Toxins & Potions
This radioactive element, discovered by Marie Curie, shares its name with a famous superhero comic book home world.
What is Polonium? (Krypton/Kryptonite)
This 5-letter acronym represents the revolutionary gene-editing technology that acts like cellular "scissors."
What is CRISPR?
In the Marvel Universe, this brilliant scientist turns into a massive, green powerhouse due to accidental exposure to gamma radiation.
Who is Bruce Banner (The Hulk)?
This type of microscopic organism cannot replicate on its own and must hijack a host cell to survive, causing illnesses like the flu or COVID-19.
What is a Virus?
I have a nucleus, but I am not an atom. I have a membrane, but I am not a drum. What am I?
What is a Cell?
Derived from the bark of the willow tree, this everyday pain reliever is historically one of the world's first mass-produced synthetic drugs.
What is Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid)?
These specialized proteins act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions inside cells without being consumed.
What are Enzymes?
This popular, sugary carbonated beverage was originally invented by pharmacist John Pemberton in 1886 as a patent medicine.
What is Coca-Cola?
This highly infectious, ancient disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis wiped out roughly one-third of Europe's population in the 14th century.
What is the Black Plague (or Bubonic Plague)?
I am a gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere, but if you freeze me, I can instantly preserve your biotech samples. What am I?
What is Nitrogen (Liquid Nitrogen)?
In Harry Potter, this lucky potion—also known as "Liquid Luck"—makes the drinker successful in all their endeavors.
What is Felix Felicis?
This term describes a precise copy of a biological entity, famously achieved with a sheep named Dolly in 1996.
What is a Clone?
On the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, this character works as a high-earning pharmaceutical sales representative.
Who is Penny?
This is the term for a microscopic organism that lives in or on another organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
What is a Parasite?
I am a spiral staircase that never ends, carrying the secret code for all living things. What am I?
What is DNA?
This deadly neurotoxin, produced by bacteria, is famously used in micro-doses for cosmetic procedures to smooth wrinkles.
What is Botox (Botulinum toxin)?
This type of therapy introduces genetic material into cells to compensate for abnormal genes or to make a beneficial protein.
What is Gene Therapy?
In the hit AMC show Breaking Bad, Walter White utilizes his expertise in this specific scientific field to manufacture illicit substances.
What is Chemistry?
These resilient bacteria, nicknamed "superbugs," have developed the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them, posing a major threat to global health.
What are Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (accept: AMR or Superbugs)?
Chemists love me because I have 118 elements, but I don't contain a single word. What am I?
What is the Periodic Table?
This highly toxic plant, also known as "deadly nightshade," was historically used by women to dilate their pupils for cosmetic appeal.
What is Belladonna?
Often used in biotech manufacturing, this is the term for a vessel or container in which organisms (like bacteria or yeast) are grown to produce a specific biological product.
What is a Bioreactor?
This classic 1990s medical drama featured George Clooney as Dr. Doug Ross and was created by a former Harvard Medical School student.
What is ER?
This specific, incredibly resilient bacterium is famous in biotech because its DNA-copying enzyme (Taq polymerase) can survive the extreme heat needed for PCR testing.
What is Thermus aquaticus (accept: Taq)?
I can run but I have no legs. I am essential for life, but too much of me can dilute your electrolytes to dangerous levels. What am I?
What is Water?