GCSE Biology Paper 1

What does the nucleus contain?

Genetic material which controls what the cell does.

Where do most chemical reactions take place in a cell?

In the cytoplasm.

What is the function of ribosomes?

Where proteins are made.

What does the cell membrane control?

What goes in and out of the cell.

Where does aerobic respiration take place?

In the mitochondria to release energy from glucose.

What is the function of the cell wall?

Support and strengthens the cell.

Where does photosynthesis happen?

In the chloroplasts.

What is a permanent vacuole?

A large membrane bound organelle in the plant cell that stores cell sap.

What are plasmids?

Small rings of extra DNA.

What is the function of a sperm cell?

To get the male DNA to the egg.

What is the function of a nerve cell?

To carry electrical signals around the body.

What is the function of a muscle cell?

To contract and allow movement.

What is the function of a root hair cell?

To absorb water and mineral ions from the soil.

What is the function of a phloem cell?

Transports food from the leaves to other parts of the plant.

What is the function of a xylem cell?

Transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is cell differentiation?

Where an unspecialised cell becomes a specialised cell.

What are the advantages of stem cells?

They can regenerate and repair damaged tissues.

What are meristems?

Regions of unspecialised cells in plants that are capable of cell division.

What is mitosis?

When a cell divides to make two identical daughter cells.

What is diffusion?

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

What is osmosis?

The movement of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane from a more dilute solution to a more concentrated solution.

What is active transport?

The movement of molecules against a concentration gradient (from a low to a high concentration area).

What is a catalyst?

A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up.

Where are amylases made?

In the salivary glands, pancreas, and small intestine.

Where are proteases made?

In the stomach, pancreas, and small intestine.

Where are lipases made?

In the pancreas and small intestine.

Where is bile produced?

In the liver.

What do arteries do?

Carry blood away from the heart.

What do veins do?

Carry blood back to the heart.

What are platelets?

Small fragments of cells that help clot blood.

What is palisade mesophyll tissue?

Cells that have lots of chloroplasts in which photosynthesis happens.

What is spongy mesophyll tissue?

A tissue that is loosely packed for gas exchange.

What are stomata?

Pores in the leaf that enable gaseous exchange.

What is the upper epidermis?

A transparent layer to let light through.

What is transpiration?

The loss of water from the plant.

What is translocation?

Transport of food substances through the phloem.

What are pathogens?

Microorganisms that enter the body and cause disease.

What are vectors?

Organisms that spread disease.

What are examples of bacterial diseases?

Salmonella and Gonorrhoea.

What are examples of viral diseases?

Covid 19 and Flu.

What is an example of a fungal disease?

Rose black spot.

What is an example of a protist disease?

Malaria.

What is preclinical testing?

Drugs are first tested on samples of human cells and tissues, then on live animals to find out their efficacy, toxicity, and dosage.

What is clinical testing?

It is tested on human volunteers if the drug passes the tests on animals.

What is a placebo?

A fake treatment that has no real effect.

What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

What is aerobic respiration?

Respiration that uses oxygen to release energy from glucose.

What is anaerobic respiration?

Respiration that does not use oxygen and releases less energy.

What is oxygen debt?

The amount of extra oxygen your body needs after exercise.