| English |
Meaning |
Maori |
| Amino Acid |
Unit molecule from which proteins are constructed by polymerization. |
Waikawa Poroutini |
| ATP |
"adenosine triphosphate". A relatively stable, high energy molecule used to fuel chemical reactions within cells. |
Pungao Rupoi Ngota |
| Biochemistry |
The study of those molecules used and manufactured by living things |
Matu Omataora |
| Carbohydrates |
Class of biochemical compounds which includes sugars, starch, chitin, and steroids. |
Huinga Whakatupu |
| Cell |
Fundamental structural unit of all life. |
Iho |
| Cellulose |
Carbohydrate polymer of the simple sugar glucose. |
Huka Otaota |
| Chlorophyll |
The green-colored pigment that absorbs light during photosynthesis, often found in plants, algae, and some bacteria. |
Kano Kariki |
| Chromosome |
Linear piece of eukaryotic DNA, often bound by specialized proteins known as histones. |
Puira |
| Clone |
An identical copy of an organism. |
Turua |
| Control Group |
Part of an experiment treated "normally". Used to compare experimental results. |
Ropu Whakahaere |
| Direct Observation |
An observation made on something you can see or measure "firsthand". |
Ata Mutakitaki |
| DNA |
"deoxyribonucleic acid". The nucleic acid which carries the genetic code of an organism. It is the primary component of chromosomes. |
Pu Tau Ira |
| Embryo |
Once a zygote begins to undergo cellular divisions, it becomes an embryo. |
Hua Ira |
| Eukaryote |
An organism whose cells have cytoskeletons for support and their DNA contained in a nucleus, separated from the other contents of the cell. |
Anga Puareare |
| Experiment |
Used to test a hypothesis |
Whakamutau |
| Experimental Group |
"Guinea pigs". The real test group in an experiment. |
Ropu Whakamutau |
| Fertilisation |
The process by which an egg is made capable of generating offspring. |
Whakahaumako |
| Germination |
The process by which a seedling emerges and develops from a seed, or by which a sporeling emerges and develops from a spore. |
Whakato Hua |
| Glucose |
Simple sugar, and the primary product of photosynthesis. It is polymerized to make cellulose and chitin. |
Huka Taketake |
| Hypothesis |
Untested idea, an educated guess. |
Huatau |
| Indirect Observation |
Observation about something you can't see or measure "firsthand". You must observe how other things are affected. |
Mutakitaki Tawhiti |
| Inference |
A conclusion or explanation based on observations made about something. |
Whakapae |
| Law |
Idea in science proven correct repeatedly without exception. |
Ture |
| Lipids |
A class of biochemical compounds which includes fats, oils, and waxes. |
Huinga Matu Hinu |
| Meiosis |
A two-stage type of cell division in sexually reproducing organisms. |
Whuiti Puira |
| Nucleotide |
Unit from which nucleic acids are constructed by polymerization. |
Waihanga Karihi |
| Observation |
Something noted in an experiment or noticed about the world around you. |
Mutakitaki |
| Photosynthesis |
Biochemical process in which light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, and is used to fuel the building of sugar molecules. |
Ahotakakame |
| Polymer |
A large molecule constructed from many smaller identical units. These include proteins, nucleic acids, and starches. |
Waerau |
| Procedure |
Something done in an experiment |
Tikanga |
| Prokayotic |
Literally "before the nucleus", the term applies to all bacteria and archaea. |
Huakita |
| Protein |
Class of biochemical compounds constructed from amino acids. |
Pumua |
| Reproduction |
The manufacture of offspring as part of an organism's life cycle |
Onioni |
| RNA |
"ribonucleic acid". The nucleic acid which carries the DNA message into parts of the cell where it is interpreted and used |
Waikawa Pu Tau Ira |
| Science |
Search for the true nature of the world and how it works based on our observations of it |
Putaiao |
| Scientific Method |
Steps often used in solving problems in science. This can be helpful in solving any problem |
Ara Putaiao |
| Seed |
A structure produced by seed plants which encapsulates the embryo |
Kukano |
| Starch |
A complex polymer of glucose, used by plants and green algae to store surplus sugar for later use |
Tuhi |
| Sugar |
Any of several small carbohydrates, such as glucose, which are "sweet" to the taste |
Huka |
| Theory |
Idea in science with at least some evidence or observations supporting it, useful in making predictions |
Whakaaro |
| Zygote |
The product of gamete fusion |
Huanga |