Scientific Prefixes and Suffixes

Grade 12 · Science · Flashcards

Master the Latin and Greek word parts used across biology, chemistry, and physics to decode unfamiliar scientific terminology.

Flashcards

bio-

Life (Greek: bios). Example: biology = study of life; bioluminescence = light produced by living organisms.

chem- / chemo-

Chemical, relating to chemistry. Example: chemosynthesis = using chemical energy to produce food.

photo-

Light (Greek: phos/photos). Example: photosynthesis = using light to synthesize glucose.

thermo-

Heat (Greek: thermos). Example: thermodynamics = study of heat and energy transfer.

hydro-

Water (Greek: hydor). Example: hydrolysis = breaking bonds using water; hydrophobic = water-fearing.

micro-

Very small, one-millionth (10⁻⁶). Example: microscope = instrument to see tiny things; microgram.

macro-

Large or long. Example: macromolecule = large biological molecule like a protein or DNA.

-lysis

Breaking apart or decomposition. Example: hydrolysis = breaking with water; glycolysis = breaking down glucose.

-synthesis

Building or making. Example: photosynthesis = making food with light; biosynthesis = production within living cells.

-ase

Enzyme suffix. Example: lipase = fat-digesting enzyme; protease = protein-digesting enzyme.

endo-

Within or inside. Example: endoplasmic = within the cell's cytoplasm; endothermic = absorbs heat.

exo-

Outside or out of. Example: exothermic = releases heat outward; exocytosis = releasing materials out of a cell.

trans-

Across or through. Example: transcription = copying genetic info across molecules; transport = carry across.

-ology

The study of. Example: ecology = study of ecosystems; physiology = study of body functions.

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