Biology

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

Definition: A cell is the smallest unit of life. All living things contain one or more cells. Pronunciation: selz (rhymes with “bells”) Read morePhotosynthesis: Process, Equation, and Diagram ExplainedOrigin: The word “cell” comes from the Latin word “cellula.” Cellula means “small room.” Introduction What Are Cells? Have you ever wondered what makes you alive? Your … Read more

Definition: The process green plants use to make food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Pronunciation: /ˌfoʊ.t̬oʊˈsɪn.θə.sɪs/ (foh-toh-SIN-thuh-sis) Read moreCells and Their Types: Structure, Functions, Working and ExamplesOrigin: Greek words “photo” meaning light and “synthesis” meaning putting together. Introduction Photosynthesis makes your breakfast possible. You wake up hungry and pour cereal into a bowl. You … Read more