Comparison

BioCaL vs Bio Lexicon

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

BioCaL

Features
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Experimental research in molecular biology requires fundamental techniques such as restriction enzyme digestion and DNA ligation, which are essential for recombinant DNA technology and widely practiced in laboratories worldwide. Mastering these techniques is crucial for progress in biological research. Our app simplifies these processes by providing precise volumes for each component required in restriction digestion and ligation reactions. Users no longer need to calculate DNA volumes manually; instead, they input the desired DNA concentration, and the app calculates the necessary volumes for your reactions. The app then conveniently provides these volumes, so you can quickly set up your reactions ready for incubation at the appropriate temperatures in Eppendorf tubes. Additionally, our app offers the necessary DNA volumes for DNA assembly reactions, accommodating up to six different DNA fragment assemblies when constructing and using two or more DNA molecules. This user-friendly app ensures seamless operation, allowing instant use without the need for detailed instructions. It also guides users in sampling volumes to normalize mass and molar concentration across tubes with containing different DNA concentrations and sizes. Furthermore, it provides options for calculating various physical quantities of DNA and RNA of interest. Please note that all calculations involving DNA experiments are performed on double-stranded DNA molecules in BioCaL. The app also includes features for normalizing cell optical density to adjust the number of cells taken from different samples, as well as evaluating plasmid DNA copy number per cell and cosmid packaging efficiency, facilitating thorough analysis and efficient experiments.

About

Bio Lexicon

Features
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Bio Lexicon puts a complete biology dictionary in your pocket. Whether you are revising for an exam, preparing a lesson, or simply curious about a term you came across, this app gives you everything you need to understand it properly. Every one of the 557 entries includes a clear definition, phonetic pronunciation, part of speech, a real-world example, etymological roots, historical context, and a concise memory hint. Tap any term to see its full detail card. Star the ones you want to revisit later. The built-in search bar lets you find any term instantly. You can also browse alphabetically or filter by topic โ€” tap a category tab at the top to narrow the list to just the branch of biology you are studying. WHAT EACH ENTRY INCLUDES - Definition โ€” a precise, exam-ready explanation of the term - Pronunciation โ€” phonetic guide so you can say it correctly - Example โ€” a sentence placing the term in real-world context - Etymology โ€” the Greek, Latin, or other roots behind the word - First Described โ€” who coined or discovered the concept and when - Hint โ€” a short memory aid to help the term stick - Related Terms โ€” links to connected concepts in the lexicon 11 BIOLOGY TOPICS - Anatomy โ€” body systems, organs, tissues, skeletal and muscular structure - Biochemistry โ€” enzymes, metabolic pathways, macromolecules, ATP - Cell Biology โ€” organelles, membrane transport, mitosis, meiosis, cell signalling - Ecology โ€” food webs, ecosystems, population dynamics, biodiversity - Evolution โ€” natural selection, speciation, phylogenetics, evidence for evolution - Genetics โ€” inheritance, DNA replication, gene expression, mutations - Immunology โ€” innate and adaptive immunity, antibodies, vaccination - Microbiology โ€” bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists, antibiotic resistance - Molecular Biology โ€” DNA technology, PCR, CRISPR, recombinant DNA - Physiology โ€” homeostasis, endocrine signalling, nervous coordination - Plant Biology โ€” photosynthesis, transpiration, plant hormones, reproduction TEST YOURSELF Switch to Quiz mode and choose a topic. Each quiz presents 20 true-or-false statements drawn from the lexicon. Answer correctly to build your streak. Get one wrong and you will see a detailed explanation of the correct answer โ€” every mistake becomes a learning moment. If you want another chance, watch a short reward video to continue where you left off (up to 2 continues per round). Your best streak for each topic is saved so you can track your progress over time. DESIGNED FOR COMFORTABLE STUDYING Bio Lexicon supports both light and dark mode, adapting to your system appearance automatically. The interface is native on iPhone and iPad, with a layout that makes it easy to scan entries quickly or read them in full. FREE TO DOWNLOAD Bio Lexicon is completely free. The app is supported by ads, with optional reward videos during quizzes.

Screenshots

BioCaL4 screens
Bio Lexicon4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Bio Lexicon at none against BioCaL's 1. BioCaL's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price ยท Rating ยท Positive reviews ยท Number of ratings ยท Update frequency ยท Ads ยท In-app purchases ยท Monetization ยท Best chart rank ยท Devices ยท Requires iOS

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. BioCaL sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Bio Lexicon asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard2 real differences ยท 4 level
BioCaL versus Bio Lexicon: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBioCaLBio Lexicon
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 2 daysโ€”
AdsNo โ€” betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.016.6 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size23 MB25 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperYoshikazu MikawaChaleepa Mallawa

In-app purchases

1 purchases

BioCaL

One-time1
  • BioCaL Premium Access$4.99
None

Bio Lexicon

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is BioCaL free?
BioCaL is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Bio Lexicon free?
Bio Lexicon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do BioCaL or Bio Lexicon have ads?
Bio Lexicon shows ads; BioCaL does not.

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