Biology

Definition: The cell membrane is a thin, flexible barrier that surrounds every living cell, controlling what enters and exits while protecting the cell’s internal chemistry. Pronunciation: /sɛl ˈmɛmbreɪn/ (sel MEM-brayn) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “membrane” comes from Latin “membrana,” meaning a thin skin or layer. Swiss scientists Nageli and Cramer … Read more

Definition: The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle found in eukaryotic cells that stores genetic material, controls gene expression, and directs cell growth and reproduction. Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːkliəs/ (NEW-klee-us) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word comes from Latin “nucleus,” meaning kernel or inner part. Robert Brown first used this term in 1831 when he … Read more

Definition: DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid. It acts as the instruction manual inside every living cell. DNA tells cells how to grow, function, and reproduce. Pronunciation: dee-EN-AY Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: Scientists coined the term “DNA” from the chemical name deoxyribonucleic acid. The word “nucleic” comes from the nucleus, where DNA lives … Read more

Definition: Cell organelles are specialized structures inside living cells. Each one performs a specific job to keep the cell healthy and working. Pronunciation: /sel ɔːrɡəˈnɛlz/ (sell or-guh-NELZ) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “organelle” comes from Latin. “Organellum” means “little organ.” Scientists chose this name because organelles work like tiny organs inside … Read more

Definition: CRISPR CAS9 technology gives scientists a precise tool to cut and edit DNA inside living cells. Pronunciation: CRISPER-CASS-nine Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: Scientists coined the word “CRISPR” to describe the clustered repeat patterns they observed in bacterial DNA. Full Acronym: CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. Cas9 stands … Read more

Definition: Kingdom Monera includes all single-celled organisms that lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. These organisms represent the most basic form of life. Pronunciation: muh-NEER-uh Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “Monera” comes from the Greek word “moneres,” which means “single” or “solitary.” Scientists chose this name because these organisms live … Read more

Definition: Viruses are tiny infectious agents that invade living cells and force them to make copies of the virus. Pronunciation: VY-rus-es (singular: VY-rus) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “virus” comes from the Latin word “virus.” This word originally meant poison or slimy liquid. Introduction Viruses slip into our lives like invisible … Read more

Definition: Useful and harmful bacteria are tiny living things that either help or hurt other organisms. Pronunciation: USE-ful and HARM-ful bak-TEER-ee-uh Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “bacteria” comes from the Greek word “bakterion.” Bakterion means small rod or staff. Introduction Have you ever eaten yogurt and wondered what makes it thick … Read more

Definition: The difference between plants and animals refers to the special traits that separate these two groups of living things. Pronunciation: DIF-fer-ence be-TWEEN plants and AN-i-mals Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “plant” comes from the Latin word “planta.” Planta means sprout. The word “animal” comes from the Latin word “animalis.” Animalis … Read more

Definition: Characteristics of living and non living things are the special traits that show whether something grows, breathes, moves, and needs food, or lacks these traits. Pronunciation: kar-ik-ter-IS-tiks (of LIV-ing and non-LIV-ing things) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “characteristic” comes from the Greek word “kharakter.” This word means “a special mark … Read more