbiome

     • Definition: The collective genome of microorganisms that inhabit the human body or other environments.
     • Example: The human microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism.

151. Cytokinesis

     • Definition: The division of the cytoplasm of a parental cell into two daughter cells, occurring after mitosis.
     • Example: Cytokinesis ensures that each daughter cell receives sufficient cytoplasmic material.

152. Biological Control

     • Definition: The use of natural predators or diseases to manage pest populations or invasive species.
     • Example: Biological control is a sustainable alternative to pesticide use.

153. Zoology

     • Definition: The scientific study of animals, including their behavior, physiology, and classification.
     • Example: Zoology helps us understand the diversity and ecology of wildlife.