GCSE Biology Paper 1 Topics

What is a Meristem?

A region in plants where new cells are produced through cell division.

What is Mitosis?

The process of cell division where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

What is Epidermal tissue?

An outer layer of cells that protect the leaf. It has a waterproof waxy surface layer on the upper epidermis which prevents water loss.

What is Spongy Mesophyll tissue?

Loosely packed with a large surface area and lots of air gaps, maximizing the rate of gas exchange for photosynthesis.

What is Palisade Mesophyll tissue?

Packed tightly with cells rich in Chloroplasts, maximizing light energy capture for photosynthesis.

What are Guard cells?

Cells that open and close the stomata.

What are Stomata?

Pores in the leaf that allow gases to diffuse through.

What is Transpiration?

The process of plants absorbing water from the soil, circulating it, and vaporizing through pores in their leaves.

What is Translocation?

The movement of dissolved sugars and other molecules throughout the plant.

What is a Pathogen?

A microorganism that causes disease in animals or plants.

Name two types of Viruses.

Covid-19 and Flu.

Name two types of Bacteria.

Gonorrhoea and Salmonella.

Name one type of Fungus.

Rose black spot.

Name one type of Protist.

Malaria.

What is a Vector?

An organism that carries and transmits a disease.

What are Antibodies?

Proteins produced by the immune system to help fight off infections.

What are White Blood cells?

Cells in your immune system that defend against infections and diseases.

What are Red Blood cells?

Cells that transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

What are Veins?

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.

What are Capillaries?

Blood vessels where the exchange of substances with cells occurs.

What are Arteries?

Blood vessels that carry blood at high pressure away from the heart.

What is Deoxygenated blood?

Blood with low oxygen and high concentration of carbon dioxide.

What is Oxygenated blood?

Blood rich in oxygen.

Where is Bile produced?

In the Liver.

Where are Lipases produced?

In the Pancreas, mouth, and stomach.

Where are Proteases produced?

In the Small intestine, Pancreas, and Stomach.

Where are Amylases produced?

In the Small intestine, Pancreas, and Salivary glands.

What are Enzymes?

Biological catalysts that speed up the rate of a reaction without being consumed.

What is the Lock and Key theory?

Enzymes have an active site that binds specifically to one type of molecule, called a substrate.

What is Active transport?

The movement of solute substances against a concentration gradient.

What is Osmosis?

The diffusion of water from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane.

What is Diffusion?

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

What is the process of cell division?

A process where replicated chromosomes separate to form two nuclei.

What is the function of Root hair cells?

To absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

What is the function of Nerve cells?

To carry electrical impulses around the body.

What is the function of Muscle cells?

To produce movement.

What is the function of Sperm cells?

To carry genetic material to the egg cell.

What do Xylem cells do?

Transport water and mineral ions through the plant.

What do Phloem cells do?

Transport sugars made in leaves to the rest of the plant.

What is the function of the nucleus in the cell?

To control the activities of the whole cell.

What is the function of the mitochondria in the cell?

To release energy in respiration.

How many micrometres are in 1 mm?

1 mm = 1000 μm.

Which part of the body causes the blood to clot?

Platelets.

Name two substances transported in the blood.

Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide.

What is the Photosynthesis equation?

Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.

What is Lactic acid?

A waste product produced during anaerobic respiration.

How do plants use the glucose produced by photosynthesis?

It converts to starch and is also used for respiration.

How can a student test a drink for sugar?

Add Benedict's solution and heat it up.

What is the positive colour result for sugar?

Green, Yellow, Orange, or Blue.

How can a student test a drink for protein?

Add Biuret solution.

What is the positive colour result for protein?

Lilac/Purple.

What is an Independent variable?

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

What is a Dependent variable?

The variable that is observed for change in an experiment.

What is a Control variable?

A variable that is kept the same through out the experiment

Pepsin

Enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides

What helps the absorption of glucose in small intestine