CSEC Human and Social Biology Review Flashcards

Flashcards designed to help students review key concepts from the CSEC Human and Social Biology syllabus.

What are the seven characteristics of living organisms?

Nutrition, respiration, excretion, growth, irritability (sensitivity), movement, reproduction.

Define photosynthesis.

The process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight.

What is the primary function of the heart?

To pump blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients.

What distinguishes aerobic respiration from anaerobic respiration?

Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces more energy compared to anaerobic respiration which does not require oxygen.

What are the causes of heart attacks?

Heart attacks are mainly caused by atherosclerosis, where fatty deposits narrow coronary arteries.

What is the main function of the skeletal system?

To support and protect internal organs, enable movement, and produce blood cells.

Name three methods used for controlling water pollution.

Proper sewage treatment, use of biodegradable products, and public education on pollution prevention.

What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus?

Excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds.

Describe the difference between an antigen and an antibody.

An antigen is a substance recognized as foreign by the immune system, while an antibody is a protein produced in response to an antigen.

What defines a sex-linked characteristic?

A characteristic determined by genes located on the sex chromosomes.

What is genetic engineering?

The process of altering the genetic material of an organism by inserting DNA from another organism.

Explain the difference between continuous and discontinuous variation.

Continuous variation shows a range of traits (e.g., height), while discontinuous variation has distinct categories (e.g., blood type).