🌟 Introduction
Biology is one of the most important and scoring subjects for Class 10 ICSE Board students. The ICSE Biology paper demands strong conceptual clarity, accurate terminology, and precise definitions. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we have compiled the complete list of Biology keywords that every Class 10 ICSE student must master for board exam success.
Class 10 Biology (ICSE) covers crucial topics including Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Genetics, Absorption by Roots, Transpiration, Photosynthesis, Chemical Coordination in Plants, Circulatory System, Excretory System, Nervous System, Endocrine System, Reproductive System, Human Population, Health and Hygiene, and Pollution. Understanding Biology keywords and their meanings is essential for writing accurate answers and scoring high marks in the board examination.
Biology helps us understand living organisms, their structure, functions, and interactions with the environment. In Class 10 ICSE, students are introduced to advanced biological concepts that require precise terminology. This comprehensive guide covers 150+ Biology keywords organized by chapter, making it easy for Class 10 ICSE students to learn and revise before exams.
📚 Why Learning Biology Keywords Is Important for ICSE Students
Before diving into the complete list, let us understand why mastering Biology keywords is crucial for Class 10 ICSE students.
🎯 Benefits of Learning Biology Keywords
✅ Better Exam Answers: Using correct terminology impresses examiners
📝 Improved Understanding: Keywords help students grasp biological concepts
🧠 Easy Revision: Keywords serve as memory triggers during revision
🏆 Higher Scores: Precise use of keywords leads to better marks
🌐 Real-World Knowledge: Understanding biology helps in daily life
📊 Answer Writing: Keywords help structure answers effectively
🔬 Practical Knowledge: Understanding biology helps in practical exams
📖 Complete List of Biology Keywords for Class 10 ICSE
🔬 Chapter 1: Cell Cycle and Cell Division
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cell Cycle | The series of events that lead to cell division |
| Interphase | The phase between two cell divisions |
| Mitosis | Cell division that produces identical cells |
| Meiosis | Cell division that produces gametes |
| Prophase | The first stage of mitosis |
| Metaphase | The second stage of mitosis |
| Anaphase | The third stage of mitosis |
| Telophase | The final stage of mitosis |
| Cytokinesis | The division of the cytoplasm |
| Chromosome | A thread-like structure that carries genes |
| Chromatid | One half of a replicated chromosome |
| Centromere | The point where two chromatids are joined |
| Spindle Fibres | Fibres that pull chromosomes apart |
| Homologous Chromosomes | Chromosomes that carry the same genes |
| Crossing Over | The exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes |
| Diploid | A cell with two sets of chromosomes |
| Haploid | A cell with one set of chromosomes |
| Gamete | A reproductive cell |
| Somatic Cell | A body cell |
| Cell Division | The process by which cells reproduce |
🧬 Chapter 2: Genetics
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Genetics | The study of heredity and variation |
| Heredity | The passing of traits from parents to offspring |
| Variation | Differences among individuals |
| Gene | A unit of heredity |
| Allele | Different forms of a gene |
| Dominant Trait | A trait that appears in the offspring |
| Recessive Trait | A trait that is hidden |
| Genotype | The genetic makeup of an organism |
| Phenotype | The physical appearance of an organism |
| Homozygous | Having two identical alleles |
| Heterozygous | Having two different alleles |
| Mendel | The father of genetics |
| Monohybrid Cross | A cross involving one trait |
| Dihybrid Cross | A cross involving two traits |
| Punnett Square | A diagram for predicting offspring |
| Test Cross | A cross with a homozygous recessive individual |
| Back Cross | A cross with one of the parents |
| Sex Determination | The process of determining sex |
| XX | Female chromosomes |
| XY | Male chromosomes |
| Sex-Linked Traits | Traits carried on sex chromosomes |
| Color Blindness | A sex-linked trait |
| Haemophilia | A sex-linked trait |
| Pedigree Chart | A chart showing inheritance in a family |
| Mutation | A change in the genetic material |
🌱 Chapter 3: Absorption by Roots
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Absorption | The process of taking in water and minerals |
| Root | The underground part of a plant |
| Root Hair | A tiny extension of a root cell |
| Root Pressure | The pressure that pushes water up the root |
| Osmosis | The movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane |
| Diffusion | The movement of molecules from high to low concentration |
| Active Transport | The movement of molecules using energy |
| Passive Transport | The movement of molecules without energy |
| Plasmolysis | The shrinking of cytoplasm due to water loss |
| Turgidity | The state of being swollen with water |
| Flaccidity | The state of being limp due to water loss |
| Semi-Permeable Membrane | A membrane that allows some substances to pass |
| Permeable Membrane | A membrane that allows all substances to pass |
| Impermeable Membrane | A membrane that allows no substances to pass |
| Mineral Absorption | The uptake of minerals by roots |
| Macronutrient | A nutrient needed in large amounts |
| Micronutrient | A nutrient needed in small amounts |
| Nitrogen | A macronutrient essential for plant growth |
| Phosphorus | A macronutrient essential for plant growth |
| Potassium | A macronutrient essential for plant growth |
| Iron | A micronutrient essential for plant growth |
| Magnesium | A micronutrient essential for chlorophyll |
| Deficiency Symptom | A sign of lack of a nutrient |
| Hydroponics | Growing plants in water with nutrients |
💧 Chapter 4: Transpiration
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Transpiration | The loss of water vapour from plants |
| Stomata | Small pores on leaves for gas exchange |
| Guard Cell | Cells that control the opening of stomata |
| Cuticle | A waxy layer on the epidermis |
| Lenticel | A pore in the stem for gas exchange |
| Transpiration Pull | The force that pulls water up the plant |
| Cohesion | The attraction between water molecules |
| Adhesion | The attraction between water and vessel walls |
| Root Pressure | The pressure that pushes water up the root |
| Potometer | An instrument that measures transpiration |
| Cobalt Chloride Paper | A paper used to test for water |
| Factors Affecting Transpiration | Conditions that affect the rate of transpiration |
| Temperature | A factor that affects transpiration |
| Humidity | A factor that affects transpiration |
| Wind | A factor that affects transpiration |
| Light | A factor that affects transpiration |
| Water Conservation | The preservation of water |
| Wilting | The drooping of leaves due to water loss |
| Guttation | The loss of water droplets from leaves |
| Bleeding | The loss of sap from a cut stem |
☀️ Chapter 5: Photosynthesis
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | The process by which plants make food |
| Chlorophyll | The green pigment in plants |
| Chloroplast | The organelle where photosynthesis occurs |
| Stomata | Small pores on leaves for gas exchange |
| Carbon Dioxide | A raw material for photosynthesis |
| Water | A raw material for photosynthesis |
| Sunlight | The energy source for photosynthesis |
| Glucose | The food produced by photosynthesis |
| Oxygen | A by-product of photosynthesis |
| Light Reaction | The reaction that requires light |
| Dark Reaction | The reaction that does not require light |
| Calvin Cycle | Another name for the dark reaction |
| ATP | The energy currency of cells |
| NADPH | A molecule that carries energy |
| Limiting Factor | A factor that limits the rate of photosynthesis |
| Law of Limiting Factors | The rate is limited by the factor in shortest supply |
| Experiments on Photosynthesis | Tests to study photosynthesis |
| Starch Test | A test for the presence of starch |
| Destarching | Removing starch from a plant |
| Variegated Leaf | A leaf with different coloured patches |
| Hydrilla Experiment | An experiment to show oxygen production |
| Blackman’s Law | A law about limiting factors |
| Photolysis | The splitting of water by light |
| Carbon Fixation | The conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose |
🌸 Chapter 6: Chemical Coordination in Plants
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Plant Hormone | A chemical that regulates plant growth |
| Auxin | A hormone that promotes cell elongation |
| Gibberellin | A hormone that promotes stem elongation |
| Cytokinin | A hormone that promotes cell division |
| Abscisic Acid | A hormone that inhibits growth |
| Ethylene | A hormone that promotes fruit ripening |
| Phototropism | The response of plants to light |
| Geotropism | The response of plants to gravity |
| Hydrotropism | The response of plants to water |
| Thigmotropism | The response of plants to touch |
| Chemotropism | The response of plants to chemicals |
| Nastic Movement | A non-directional response |
| Tropic Movement | A directional response |
| Positive Tropism | Movement towards a stimulus |
| Negative Tropism | Movement away from a stimulus |
| Apical Dominance | The inhibition of lateral buds by the apical bud |
| Senescence | The aging of plants |
| Abscission | The shedding of leaves or fruits |
| Dormancy | A period of inactivity |
| Germination | The beginning of growth of a seed |
🫀 Chapter 7: Circulatory System
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Circulatory System | The system that transports blood |
| Heart | The organ that pumps blood |
| Artery | A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart |
| Vein | A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart |
| Capillary | A tiny blood vessel |
| Blood | The fluid that transports substances |
| Plasma | The liquid part of blood |
| Red Blood Cell | A cell that carries oxygen |
| White Blood Cell | A cell that fights infection |
| Platelet | A cell fragment that helps in clotting |
| Hemoglobin | The pigment in red blood cells |
| Blood Group | A classification of blood |
| Blood Clotting | The process of forming a clot |
| Double Circulation | Blood passing through the heart twice |
| Pulmonary Circulation | Circulation between the heart and lungs |
| Systemic Circulation | Circulation between the heart and body |
| Heart Beat | The rhythmic contraction of the heart |
| Pulse | The rhythmic expansion of an artery |
| Blood Pressure | The pressure of blood against artery walls |
| Systolic Pressure | The pressure during heart contraction |
| Diastolic Pressure | The pressure during heart relaxation |
| Lymph | A fluid that returns excess tissue fluid |
| Lymphatic System | The system that returns lymph |
| Valve | A structure that prevents backflow |
🫘 Chapter 8: Excretory System
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Excretion | The removal of waste products |
| Excretory System | The system that removes waste |
| Kidney | The organ that filters blood |
| Nephron | The functional unit of the kidney |
| Ureter | The tube that carries urine to the bladder |
| Urinary Bladder | The organ that stores urine |
| Urethra | The tube that carries urine out of the body |
| Urine | The waste product excreted by the kidneys |
| Urea | A waste product from protein metabolism |
| Uric Acid | A waste product from nucleic acid metabolism |
| Creatinine | A waste product from muscle metabolism |
| Filtration | The process of filtering blood |
| Reabsorption | The process of reabsorbing useful substances |
| Secretion | The process of adding substances to urine |
| Dialysis | The artificial filtering of blood |
| Kidney Stone | A hard deposit in the kidney |
| Nephritis | Inflammation of the kidney |
| Renal Failure | The failure of the kidney |
| Skin | An excretory organ |
| Lungs | Excretory organs for carbon dioxide |
| Liver | An excretory organ for bile pigments |
| Sweat Gland | A gland that produces sweat |
| Osmoregulation | The regulation of water balance |
| Homeostasis | The maintenance of a stable internal environment |
🧠 Chapter 9: Nervous System
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nervous System | The system that controls body activities |
| Neuron | The basic unit of the nervous system |
| Dendrite | Branch of a neuron that receives signals |
| Axon | Long extension of a neuron that sends signals |
| Synapse | The junction between two neurons |
| Neurotransmitter | A chemical that transmits signals |
| Central Nervous System | The brain and spinal cord |
| Peripheral Nervous System | Nerves outside the brain and spinal cord |
| Brain | The control center of the body |
| Cerebrum | The largest part of the brain |
| Cerebellum | The part of the brain that controls balance |
| Medulla Oblongata | The part of the brain that controls involuntary actions |
| Spinal Cord | The part of the nervous system in the backbone |
| Reflex Action | A quick, automatic response |
| Reflex Arc | The pathway of a reflex action |
| Meninges | The membranes that cover the brain |
| Cerebrospinal Fluid | The fluid that surrounds the brain |
| Sensory Neuron | A neuron that carries signals to the brain |
| Motor Neuron | A neuron that carries signals from the brain |
| Interneuron | A neuron that connects sensory and motor neurons |
| Autonomic Nervous System | The system that controls involuntary actions |
| Sympathetic Nervous System | The system that prepares the body for action |
| Parasympathetic Nervous System | The system that calms the body |
| Nerve | A bundle of neurons |
🧪 Chapter 10: Endocrine System
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Endocrine System | The system of glands that produce hormones |
| Hormone | A chemical messenger |
| Gland | An organ that produces hormones |
| Pituitary Gland | The master gland |
| Thyroid Gland | The gland that produces thyroxine |
| Parathyroid Gland | The gland that regulates calcium |
| Adrenal Gland | The gland that produces adrenaline |
| Pancreas | The gland that produces insulin |
| Testes | The male reproductive glands |
| Ovaries | The female reproductive glands |
| Insulin | A hormone that regulates blood sugar |
| Glucagon | A hormone that raises blood sugar |
| Diabetes | A disease caused by lack of insulin |
| Thyroxine | A hormone that regulates metabolism |
| Goiter | A disease caused by lack of iodine |
| Adrenaline | The fight-or-flight hormone |
| Growth Hormone | A hormone that controls growth |
| Dwarfism | A condition caused by lack of growth hormone |
| Gigantism | A condition caused by excess growth hormone |
| Estrogen | The female sex hormone |
| Progesterone | A hormone that maintains pregnancy |
| Testosterone | The male sex hormone |
| Feedback Mechanism | A mechanism that regulates hormone levels |
| Hypothyroidism | A condition caused by lack of thyroxine |
| Hyperthyroidism | A condition caused by excess thyroxine |
👶 Chapter 11: Reproductive System
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reproduction | The process of producing new organisms |
| Sexual Reproduction | Reproduction with gametes |
| Asexual Reproduction | Reproduction without gametes |
| Gamete | A reproductive cell |
| Sperm | The male gamete |
| Egg | The female gamete |
| Fertilization | The fusion of gametes |
| Zygote | The cell formed by fertilization |
| Embryo | The developing organism |
| Foetus | The developing organism after 8 weeks |
| Placenta | The organ that nourishes the embryo |
| Umbilical Cord | The cord that connects the foetus to the placenta |
| Amniotic Fluid | The fluid that surrounds the foetus |
| Gestation Period | The time of pregnancy |
| Puberty | The age when reproduction begins |
| Menstruation | The monthly cycle in females |
| Menstrual Cycle | The cycle of changes in females |
| Ovulation | The release of an egg |
| Fallopian Tube | The tube that carries the egg |
| Uterus | The organ where the foetus develops |
| Vagina | The birth canal |
| Testis | The male reproductive organ |
| Vas Deferens | The tube that carries sperm |
| Prostate Gland | A gland that produces seminal fluid |
| Contraception | Methods to prevent pregnancy |
👥 Chapter 12: Human Population
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Population | The total number of people in an area |
| Census | The official counting of a population |
| Demography | The study of population |
| Population Density | The number of people per square kilometre |
| Birth Rate | The number of live births per 1,000 people per year |
| Death Rate | The number of deaths per 1,000 people per year |
| Natural Growth Rate | The difference between birth rate and death rate |
| Literacy Rate | The percentage of people who can read and write |
| Sex Ratio | The number of females per 1,000 males |
| Life Expectancy | The average number of years a person is expected to live |
| Migration | The movement of people from one place to another |
| Emigration | Leaving one’s own country to settle in another |
| Immigration | Coming to a new country to settle permanently |
| Urbanization | The increase in the proportion of people living in cities |
| Rural Population | People living in villages |
| Urban Population | People living in towns and cities |
| Population Explosion | A rapid increase in population |
| Family Planning | Methods to control population |
| Contraception | Methods to prevent pregnancy |
| Population Pyramid | A graphical representation of the age and sex distribution of a population |
| Dependency Ratio | The ratio of dependents to the working-age population |
| Population Policy | Government policies to control population |
💚 Chapter 13: Health and Hygiene
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Health | The state of physical, mental, and social well-being |
| Disease | A condition that affects the body |
| Communicable Disease | A disease that spreads from person to person |
| Non-Communicable Disease | A disease that does not spread |
| Pathogen | A disease-causing organism |
| Bacteria | A type of pathogen |
| Virus | A type of pathogen |
| Fungus | A type of pathogen |
| Protozoa | A type of pathogen |
| Vector | An organism that carries a disease |
| Malaria | A disease caused by Plasmodium |
| Dengue | A disease caused by a virus |
| Tuberculosis | A bacterial disease |
| Typhoid | A bacterial disease |
| Cholera | A bacterial disease |
| Polio | A viral disease |
| Measles | A viral disease |
| Chickenpox | A viral disease |
| AIDS | A viral disease |
| Immunity | The body’s ability to fight diseases |
| Vaccine | A substance that provides immunity |
| Antibiotic | A medicine that kills bacteria |
| Antiseptic | A substance that prevents infection |
| Hygiene | Practices that maintain health |
| Balanced Diet | A diet with all necessary nutrients |
🌍 Chapter 14: Pollution
| Keyword | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pollution | The contamination of the environment |
| Pollutant | A substance that causes pollution |
| Air Pollution | Contamination of air |
| Water Pollution | Contamination of water |
| Soil Pollution | Contamination of soil |
| Noise Pollution | Unwanted sound |
| Radioactive Pollution | Contamination by radioactive substances |
| Thermal Pollution | Contamination by heat |
| Biodegradable Pollutant | A pollutant that can be decomposed |
| Non-Biodegradable Pollutant | A pollutant that cannot be decomposed |
| Greenhouse Effect | The trapping of heat by gases in the atmosphere |
| Global Warming | The increase in Earth’s average temperature |
| Ozone Depletion | The thinning of the ozone layer |
| Acid Rain | Rain with acidic pollutants |
| Smog | A mixture of smoke and fog |
| Sewage | Wastewater from homes and industries |
| Effluent | Liquid waste from industries |
| Eutrophication | The enrichment of water with nutrients |
| Biomagnification | The increase of toxins in a food chain |
| Conservation | The protection of natural resources |
| Sustainable Development | Development that meets present needs without compromising future |
| Recycling | The process of reusing materials |
| Waste Management | The proper disposal of waste |
| Environmental Laws | Laws to protect the environment |
📝 How to Use This Keyword List for ICSE Exam Preparation
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we recommend the following strategies to master Biology keywords for Class 10 ICSE.
🎯 Study Tips
📖 Read each keyword with its meaning carefully
✏️ Write each keyword 3–4 times to memorize spelling
🗣️ Use keywords in sentences to understand context
📝 Create flashcards for quick revision
🔬 Draw diagrams to understand biological concepts
🔄 Revise weekly to ensure long-term retention
📋 Practice writing answers using correct keywords
✅ Take mock tests to check your understanding
📊 Focus on high-weightage chapters first
🎯 Use keywords in answer writing practice
📊 Class 10 ICSE Biology Weightage
| Chapter | Expected Marks |
|---|---|
| Cell Cycle and Cell Division | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Genetics | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Absorption by Roots | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Transpiration | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Photosynthesis | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Chemical Coordination in Plants | 4 – 6 Marks |
| Circulatory System | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Excretory System | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Nervous System | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Endocrine System | 6 – 8 Marks |
| Reproductive System | 8 – 10 Marks |
| Human Population | 4 – 6 Marks |
| Health and Hygiene | 4 – 6 Marks |
| Pollution | 6 – 8 Marks |
🏫 How Dhingra Classes Nashik Helps Class 10 ICSE Students Master Biology
At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we provide comprehensive coaching for Biology and all other subjects for Class 10 ICSE students. Our approach includes:
📚 Structured Lessons: Teaching concepts with clear explanations
🔬 Diagram Practice: Regular diagram work for better understanding
📝 Keyword Lists: Providing comprehensive keyword lists like this one
✏️ Regular Tests: Weekly tests to ensure continuous revision
🎯 Doubt Clearing Sessions: Personalized attention to every student
📊 Progress Tracking: Regular updates to parents about student progress
🏆 Answer Writing Practice: Teaching how to use keywords effectively
📞 Contact Dhingra Classes Nashik
📱 Phone: 98230 62106
📧 Email: dhingraclassesnsk@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.dhingraclassesnashik.com
📍 Address: Plot No 3, XQ3G+H3M Deacon Homes, 301C, opp. Metro Zone, near Guru Govind Sing, Samarth Nagar, Dnyaneshwar Nagar, Pathardi Phata, Nashik, Maharashtra 422009
🏁 Conclusion
Mastering Biology keywords is essential for Class 10 ICSE students to score high marks in board examinations. This comprehensive list of 150+ Biology keywords with their meanings covers all major chapters including Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Genetics, Absorption by Roots, Transpiration, Photosynthesis, Chemical Coordination in Plants, Circulatory System, Excretory System, Nervous System, Endocrine System, Reproductive System, Human Population, Health and Hygiene, and Pollution.
By regularly revising these keywords and using them in your answers, you can improve your understanding and score better in exams. At Dhingra Classes Nashik, we are committed to helping Class 10 ICSE students excel in Biology and achieve academic success. Remember, Biology is not just a subject—it is the study of life itself, and understanding it makes us better caretakers of our world
Call Us Now