Biological Terms

Biology, the study of life, is filled with a rich vocabulary that helps us understand the complexity of living organisms and their interactions. From fundamental terms like “cell” and “DNA” to more specific concepts like “photosynthesis” and “natural selection,” each word opens a window to deeper understanding. Grasping these terms is essential for understanding biology, whether you’re a student, educator, or just curious.

What Are Biological Terms?

Biological terms refer to the specific language and vocabulary used in the field of biology. These terms cover concepts ranging from molecular biology and genetics to ecology and zoology.

They allow us to describe and categorize biological processes, organisms, and phenomena with precision.

For example, terms like photosynthesis and biodiversity provide clarity and specificity necessary for scientific communication. Typically, these terms are either derived from Latin or Greek words. This historical basis helps maintain consistency and accuracy in scientific literature.

Biological Terms with Pictures

DNA Meaning

DNA Meaning

GMO Meaning

GMO Meaning

Perennial vs. Annual

Perennial vs. Annual

List of Biological Terms

  1. Abiotic
  2. Adaptation
  3. Aerobic
  4. Allele
  5. Amino Acid
  6. Anaerobic
  7. Anatomy
  8. Antibody
  9. Antigen
  10. Archaea
  11. Asexual Reproduction
  12. Autotroph
  13. Bacteria
  14. Biodiversity
  15. Biomass
  16. Biome
  17. Biosphere
  18. Biotic
  19. Cell
  20. Cell Membrane
  21. Cell Wall
  22. Chlorophyll
  23. Chloroplast
  24. Chromosome
  25. Cloning
  26. Codon
  27. Commensalism
  28. Community
  29. Cytoplasm
  30. Decomposer
  31. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
  32. Diffusion
  33. Ecology
  34. Ecosystem
  35. Embryo
  36. Endemic
  37. Endoplasmic Reticulum
  38. Enzyme
  39. Eukaryote
  40. Evolution
  41. Exoskeleton
  42. Extinction
  43. Fertilization
  44. Food Chain
  45. Food Web
  46. Fungi
  47. Gamete
  48. Gene
  49. Genetic Drift
  50. Genotype
  51. Germination
  52. Habitat
  53. Herbivore
  54. Heterotroph
  55. Homeostasis
  56. Hormone
  57. Hybrid
  58. Immune System
  59. Infection
  60. Inheritance
  61. Insect
  62. Invertebrate
  63. Kingdom
  64. Lipid
  65. Mammal
  66. Meiosis
  67. Metabolism
  68. Microorganism
  69. Mitochondria
  70. Mitosis
  71. Mutation
  72. Natural Selection
  73. Niche
  74. Nucleic Acid
  75. Nucleus
  76. Omnivore
  77. Organ
  78. Organism
  79. Osmosis
  80. Parasitism
  81. Pathogen
  82. Photosynthesis
  83. Phylum
  84. Plasma Membrane
  85. Plasmid
  86. Population
  87. Predator
  88. Prey
  89. Producer
  90. Protein
  91. Prokaryote
  92. Protist
  93. Recessive
  94. Reproduction
  95. Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
  96. Ribosome
  97. Species
  98. Symbiosis
  99. Taxonomy
  100. Tissue
  101. Trait
  102. Transcription
  103. Translation
  104. Vaccine
  105. Variation
  106. Vertebrate
  107. Virus
  108. Xylem
  109. Zygote

Key Biological Terms With Examples

Cell: The basic unit of life. All living organisms are made up of cells. For example, humans are composed of trillions of cells, each performing specific functions.

DNA: Short for deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA carries genetic information in living beings. For instance, our unique genetic code is written in the DNA found in each cell’s nucleus.

Photosynthesis: The process by which plants convert sunlight into food. During photosynthesis, plants absorb sunlight and use it to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment by an organism. Our bodies regulate temperature, pH levels, and other variables to keep conditions steady despite changes in the external environment.

Evolution: The process by which species of organisms change over time through variation and natural selection. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is a foundational concept in biology.

Ecosystem: A community of living organisms in conjunction with the non-living components of their environment. An example of an ecosystem is a forest, which includes trees, animals, soil, and water components interacting together.

Enzyme: A protein that accelerates biochemical reactions. For example, the enzyme amylase, found in our saliva, helps break down carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Mutation: A change in the DNA sequence. Mutations can be caused by errors during DNA replication or exposure to certain chemicals. Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders or provide advantages in survival.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. A tropical rainforest, for example, is known for its high level of biodiversity, with numerous species of plants, animals, and microorganisms.

Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system to help fight infections. When we receive a vaccine, it stimulates our body to produce antibodies against a specific pathogen.