GCE-Biology-Teachers_guide

Inorganic Ions

Key elements such as Mg2+, Fe2+, Ca2+, PO4 3– are components in cell metabolism.

Water's Role in Biology

Water acts as a solvent, metabolite, and provides support and buoyancy for organisms.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules, including monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides with distinct structures, properties and functions.

Lipids

Fats and oils, including triglycerides and phospholipids, with roles in energy storage and cell membrane structure.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids, with variable structures and critical roles in biological function.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts responsible for speeding up biochemical reactions.

Photosynthesis

Process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.

Nucleic Acids

Molecules that store genetic information, consisting of nucleotides which include DNA and RNA.

Gene Expression

The process by which a gene's information is used to synthesize functional products like proteins.

Ecology

The study of relationships between living organisms and their environment.

Biosphere Management

Sensible management of ecosystems to enhance biodiversity.

Natural Selection

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Anthropogenic Effects

Human activities that impact the environment and biodiversity.

Carbon Cycle

The cycle through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and organisms.

Ecosystem Dynamics

The study of how ecosystems change over time and how those changes affect organisms.

Chloroplasts

Cell organelles responsible for photosynthesis, containing chlorophyll.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, essential for various biological functions.

Metabolic Pathways

Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell, controlled by enzymes.

Gene Technologies

Techniques used to manipulate genes for applications in medicine, agriculture, and science.

Immunology

A branch of biology that deals with the immune system and its responses to pathogens.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of an antibiotic to which they were once sensitive.

Homeostasis

The process by which biological systems maintain stability while adjusting to conditions optimal for survival.

Nervous System

The system of nerve cells and fibers that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body.

Genetic Variation

Differences in DNA sequences among individuals, important for evolution.

Mutations

Changes in the DNA sequence, which can lead to variations in traits.

Natural Barriers to Infection

Physiological mechanisms like skin and mucus that protect against pathogens.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits that humans derive from ecological processes.

Biodiversity Loss

The decline in the number and variety of species in a particular habitat.