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Biology vocabulary words for students

This list is for high school biology students who need a working vocabulary for cells, genetics, and ecosystems used across most introductory courses. Use it to review before tests, follow along in textbook chapters, or build flashcards for terms that keep reappearing unit after unit.

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Biology vocabulary words for students

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
cellnounThe basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.We examined an onion cell under the microscope.
organismnounAn individual living thing.A single bacterium is an organism.
nucleusnounThe central part of an atom or cell that contains most of its mass or genetic material.The cell's nucleus holds the DNA that directs its growth and function.
membranenounA thin, flexible layer of tissue that covers, lines, or separates parts of an organism.The cell membrane controls which substances can enter or leave the cell.
photosynthesisnounThe process in which plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to make sugars.The leaves use light for photosynthesis.
respirationnounThe process by which living organisms take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide to produce energy.Respiration in humans occurs mainly through the lungs, where oxygen enters the bloodstream.
chromosomenounA thread-like structure of tightly coiled DNA that carries genes and passes hereditary information to offspring.Humans typically have forty-six chromosomes arranged in twenty-three pairs within each cell.
genenounA unit of hereditary material, made of DNA, that determines a particular trait in an organism.A single gene can determine whether a pea plant produces smooth or wrinkled seeds.
DNAabbreviationThe molecule inside cells that carries the genetic instructions used to build and maintain living organisms.Scientists compared DNA samples to confirm the identity of the remains.
mitosisnounThe process by which a cell divides its nucleus to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.Mitosis allows a single fertilized egg to develop into billions of cells with the same DNA.
meiosisnounA type of cell division that produces reproductive cells containing half the usual number of chromosomes.The biology class studied how meiosis creates genetic variation among offspring.
enzymenounA protein produced by living cells that speeds up a specific chemical reaction in the body.The enzyme lactase helps the body break down sugar found in milk.
proteinnounA nutrient made of amino acids that builds and repairs body tissue and supports muscle growth.Eggs, chicken, and beans are all good sources of protein for a balanced diet.
ecosystemnounThe living things in an area together with their nonliving surroundings and the ways they interact.The pond ecosystem includes insects, plants, water, and sediment.
habitatnounThe place and conditions in which an organism normally lives.The hedgerow provides habitat for nesting birds.
speciesnounA group of living organisms that share common characteristics and can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.Scientists discovered a new species of frog deep in the rainforest.
evolutionnounThe gradual process by which species of organisms change over successive generations.Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species adapt to their environments over time.
adaptationnounThe process of changing to become better suited to new conditions, or a modified version of an original work.The lizard's coloring is an adaptation that helps it hide from predators.
natural selectionnounThe process by which organisms better suited to their environment tend to survive and pass on their traits.Darwin used natural selection to explain how species gradually change over generations.
reproductionnounThe biological process by which living organisms produce offspring, or a copy of an original work.The textbook chapter explained sexual and asexual reproduction in plants.
metabolismnounThe chemical processes in a living organism that convert food into energy and maintain life.Regular exercise can help boost your metabolism significantly over time.
homeostasisnounThe tendency of a living organism to maintain stable internal conditions despite changes outside it.Sweating helps the body maintain homeostasis by cooling it down in hot weather.
organellenounA specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function, such as a mitochondrion.The mitochondrion is an organelle that converts nutrients into usable energy for the cell.
tissuenounA soft, disposable paper used for wiping or blowing the nose, or a group of similar living cells.She pulled a tissue from the box to wipe her watery eyes.
taxonomynounA system for classifying things, especially organisms, into ordered groups based on shared characteristics.Scientists updated the taxonomy of the beetle family after new genetic evidence emerged.
biodiversitynounThe variety of plant and animal life found in a particular habitat or the world.Rainforests contain an extraordinary level of biodiversity compared to most other ecosystems.
mutationnounA permanent change in an organism's genetic material that can be passed on to offspring.A random mutation gave the beetle population a slightly darker shell color.
hereditynounThe passing of physical or mental traits from parents to their offspring through genes.Heredity explains why the twins share the same curly hair and dimples.
osmosisnounThe gradual movement of a solvent through a membrane from a less concentrated to a more concentrated solution.Water enters plant roots by osmosis, moving from the soil into cells with higher salt concentration.
phylumnounA major taxonomic rank in biological classification, grouping organisms that share a basic body plan, below kingdom and above class.Humans belong to the phylum Chordata, along with all other animals possessing a backbone.

AP biology and marine biology vocabulary

This list focuses on core biology vocabulary shared across introductory and AP-level courses, such as cell, gene, and homeostasis, rather than specialized terms from any one exam. It does not include marine-biology-specific words like coral or plankton, since those belong to a more specialized vocabulary about ocean life. Students looking for marine biology terms should pair this list with ocean or ecosystem vocabulary for full coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does this list include marine biology vocabulary?

No, this list covers general introductory biology terms; marine-specific words are better covered in a dedicated ocean or marine life vocabulary list.