Scientific Abbreviations — The world of science and biology is full of abbreviations and acronyms that streamline communication and understanding. Below is a detailed list of some of the most important abbreviations and their full forms, categorized for clarity and easier memorization.
Botanical and Zoological Nomenclature
ICBN: International Code for Botanical Nomenclature
ICZN: International Code of Zoological Nomenclature
Microbiology and Cellular Biology
PPLO: Pleuro Pneumonia Like Organisms
GFR: Glomerular Filtration Rate
JGA: Juxta-Glomerular Apparatus
Hormones and Biological Regulators
ANF: Atrial Natriuretic Factor
GnRH: Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone
TSH: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
ACTH: Adreno Corticotrophic Hormone
MSH: Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
ADH: Anti-diuretic Hormone/Vasopressin
T₃: Triiodothyronine
T₄: Thyroxine or Tetraiodothyronine
Plant Physiology
TCT: Thyrocalcitonin
PTH: Parathyroid Hormone
CCK: Cholecystokinin
LHC: Light Harvesting Complex
PGA: Phosphoglyceric Acid
Photosynthesis and Cellular Processes
RuBisCO: Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase-Oxygenase
NAD: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
CoA: Coenzyme A
ETC: Electron Transport Chain
RQ: Respiratory Quotient
Plant Growth Regulators and Agriculture
PGRs: Plant Growth Regulators
NAA: Naphthalene Acetic Acid
2, 4-D: 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid
Reproductive Biology
GA₃: Gibberellic Acid
PMC: Pollen Mother Cell
MMC: Megaspore Mother Cell
PEN: Primary Endosperm Nucleus
hCG: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin
hPL: Human Placental Lactogen
Health and Diseases
STDs: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
WHO: World Health Organization
MMR: Maternal Mortality Rate
IMR: Infant Mortality Rate
Contraception and Fertility Treatments
IUDs: Intrauterine Devices
MTP: Medical Termination of Pregnancy
ZIFT: Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer
GIFT: Gamete Intra-Fallopian Transfer
IUT: Intrauterine Transfer
IUI: Intrauterine Insemination
Advanced Reproductive Technologies
AIT/AI: Artificial Insemination Technique
ICSI: Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection
IVF: In-Vitro Fertilization
Molecular Biology
NHC: Non-Histone Chromosomal Proteins
snRNA: Small Nuclear RNA
hnRNA: Heterogeneous Nuclear RNA
sRNA: Soluble RNA
HGP: Human Genome Project
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
BAC: Bacterial Artificial Chromosome
YAC: Yeast Artificial Chromosome
VNTR: Variable Number of Tandem Repeats
CMI: Cell-Mediated Immunity
MALT: Mucosal Associated Lymphoid Tissue
Immunology and Medical Sciences
AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
ELISA: Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Miscellaneous Terms in Science
MOET: Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer Technology
SCP: Single-Cell Protein
LAB: Lactic Acid Bacteria
ppm: Parts Per Million
DU: Dobson Units
Environmental Science and Ecology
CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons
STPs: Sewage Treatment Plants
BOD: Biochemical Oxygen Demand
KVIC: Khadi and Village Industries Commission
Genetic Engineering Tools
Bt: Bacillus thuringiensis
Ori: Origin of Replication
Ti Plasmid: Tumor-Inducing Plasmid
Taq: Thermus aquaticus
PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction
GMO: Genetically Modified Organisms
Ecology and Productivity
NPP: Net Primary Productivity
GPP: Gross Primary Productivity
GFC: Grazing Food Chain
DFC: Detritus Food Chain
Conservation and Energy
IUCN: International Union for Conservation of Nature
CNG: Compressed Natural Gas
FAQs About Scientific Abbreviations
Why are scientific abbreviations important?
Scientific abbreviations help in simplifying complex terms and ensure concise communication, especially in academic and research contexts.
How can I memorize these abbreviations?
Creating flashcards, grouping related terms, and using mnemonic devices can make memorization easier.
Are these abbreviations universal?
Yes, most of these abbreviations are standardized and recognized globally, especially in scientific research and education.
Where can I find more details about these terms?
Refer to biology textbooks, research articles, or trusted online platforms for in-depth explanations.
This comprehensive guide serves as a one-stop resource for understanding the most commonly used abbreviations in science and biology.
Originally published at https://www.vhtc.org.
