Combined Biology Topic 1 Revision

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the Combined Biology Topic 1 Revision notes.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus enclosed within membranes, including animal and plant cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simpler cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles, such as bacteria.

Specialised Cells

Cells that have specific adaptations to perform particular functions, such as sperm and ciliated epithelial cells.

Electron Microscopy

A technique that uses electrons instead of light to image cell structures with higher resolution.

Diffusion

The passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to one of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a more concentrated one.

Active Transport

The process of moving particles against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.

Enzyme Specificity

A characteristic that means enzymes each catalyse a specific reaction or work on specific substrates.

Denaturation

The process where an enzyme loses its shape and functionality due to changes in temperature, pH, or other factors.

Lock and Key Model

A model that explains how enzymes and substrates fit together specifically like a key fits into a lock.

Biological Catalysts

Substances, like enzymes, that increase the rate of reactions without being consumed in the process.

Mitochondria

Organelles in eukaryotic cells that produce energy through aerobic respiration.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs.

Chloroplasts

Organelles that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.

Vacoule

A storage organelle in plant cells that helps maintain cell rigidity by holding cell sap.

Cell membrane

A selectively permeable membrane that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the apparent size of an object using lenses or microscopes.

Rate of Reaction (ROR)

A measure of how fast a reaction occurs, often calculated as the amount of product formed over time.

Carbon Compounds

Molecules essential to cellular function and metabolism, including carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Staining

The process of using dyes to enhance the visibility of cells and their structures under a microscope.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower concentration of solutes compared to another, causing cells to gain water.

Isotonic Solution

A solution with equal concentrations of solutes, resulting in no net movement of water in or out of cells.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher concentration of solutes compared to another, causing cells to lose water.