Scientific Vocabulary for Biology
Essential Grade 12 Biology Terms & Definitions
1. Cell Biology Terms
Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of life.
Organelle
A specialized structure inside a cell that performs a specific function.
Nucleus
Controls cell activities and contains DNA.
Cytoplasm
Jelly-like substance where chemical reactions occur.
Cell Membrane
Controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Mitochondria
Site of cellular respiration; produces energy (ATP).
Ribosome
Makes proteins for the cell.
Chloroplast
Contains chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis in plant cells.
Vacuole
Stores water, nutrients, and waste materials.
Diffusion
Movement of particles from high concentration to low concentration.
Osmosis
, Movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane.
2. Genetics Vocabulary
DNA
Genetic material that carries instructions for life.
Gene
A section of DNA controlling a specific trait.
Chromosome
Thread-like structure containing DNA.
Allele
Different forms of the same gene.
Dominant Trait
A trait that appears when at least one dominant allele is present.
Recessive Trait
A trait expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism.
Phenotype
Observable characteristics of an organism.
Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence.
Heredity
Passing traits from parents to offspring.
3. Human Body Systems Terms
Essential Grade 12 Biology Terms & Definitions
1. Cell Biology Terms
Cell
The basic structural and functional unit of life.
Organelle
A specialized structure inside a cell that performs a specific function.
Nucleus
Controls cell activities and contains DNA.
Cytoplasm
Jelly-like substance where chemical reactions occur.
Cell Membrane
Controls movement of substances into and out of the cell.
Mitochondria
Site of cellular respiration; produces energy (ATP).
Ribosome
Makes proteins for the cell.
Chloroplast
Contains chlorophyll and performs photosynthesis in plant cells.
Vacuole
Stores water, nutrients, and waste materials.
Diffusion
Movement of particles from high concentration to low concentration.
Osmosis
, Movement of water through a semi-permeable membrane.
2. Genetics Vocabulary
DNA
Genetic material that carries instructions for life.
Gene
A section of DNA controlling a specific trait.
Chromosome
Thread-like structure containing DNA.
Allele
Different forms of the same gene.
Dominant Trait
A trait that appears when at least one dominant allele is present.
Recessive Trait
A trait expressed only when two recessive alleles are present.
Genotype
The genetic makeup of an organism.
Phenotype
Observable characteristics of an organism.
Mutation
A change in the DNA sequence.
Heredity
Passing traits from parents to offspring.
3. Human Body Systems Terms
