Biochemistry Vocabulary

noun intense eagerness or enthusiasm

adjective having an intense desire or craving

• Her avidity for learning new languages led her to enroll in multiple language courses.
• His avidity for video games is unmatched among his friends.
• I can't believe the avidity she has for that TV show, she's obsessed!
• The avidity with which he pursued his dreams was truly inspiring.

noun a medical condition or predisposition to a particular disease or abnormality

• The diathesis of the patient must be carefully considered before prescribing any medication.
• The doctor needs to know your diathesis before giving you any medicine.
• Hey, do you know your diathesis? It's important for your health.
• In a metaphorical sense, the diathesis of society can be seen through its political climate.

noun The central and most important part of an object, movement, or group.

• The nucleus is the central part of a cell that contains genetic material.
• The nucleus is like the brain of the cell.
• The nucleus is where all the cell's DNA is stored.
• In a company, the CEO is like the nucleus that holds everything together.

noun a class of nutrients that are essential for the building and repair of body tissues

adjective relating to or containing protein

• Proteins are essential macromolecules composed of amino acids.
• I make sure to eat enough protein to help with muscle growth.
• Gotta get that protein in for gains at the gym.
• Friendship is like protein, essential for a healthy life.

noun a technique used in chemistry and physics to study the interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation

• Spectroscopy is a scientific technique used to study the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation.
• I learned about spectroscopy in my chemistry class - it's all about analyzing light and matter.
• Spectroscopy is like magic for scientists, it reveals so much about the composition of materials.
• Using spectroscopy is like shining a light on the hidden secrets of the universe.

noun a single thin length of something such as thread, wire, or hair

verb to leave someone in a difficult situation without any help or support

• The DNA strand consists of a sequence of nucleotides.
• I found a strand of hair on my shirt.
• Let's hit the beach and chill on the strand.
• The novel's plot weaves together multiple strands of storytelling.

verb to combine or mix together again

• Scientists are studying how to recombine different genetic materials to create new hybrid species.
• I heard you can recombine different flavors of ice cream at that new shop downtown.
• Let's recombine our playlists and make one awesome mixtape.
• In order to solve this complex problem, we need to recombine our thinking and approach it from a different angle.

noun a recombinant organism, cell, or genetic material.

adjective relating to or denoting an organism, cell, or genetic material formed by recombination.

• The recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the field of genetic engineering.
• Scientists have been working with recombinant DNA to create new organisms.
• I heard they're messing around with that recombinant stuff in the lab.
• Just like how genes can be mixed and matched in recombinant DNA, ideas can be combined in innovative ways.

noun A substance that forms a complex with a metal ion, making it more soluble and easily excreted from the body.

• The chelator molecule has a high affinity for binding to metal ions.
• The chelator helps to remove heavy metals from the body.
• Yo, that chelator is like a magnet for metal ions.
• She acted as a chelator, drawing out the hidden truths from the conversation.

verb to increase the power, effectiveness, or influence of something

• The new drug is designed to potentiate the effects of existing treatments.
• Taking this supplement can really boost the effects of your workout.
• Adding some caffeine to your pre-workout drink will really amp up your energy levels.
• His encouragement and support potentiated her confidence to pursue her dreams.

noun a living organism that emits light

adjective describing a living organism that emits light

• The bioluminescent organisms in the deep sea emit a soft blue light.
• Have you ever seen those cool bioluminescent fish that light up underwater?
• Dude, that jellyfish is totally lit up and bioluminescent!
• Her smile was so bright it was almost bioluminescent.

noun a group of microorganisms that produce acetate as a byproduct of their metabolism

• Acetogens are a group of bacteria that have the ability to produce acetate from simple organic compounds.
• Did you know that acetogens are some of the most efficient acetate producers in the bacterial world?
• Those acetogens are like little acetate factories inside the bacteria.
• In the microbial world, acetogens are like the master chefs of acetate production.

noun a plural form of the noun 'acidolysis', which refers to a chemical reaction in which a compound is decomposed by acid

• The process of acidolyses involves the breaking down of organic compounds by acidic hydrolysis.
• I read about acidolyses in my chemistry textbook, it's pretty interesting.
• Don't worry, I'll explain acidolyses in a way that's easy to understand.
• In a way, acidolyses is like breaking down barriers to reveal the true essence of something.

noun Another noun entry is included because 'radical' is also a noun, meaning a group of atoms behaving as a single unit in a chemical reaction.

• The chemist identified the presence of an acid radical in the compound.
• The scientist found an acid radical in the mixture.
• Yo, check it out, there's some acid radical in this stuff.
• Her words had an acid radical effect on him, leaving a lasting impact.

noun a taxonomic group of protozoans characterized by a cup-shaped body

• Acinetae are a group of orchids known for their unique floral structure.
• I heard that acinetae orchids are really hard to grow at home.
• Those acinetae flowers are so fancy, they must be expensive.
• The acinetae orchids in the garden stood out like jewels among the other flowers.

noun a chemical group derived from an organic acid by removal of a hydroxyl group

• The acyl group is a functional group derived from carboxylic acids by the removal of a hydroxyl group.
• Scientists are studying the role of acyl groups in various chemical reactions.
• I heard acyls are important in making certain types of compounds.
• The acyl group acts like a key that unlocks the potential of the molecule.

noun a muscle that draws a body part, such as a limb, toward the midline of the body

verb to draw or move a body part, such as a limb, toward the midline of the body

• The muscle group responsible for hip adduction includes the adducts longus and adducts magnus.
• When you do that exercise, make sure to engage your adducts muscles.
• I can feel my adducts getting stronger from all these leg lifts.
• In times of stress, it's important to rely on your emotional adducts to stay centered.