Biotechnology Glossary

noun a simple, nonflowering, and typically aquatic plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms

• Algae are photosynthetic organisms that can be found in various aquatic environments.
• I heard that algae can be used to make biofuel.
• Dude, did you know algae is like the coolest thing ever?
• The algae of negativity can cloud our minds if we let it grow unchecked.

noun a change or modification made to something

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The alteration of the contract was approved by all parties involved.
• I made a few alterations to the recipe to suit my taste.
• She's always altering her appearance with different hairstyles and outfits.
• The alteration of his mindset led to a significant change in his behavior.

noun a type of microorganism that can be harmful or beneficial to humans and other living organisms

• The scientist studied the effects of different antibiotics on the growth of bacteria in the lab.
• Make sure to wash your hands regularly to avoid picking up any harmful bacteria.
• I heard that gym equipment can be covered in all sorts of gross bacteria, so be careful when using it.
• Negative thoughts can spread like bacteria, infecting your mind and influencing your actions.

noun a substance or process that is biochemical

adjective relating to or involving the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms

• The study of biochemical processes in living organisms is crucial for understanding cellular functions.
• I find it fascinating how biochemical reactions occur in our bodies to keep us alive.
• I never knew biochemical stuff could be so complicated!
• The biochemical makeup of a person's character can be just as complex as their physical body.

noun a substance that is capable of being decomposed

adjective able to be broken down into simpler substances

• The decomposable materials were separated from the non-decomposable ones for recycling.
• I heard that only the decomposable items can go in the compost bin.
• Throw the decomposable stuff in the green bin, not the regular trash.
• In order to move forward, we must break down our problems into decomposable parts.

noun a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction

• The enzyme catalyzed the chemical reaction in the laboratory.
• The enzyme helped speed up the reaction in the lab.
• That enzyme really kicked things into gear in the experiment.
• The enzyme acted like a key to unlock the reaction process.

verb to make or cause to become fluid or flow easily

• The engineer used a special machine to fluidize the powdered material for better mixing.
• I think we need to fluidize the sauce a bit more to get a smoother consistency.
• Let's fluidize this situation by adding some humor to lighten the mood.
• The artist's use of vibrant colors fluidize the painting, creating a sense of movement and energy.

verb to inject a vaccine or a disease-causing microorganism into the body in order to protect against a particular disease

• The doctor will inoculate the children against measles during the vaccination drive.
• Make sure you get inoculated before traveling to tropical regions.
• I heard you can get inoculated at the pharmacy down the street.
• Education is the best way to inoculate yourself against ignorance.

noun a microscopic organism, especially a bacterium, virus, or fungus

• Microorganisms are microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
• Did you know that microorganisms are everywhere around us?
• Those tiny bugs are actually microorganisms.
• The spread of rumors is like a swarm of microorganisms infecting everyone's minds.

noun a substance or compound that is added to a system in order to bring about a chemical reaction or test

• The scientist carefully measured out the reagent before adding it to the reaction mixture.
• Make sure you grab the reagent from the shelf before starting the experiment.
• I totally forgot to pick up the reagent for the lab, so I had to run back to get it.
• In order to achieve success, you must consider hard work as the essential reagent.

noun a type of DNA that is artificially created by combining genetic material from different sources

adjective describing the type of DNA that has been created through genetic engineering techniques

• Recombinant DNA technology has revolutionized the field of biotechnology.
• Scientists use recombinant DNA to create new genetic combinations.
• Messing around with recombinant DNA is like playing genetic Lego.
• Recombinant DNA is like mixing and matching genetic puzzle pieces to create something new.

noun a process in which DNA is cut and recombined using enzymes

• Scientists use gene splicing techniques to manipulate the DNA of organisms.
• Researchers are messing around with gene splicing to change how things work.
• People are playing around with gene splicing to create new stuff.
• Gene splicing is like mixing and matching puzzle pieces to create something new.

noun a substance used for inoculation

• The inoculum used in the experiment was carefully prepared to ensure accurate results.
• Make sure you add the right amount of inoculum to the solution.
• I heard they're using some fancy inoculum for the new batch of plants.
• His infectious laughter acted as an inoculum against the gloomy atmosphere.

noun a type of cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else that does not have the types of proteins specific to healthy body cells

• The microphage is a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight off infections.
• I heard that microphages are like tiny superheroes in our blood, fighting off bad germs.
• Those microphages are like the body's little clean-up crew, getting rid of all the bad stuff.
• Just like microphages attacking harmful bacteria, we must be vigilant in fighting off negativity in our lives.

noun the scale of objects smaller than 100 nanometers, particularly in the field of nanotechnology

• The nanoscale properties of the material were carefully studied in the laboratory.
• They were able to manipulate things at the nanoscale level.
• I can't believe how tiny things can get at the nanoscale!
• At the nanoscale of emotions, he felt a slight pang of regret.

adjective describing something that does not involve or contain bacteria

• The patient was diagnosed with an abacterial infection, meaning there were no bacteria causing the illness.
• The doctor said it's an abacterial infection, so no antibiotics are needed.
• Looks like it's just an abacterial thing, nothing serious.
• Her approach to problem-solving is like an abacterial solution, eliminating any unnecessary complications.

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 microorganism that thrives in acidic environments

• An acidophile is a type of organism that thrives in acidic environments.
• I heard that acidophiles love acidic conditions.
• Those acidophiles are like the cool kids of the acidic world.
• Being an acidophile in a world of alkaline personalities can be challenging.

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 the physical matter or substance that is actively involved in a chemical reaction or process

• The active mass of the solution was carefully measured in the laboratory.
• They checked the active mass of the mixture before proceeding with the experiment.
• I have no idea what the active mass of this stuff is, but let's just go for it.
• The active mass of support for the new policy is growing among the members of the committee.

noun the branch of bacteriology that studies bacteria that require oxygen to grow

• Aerobacteriology is the branch of microbiology that focuses on studying aerobic bacteria.
• I find aerobacteriology to be quite interesting because it deals with bacteria that require oxygen to survive.
• Aerobacteriology is all about those oxygen-loving bacteria.
• Exploring aerobacteriology is like delving into the world of oxygen-dependent microbial life.

noun aerobium

• The presence of aerobium in the air can have an impact on respiratory health.
• I heard that aerobium levels are high in this area, so be careful when breathing.
• I'm not a fan of aerobium, it always makes me sneeze.
• Aerobium floats through the atmosphere like tiny dancers in a ballet.

noun a gelatinous substance obtained from certain seaweeds, used in biological culture media and as a thickener in food preparation

• Agar-agar is a type of gelatin made from seaweed that is commonly used as a thickening agent in desserts.
• I love making fruit salad with agar-agar instead of regular gelatin.
• Have you tried that new agar-agar dessert? It's bomb!
• The team's defense was like agar-agar, solid and impenetrable.

noun a type of seaweed or algae that is commonly used in food and cosmetic products

• The agarophyte is a type of seaweed commonly used in the production of agar.
• I read that agarophytes are really good for your skin.
• Hey, did you know agarophytes are like nature's skincare secret?
• The agarophyte swayed gently in the ocean currents, a graceful dancer of the sea.