AQA GCSE Separate Science (Triple) – Higher Tier Key Terminology Biology, Chemistry, Physics

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards derived from key terminology in AQA GCSE Separate Science (Triple) for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Active transport

The movement of molecules or ions through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to higher concentration, using energy.

Embryonic stem cell

A stem cell in an early embryo that can develop (differentiate) into any type of cell.

Plasmid

A small circular loop of DNA in a prokaryotic cell’s cytoplasm, separate from the chromosome.

Therapeutic cloning

Producing an embryo with the same genes as a patient so its stem cells can be used for treatment.

Stent

A small mesh tube inserted into a narrow artery to hold it open and improve blood flow.

Statins

Drugs that lower blood ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol, reducing plaque buildup in arteries.

Palisade mesophyll

Specialized leaf cells rich in chloroplasts, optimizing photosynthesis.

Gonorrhoea

A bacterial sexually transmitted infection causing thick green/yellow discharge and pain.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A virus that attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS if untreated.

Malaria

A disease caused by a protozoan parasite, transmitted by mosquitoes, leading to cyclic fevers.

Clinical drug testing

Testing a drug on humans (patients) to assess its efficacy and safety.

Double-blind trial

A study where neither the researchers nor patients know who receives the drug or placebo.

Inverse proportion

A relationship where one quantity increases as another decreases.

Oxygen debt

The extra oxygen required after exercise to break down accumulated lactic acid in cells.

Homeostasis

The ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Accommodation

Changing the shape of the eye’s lens to focus on near or distant objects.

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A hormone that increases water reabsorption from kidney tubules.

Deamination

Liver process removing an amino group from amino acids, producing ammonia.

Dialysis

A medical treatment for kidney failure in which blood is filtered externally to remove waste.

Geotropism

A plant’s growth response to gravity; roots grow downwards.

Gibberellins

A class of plant hormones that initiate seed germination and stem growth.

Hyperopia

Long-sightedness – a vision defect where nearby objects are blurred.

Myopia

Short-sightedness – a vision defect where distant objects are blurred.

Anaerobic decay

Decomposition of organic matter by microorganisms in the absence of oxygen.

Apex predator

The top predator in a food chain, with no natural predators.

Biogas

A renewable fuel (mainly methane) produced from anaerobic digestion of waste biomass.

Compost

Partially decomposed organic matter used as a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.

Sustainable

Capable of being maintained for future generations without depleting resources.

Alloy

A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, improving strength.

Graphene

A single layer of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice, with unique strength and conductivity.

Atomic Structure

The study of the smallest units of matter and their arrangement.

Nuclear fusion

Combining two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

Potential difference (pd)

The work done per unit charge between two points in an electrical circuit.

Fission products

The smaller nuclei and neutrons produced when a large nucleus splits.

Dark matter

A hypothesized type of matter that does not emit or absorb light.