Biotechnology Terms

noun A microorganism that can live and grow in the absence of oxygen

• Anaerobes are microorganisms that can survive and thrive in environments without oxygen.
• Some bacteria are anaerobes, meaning they don't need oxygen to grow.
• Anaerobes are like the rebels of the microbial world, living without oxygen.
• In a world full of competition, anaerobes are the ones who find success in unconventional ways.

noun the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms

• Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.
• I have a test on biochemistry next week, so I need to start studying.
• I never thought I would enjoy biochemistry, but it's actually pretty cool.
• Understanding biochemistry is like unlocking the secrets of life itself.

noun a threadlike structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.

• A chromosome is a thread-like structure of nucleic acids and protein found in the nucleus of most living cells, carrying genetic information in the form of genes.
• My doctor explained to me that a chromosome is like a tiny instruction manual inside our cells.
• Dude, did you know that chromosomes are like the boss of our DNA?
• In the grand scheme of genetics, a chromosome is like a puzzle piece that fits perfectly into the bigger picture.

noun deoxyribonucleic acid, a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms as the main constituent of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information.

• DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known living organisms.
• I did a DNA test to find out more about my ancestry.
• My DNA is a mix of different backgrounds.
• Her artistic DNA is evident in every piece she creates.

noun A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.

• The scientist studied the genetic sequence to identify the specific gene responsible for the inherited disorder.
• My sister got her genes from our mom, that's why they look so alike.
• I heard that new rapper has some good genes, he's got the looks and the talent.
• Hard work and dedication seem to be in his genes, he's always striving for success.

noun a slender tube attached to or incorporating a bulb, for transferring or measuring out small quantities of liquid, especially in a laboratory.

• The scientist used a pipette to transfer precise amounts of liquid into the test tubes.
• I need to grab a pipette to measure out the chemicals for this experiment.
• Hey, can you pass me that fancy dropper thingy? I think it's called a pipette.
• She carefully pipetted her emotions into her journal, one drop at a time.

noun a substance that has a molecular structure consisting chiefly or entirely of a large number of similar units bonded together, such as many synthetic organic materials used as plastics and resins

• The scientist synthesized a new polymer with unique properties.
• I heard they're using some fancy polymer in the new phone case.
• This polymer stuff is supposed to be super strong, like unbreakable or something.
• Their friendship was like a polymer bond, strong and resilient.

adjective relating to or made by chemical synthesis, especially to imitate a natural product

• The company is known for producing high-quality synthetic fabrics.
• I prefer wearing synthetic materials because they are more durable.
• Some people think that synthetic stuff is not cool, but I like it.
• Her smile seemed synthetic, like she was forcing it.

noun a type of fungus used in baking and brewing to make dough rise or to ferment liquids

• Yeast is a type of fungus used in baking to help dough rise.
• My grandma always adds a little yeast to her bread recipe for extra fluffiness.
• I heard that adding yeast to your beer can really kick up the alcohol content.
• In order for our project to grow and expand, we need to introduce some new ideas like yeast into the mix.

noun Lateral flow test

• The lateral flow test is commonly used in medical diagnostics to quickly detect the presence of certain substances.
• I had to take a lateral flow test before entering the event to make sure I wasn't sick.
• I'll just do a quick lateral flow test before heading out to make sure I'm good to go.
• Using the lateral flow test is like having a quick peek into what's going on inside your body.

noun the process of introducing nucleic acids into cells using a vector such as a plasmid or virus

• The transfection process involves introducing foreign genetic material into a cell.
• Transfection is like injecting new genes into a cell.
• When you do transfection, you're basically giving a cell a genetic makeover.
• Transfection is like sending a message to a cell in a language it can understand.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'mushroom' is a noun as it refers to a type of fungus.

adjective a word that describes or modifies a noun. In this case, 'bionic' is an adjective that describes the type of mushroom as being enhanced or modified with technology.

• Scientists are researching the potential applications of a bionic mushroom in the field of renewable energy.
• Have you heard about that bionic mushroom that can generate electricity? It's pretty cool!
• That bionic mushroom is straight up futuristic!
• The bionic mushroom represents a new era of sustainable technology.

noun a molecule that is present in living organisms and is essential for various biological processes

• A biomolecule is any molecule that is present in living organisms, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Scientists study biomolecules to understand how our bodies function at a molecular level.
• Yo, did you know biomolecules are like the building blocks of life?
• The biomolecules in the cell can be compared to the gears in a complex machine, each playing a specific role to keep everything running smoothly.

noun A type of enzyme that cuts DNA at specific locations, often used in genetic engineering

• The restriction enzyme was used to cleave the DNA at specific sites.
• We used the restriction enzyme to cut the DNA into smaller pieces.
• We zapped the DNA with the restriction enzyme to chop it up.
• The restriction enzyme acted like molecular scissors, snipping the DNA into fragments.

noun a living cell that has had its cell wall removed, typically used in genetic manipulation and cell fusion experiments

• The scientist isolated protoplasts from plant cells for further study.
• I heard they were experimenting with protoplasts in the lab.
• The protoplasts were like the cool kids of the cell world.
• His ideas were like protoplasts, new and unformed but full of potential.

adjective capable of being absorbed or soaked up

• The surgeon used absorbable sutures to close the incision.
• I prefer absorbable bandages because they are easier to remove.
• These absorbable pills are great for hangovers.
• She had an absorbable mind, always eager to learn new things.

noun a genus of protozoans that are typically found in freshwater environments

• The acineta orchid is known for its unique and intricate flowers.
• I saw a really cool acineta orchid at the botanical garden.
• That acineta orchid is totally lit!
• Her beauty was like an acineta orchid, rare and captivating.

noun a cell that adheres or sticks to surfaces

adjective describing the type of cell that is adhesive

• The adhesive cell of the organism helps it to attach to surfaces and move efficiently.
• That sticky cell is what keeps the organism stuck in place.
• The critter's gluey cell is what makes it stick like crazy.
• Her friendship was like an adhesive cell, always keeping us connected no matter what.

noun aerobic bacteria or other microorganisms

• An aerobe is an organism that requires oxygen for growth and survival.
• Plants are considered aerobes because they need oxygen to live.
• I heard that guy is a total aerobe, always out jogging and biking.
• Being an aerobe in this fast-paced world means always staying active and on the move.