Biology: The study of organisms. Scientists who study organisms are known as biologists.
Cancer: One of over 100 different diseases, each characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The development and spread of cancer, also known as malignant tumors, can result in tumors, pain, and death.
Cell: The basic unit of structure and function in living organisms. Cells are typically too small to be seen with the naked eye and are composed of a liquid-like substance surrounded by a membrane or wall. Animals are made up of trillions of cells, varying in number depending on their size. Most organisms, such as yeast, mold, bacteria, and some algae, consist of only one cell.
Chimera: A creature created from two or more organisms with different genetic makeups. In mythology, chimeras are described as hybrids of different species, like Centaurs (part human, part horse) and mermaids (part human, part fish). In modern biology, a chimera can refer to an individual with organs transplanted from others. It also describes tissue containing cells with genes derived from two fertilized eggs that have somehow merged into one individual, rather than twins.
Development: The process of organisms growing and maturing from infancy to adulthood. This process can involve changes in chemical properties, size, and even shape.
DNA: Abbreviation for Deoxyribonucleic acid, a long double-stranded molecule found in most living cells that carries genetic information. Composed of a backbone of phosphorus, oxygen, and carbon atoms, DNA instructs cells on which molecules to produce in an organism, ranging from plants and animals to microorganisms.
Egg: A reproductive cell containing half of the genetic information needed to create a complete organism. In humans and many other animals, eggs are produced in ovaries. When an egg is fertilized by sperm, they combine to create new cells called a zygote, which is the first step in the development of a new organism.
Embryo: The earliest stage of an organism’s development, typically consisting of a few or just one cell. This term is also used as an adjective to describe something in its initial stages of development, whether it be a living organism or a system in technology.
Fertilization: The process by which male and female reproductive cells (sperm and egg) combine to form a new, independent organism.
Fruit: The reproductive organs of plants that contain seeds.
Fusion: The act of combining two things along a seam or joint.
Gene: DNA segments that encode or carry instructions for protein production by cells. Genes are inherited by offspring from their parents and can influence the appearance and behavior of living organisms.
Reproductive Glands: Organs responsible for producing eggs (in females) and sperm (in males).
Life Cycle: The series of stages in which organisms grow, develop, reproduce, and eventually die. This term can also refer to the entire process related to creating products, from raw material extraction to product disposal. Engineers may describe this as the life of a product from creation to disposal.
Ocean: Pertaining to the sea’s world and environment.
Molecular Biology: A branch of biology that focuses on the structure and functions of molecular molecules essential for life. Scientists working in this field are known as molecular biologists.
Molecule: An electrically neutral group of atoms representing the smallest unit of a compound. Molecules may consist of atoms of the same type or different types. For example, oxygen in the air (O2) or water, which is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O).
Organ: Various parts of living organisms that perform one or more specific functions. For example, ovaries are organs that produce eggs, the brain is an organ that processes nerve signals, and a plant’s roots are organs that absorb nutrients and moisture.
Organism: Any living being, from elephants and plants to bacteria and other single-celled organisms.
Sponge: An organism that absorbs liquids and other substances, retaining them until they are squeezed out or otherwise removed. A primitive aquatic animal with a soft and porous body.
Source: www.snexplores.org
