CAIE IGCSE Biology Notes Flashcards

A selection of flashcards covering key concepts from the CAIE IGCSE Biology lecture notes.

What are the characteristics of living organisms represented by the acronym MRS GREN?

Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition.

What is the sequence of classification for organisms?

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

What does binomial nomenclature refer to?

The system of naming species by using two parts: the genus name (capitalized) and the species name (in lowercase).

What are the five kingdoms of living organisms?

Animals, Plants, Fungi, Prokaryotes, Protoctists.

What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic respiration?

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

Describe the structure of DNA.

DNA is made of two strands coiled into a double helix, containing bases (A, T, C, G) that pair in specific ways.

What are enzymes, and why are they important?

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up metabolic reactions by lowering activation energy.

What is the role of the xylem in plants?

Xylem transports water and mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is photosynthesis and its equation?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy. The equation is 6CO2 + 6H2O + light → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

What type of immunity is produced by vaccination?

Active immunity.

What are the key components of blood?

Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

What is the function of the small intestine in the digestive system?

The small intestine is the site of digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Define diffusion in biological terms.

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

What is the function of guard cells in plants?

Guard cells control the opening and closing of stomata, regulating gas exchange.

Identify one major role of proteins in the body.

Proteins function as enzymes, structural materials, and antibodies.

How do white blood cells contribute to the immune response?

White blood cells engulf pathogens through phagocytosis or produce antibodies.

What is the significance of the double circulatory system in mammals?

It allows for separation of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, providing more efficient oxygen delivery to tissues.

What type of bonds are broken when enzymes are denatured?

Hydrogen bonds and other interactions that maintain the enzyme's structure.

What are limiting factors in photosynthesis?

Environmental conditions like light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature that can restrict the rate of photosynthesis.