GCSE Biology (8461)
GCSE Biology specification for teaching from September 2016 onwards, with exams in 2018 onwards.
GCSE Biology Subject Content
Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology, Key ideas.
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Flashcards based on the GCSE Biology (8461) Specification for exams from 2018 onwards.
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GCSE Biology (8461)
GCSE Biology specification for teaching from September 2016 onwards, with exams in 2018 onwards.
GCSE Biology Subject Content
Cell biology, Organisation, Infection and response, Bioenergetics, Homeostasis and response, Inheritance, variation and evolution, Ecology, Key ideas.
Types of Questions in GCSE Biology Assessments
Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response.
Definition of Science
A set of ideas about the material world involving investigating, observing, experimenting, and testing ideas.
Development of Scientific Thinking
Understanding how scientific methods and theories develop over time, using models to solve problems, and appreciating the power and limitations of science.
Experimental Skills and Strategies
Using scientific theories to develop hypotheses, planning experiments, and carrying out experiments with regard for safety and accuracy.
Analysis and Evaluation in Science
Presenting data, carrying out mathematical analysis, interpreting data, and communicating scientific rationale.
Scientific Vocabulary and Units
Using scientific vocabulary, SI units, and appropriate nomenclature.
Fundamental Biological Concepts
The structure and functioning of cells, variation at fertilisation, photosynthesis and respiration, metabolism, and material cycling.
Cell Biology Overview
Structural differences between cells enable them to perform specific functions controlled by genes in the nucleus.
Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes
Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. Prokaryotic cells are smaller and lack a nucleus.
Additional Parts in Plant Cells
Cell wall made of cellulose, chloroplasts, and a permanent vacuole.
Examples of Specialized Cells
Sperm cells, nerve cells, muscle cells, root hair cells, xylem and phloem cells.
Cell Differentiation
Most animal cells differentiate early, while many plant cells can differentiate throughout life.
Advantages of Electron Microscope
Higher magnification and resolving power allowing for finer detail study of cells.
Culturing Microorganisms
Bacteria multiply by binary fission, forming colonies on agar gel plates or in nutrient broth.
Cell Cycle Overview
Doubling of genetic material and division into two identical cells.
Definition of Stem Cells
Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to many more cells of the same type.
Transport Mechanisms in Cells
Diffusion, osmosis, and active transport.
Definition of Diffusion
Spreading of particles from high to low concentration.
Definition of Osmosis
Diffusion of water from a dilute to a concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane.
Definition of Active Transport
Moving substances against a concentration gradient, requiring energy.
Levels of Organization
Cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and organisms.
Animal Tissues, Organs, and Organ Systems Examples
The digestive system, heart and blood vessels, and blood.
Key Digestive Enzymes
Carbohydrases, proteases, and lipases.
Three Types of Blood Vessels
Arteries, veins, and capillaries.
Blood Components
Plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Factors Affecting Health
Diet, stress, and life situations.
Lifestyle Effects on Non-Communicable Diseases
Lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol, and smoking.
Plant Tissues
Epidermal tissues, palisade mesophyll, spongy mesophyll, xylem and phloem, meristem tissue.
Plant Organ System
Roots, stem, and leaves.
Processes in Plant Transport System
Transpiration and translocation.
Types of Pathogens
Viruses, bacteria, protists, or fungi.
Examples of Viral Diseases
Measles, HIV, and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV).
Examples of Bacterial Diseases
Salmonella and gonorrhoea.
Example of Fungal Disease
Rose black spot.
Example of Protist Disease
Malaria.
Human Non-Specific Defense Systems
Skin, nose, trachea and bronchi, stomach.
White Blood Cell Defense Mechanisms
Phagocytosis, antibody production, antitoxin production.
Definition of Vaccination
Introducing dead or inactive pathogens to stimulate antibody production.
How Antibiotics Work
Killing infective bacteria inside the body.
Examples of Drug Origins
Digitalis, aspirin, and penicillin.
Stages of Drug Testing
Preclinical testing and clinical trials.
Monoclonal Antibodies
From a single clone of cells, specific to one binding site on one protein antigen.
Detection of Plant Diseases
Stunted growth, spots on leaves, decay, malformed stems, discoloration, pests.
Physical Plant Defense Responses
Cellulose cell walls, waxy cuticle, bark.
Chemical Plant Defense Responses
Antibacterial chemicals and poisons.
Photosynthesis Equation
Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis Rate
Temperature, light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, amount of chlorophyll.
Uses of Glucose from Photosynthesis
Used for respiration, converted into starch, fat, oil, cellulose, or amino acids.
Definition of Cellular Respiration
An exothermic reaction in living cells providing energy for living processes.
Why Organisms need Energy
build larger molecules ,movement, keeping warm .
Aerobic Respiration Equation
Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water.
Definition of Homeostasis
Regulation of internal conditions to maintain optimum function.
Examples of Homeostatic Control
Blood glucose concentration, body temperature, water levels.
Components of Control Systems
Receptors, coordination centers, effectors.
Function of the Nervous System
Enables humans to react to surroundings and coordinate behavior.
Importance of Reflex Actions
Automatic and rapid responses.
Brain Regions
Cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and medulla.
Temperature Control
Body temperature is monitored and controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the brain.
Endocrine System
Glands secreting hormones into the bloodstream.
Key Endocrine Glands
Pituitary, pancreas, thyroid, adrenal gland, ovary, testes.
Pancreatic Hormones
Insulin and glucagon.
Substances Excreted in Urine
Water, ions, and urea.
Hormones in Human Reproduction
Oestrogen, testosterone, FSH, and LH.
Methods of Contraception
Oral contraceptives, barrier methods, and surgical methods.
Effects of Auxin
Unequal growth rates in roots and shoots.
Mitosis vs. Meiosis
Meiosis leads to non-identical cells; mitosis leads to identical cells.
Gametes in Sexual Reproduction
Sperm and egg cells in animals; pollen and egg cells in flowering plants.
Structure and Function of DNA
DNA on chromosomes coding for protein sequences.
Importance of Understanding the Human Genome
Search for disease-linked genes, understanding inherited disorders, and tracing human migration.
DNA Structure
A polymer of four different nucleotides with bases A, C, G, and T.
Genetic Terms
Gamete, chromosome, gene, allele, dominant, recessive, homozygous, heterozygous, genotype, phenotype.
Examples of Inherited Disorders
Polydactyly and cystic fibrosis.
Definition of Variation
Different characteristics among individuals in a population.
Definition of Evolution
A change in inherited characteristics over time through natural selection.
Definition of Selective Breeding
Breeding plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics.
Definition of Genetic Engineering
Modifying the genome by introducing a gene from another organism.
Examples of Cloning Methods
Tissue culture, cuttings, embryo transplants, adult cell cloning.
Evidence for Evolution
Fossils and antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Linnaean Classification System
Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species.
Three-Domain System
Archaea, bacteria, and eukaryota.
Definition of Ecosystem
Interaction of a community with the non-living environment.
Competition Factors
For light, space, water, mineral ions, food, mates, and territory.
Biotic Factors
Availability of food, new predators, pathogens, and competition.
Abiotic Factors
Light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, pH, wind intensity, carbon dioxide, oxygen.
Producers of Biomass
Photosynthetic organisms.
Factors Affecting Decomposition Rate
Temperature, water, oxygen.
Definition of Biodiversity
Variety of all species in an ecosystem.
Maintaining Biodiversity
Breeding programs, habitat protection, and reducing deforestation.
Trophic Level 1
Plants and algae.
Trophic Level 2
Herbivores.
Trophic Level 3
Carnivores that eat herbivores.
Trophic Level 4
Carnivores that eat other carnivores.
Factors Affecting Food Security
Increasing birth rate, changing diets, new pests and pathogens, environmental changes.
Improving Food Production
Limiting movement, controlling temperature, and feeding high protein foods.
Sustainable Fisheries
Control of net size and fishing quotas.
Role of Biotechnology
The use of microorganisms to be cultured for food, GM crops provide more food or food with an improved nutritional value .