Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 Syllabus Overview and Key Concepts

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and information from the Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus, designed to help students prepare for their exams.

What are some characteristics of living organisms?

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

What is the purpose of the binomial system in classification?

To provide a standardized way of naming species using a two-part name indicating genus and species.

What are the main components of a typical circulatory system?

Blood vessels, pump (heart), and valves.

How does active transport differ from diffusion?

Active transport moves particles against a concentration gradient using energy, whereas diffusion is the passive movement down a gradient.

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

To absorb light energy for the synthesis of carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water.

How do enzymes function in living organisms?

As biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

What is the definition of a balanced diet?

A diet that contains a variety of foods in the right proportions to provide necessary nutrients.

What is the significance of water in biological systems?

Water acts as a solvent, a medium for chemical reactions, and is critical for transport and temperature regulation.

What are the three main types of blood vessels?

Arteries, veins, and capillaries.

What is natural selection?

The process by which individuals with favorable traits are more likely to reproduce, leading to the adaptation of species over time.

What are the components of the nitrogen cycle?

Decomposition, nitrification, nitrogen fixation, and denitrification.

What is biotechnology?

The use of living systems and organisms to develop or create products, often involving genetic modification.

What measures can be taken to conserve biodiversity?

Monitoring species, managing habitats, captive breeding, and education.

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

Energy flows from the sun to producers, then to consumers and decomposers in a food chain.

What is the purpose of the practical assessment in the IGCSE Biology syllabus?

To evaluate students' experimental skills and their ability to conduct and analyze biological experiments.

What are the common factors that influence population growth?

Food supply, competition, predation, and disease.

What are the characteristics of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria?

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan wall, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thin wall and an outer lipid membrane.

Why are pH and temperature important for enzyme activity?

They influence the enzyme's shape and activity, affecting the rate of biochemical reactions.

What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy, while anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and produces less energy.