IGCSE Biology summarized

These flashcards cover key concepts and vocabulary from IGCSE Biology, including definitions of terms, fundamental processes in biology, and explanations of essential topics relevant to exam preparation.

Characteristics of Living Organisms

Movement, respiration, sensitivity, nutrition, excretion, reproduction, and growth.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that contain membrane-bound organelles such as the nucleus and mitochondria, typical in animals and plants.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria and viruses.

Cell Wall

Surrounds the cell membrane in plant cells, made of cellulose, providing protection and support.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll, allowing for photosynthesis.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell that regulates cell activities and contains genetic material.

Ribosomes

Cell structures where protein synthesis occurs.

Photosynthesis Formula

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.

Diffusion

The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The net movement of water across a partially permeable membrane from an area of high water potential to an area of low water potential.

Active Transport

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Enzyme

A biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

pH Optimum for Enzymes

Enzymes have specific pH levels at which they function best, and can denature outside of these ranges.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose in animals.

Starch

The stored form of glucose in plants.

Homeostasis

The process of maintaining a stable internal environment within an organism.

Respiration

The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Selective Breeding

The process of breeding plants or animals for specific traits.

Genetic Engineering

Manipulating an organism's DNA to produce desired traits, such as insulin production in bacteria.

Greenhouse Effect

The trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere due to increased levels of greenhouse gases.

Mutations

Random changes in the genetic material of an organism that can lead to variation.

Natural Selection

The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Ecosystem

A biological community interacting with its physical environment.

Trophic Level

Each level in a food chain or food web, representing a stage in the flow of energy and nutrients.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter in a given area or volume.

Transgenic Organism

An organism that has had a gene transferred from another organism, often used in genetic engineering.

Fermenter

A vessel used to grow microorganisms for fermentation processes such as beer and yogurt production.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and multiply despite the presence of an antibiotic.

Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange during photosynthesis.

Guard Cells

Cells surrounding stomata that regulate their opening and closing.