academic: Concerning what is taught by teachers in schools, classes, or formal institutions of learning (such as universities).
biologist: Scientists involved in biological research.
cancer: Any of over 100 different diseases, each characterized by rapid, uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The development and growth of cancer, also known as malignancy, can lead to tumors, pain, and death.
cell: (in biology) the smallest structural and functional unit of an organism. They are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye and consist of a watery fluid surrounded by a membrane or wall. Depending on their size, animals are made up of thousands to trillions of cells. Most living organisms, such as yeast, molds, bacteria, and some algae, are made up of only one cell.
chemicals: A substance formed when two or more atoms combine (combine) in a certain proportion and structure. For example, water is a chemical produced when two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom. Its chemical formula is H2O. Chemistry can also be used as an adjective to describe the properties of materials that result from various reactions between different compounds.
development: (in biology) The growth of an organism from conception to adulthood. They often change in chemical nature, size, and sometimes even shape.
digest: (noun: digestion) The breaking down of food into simpler compounds that the body can absorb and use for growth. Some wastewater treatment plants use microorganisms to digest, or break down, waste so that the decomposition products can be recycled for use elsewhere in the environment.
DNA: (abbreviation for deoxyribonucleic acid) A long, double-stranded, helical molecule that is present in most living cells and carries genetic instructions. It is built on a skeleton of phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon atoms. In all living things, from plants and animals to microorganisms, these instructions tell cells which molecules to make.
function: A specific role played by a structure or device.
gene: (adjective: genetic) A segment of DNA that encodes or holds instructions for the production of proteins by a cell. Offspring inherit genes from their parents. Genes influence how an organism looks and behaves.
genetic: It has to do with chromosomes, DNA, and the genes contained in DNA. The scientific field that deals with these biological instructions is known as genetics. The people who work in this field are geneticists.
intestine: An informal term for the gastrointestinal tract, especially the intestines.
mechanism: The steps or process by which something happens or “works.” It could be a spring that pops something from one hole to another. It may be caused by compression of the heart muscle, which pumps blood throughout the body. Friction (between the road and the air) can slow down a coasting car. To understand how something works, researchers often look for the mechanisms behind an action or reaction.
messenger RNA: A type of genetic material that is copied from DNA. This mRNA contains instructions for building proteins in the cell.
microRNA: A short piece of RNA that does not code for protein production. Rather, they affect whether and how proteins are produced by interfering with the normal production process.
molecule: An electrically neutral group of atoms that represents the smallest possible amount of a compound. Molecules can be made up of a single type of atom or different types of atoms. For example, oxygen in air has two oxygen atoms (O2) However, water has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2oh).
logic: A type of tissue used to produce movement by contracting cells, known as muscle fibers. Muscle is rich in protein, so predatory species seek out prey that is rich in this tissue.
mutant: An adjective that describes some altered gene in an organism’s DNA. Such changes, known as mutations, can occur naturally. It can also be caused by external factors such as pollution, radiation, medications, or something in your diet.
nerve: long, delicate fibers that transmit signals throughout an animal’s body. There are many nerves in the animal’s spine, some of which control the movement of the legs and fins, and some of which convey sensations such as hot, cold, and pain.
nobel prize: A prestigious award named after Alfred Nobel. Nobel, best known as the inventor of dynamite, was a wealthy man when he died on December 10, 1896. In his will, Nobel left much of his fortune to award prizes to those who have done the best for humanity in the field of physics. chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The winner will receive a medal and a large cash prize.
menstruation: The branch of biology that deals with the daily functions of living things and how their parts work. Scientists working in this field are known as physiologists.
protein: A compound made from a long chain of one or more amino acids. Proteins are an essential part of all living organisms. They form the basis of living cells, muscles, and tissues. They also work inside cells. Antibodies, hemoglobin, and enzymes are all examples of proteins. Drugs often work by adsorbing to proteins.
regulate: (noun: rule) To control by action. Governments make rules and regulations, or laws, which are enforced by police and courts.
RNA: A molecule that helps “read” the genetic information contained in DNA. The cell’s molecular machinery reads DNA and makes RNA, which in turn reads RNA and makes proteins.
seed: A group of similar organisms that can survive and produce offspring that can reproduce.
transcription: (v. transcribe) To copy something word for word. (in genetics) the first step in gene expression. This is where enzymes copy selected DNA fragments into RNA (especially messenger RNA). Both DNA and RNA are made up of base pairs of nucleotides.
Source: www.snexplores.org
