*GCSE Biology (AQA)

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492 Terms

1

microscope

an optical instrument used for viewing very small objects, such as mineral samples or animal or plant cells, typically magnified several hundred times.

<p>an optical instrument used for viewing very small objects, such as mineral samples or animal or plant cells, typically magnified several hundred times.</p>
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fine focus

Knob that allows you to make fine focusing adjustments. (small knob)

<p>Knob that allows you to make fine focusing adjustments. (small knob)</p>
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objective

the lens at the bottom near the sample

<p>the lens at the bottom near the sample</p>
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eyepiece

A lens that magnifies the image formed by the objective.

<p>A lens that magnifies the image formed by the objective.</p>
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course focus

used to make big changes in focus (large knob)

<p>used to make big changes in focus (large knob)</p>
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magnification

= size of the image/size of real object

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resolving power

A measure of the clarity of an image; the ability of an optical instrument to show two objects as separate.

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8

cell

the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms

<p>the basic structural and functional unit of all organisms</p>
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9

algae

Grow in soil, on trees and on the bodies of turtles and frogs; smallest of all green plants

<p>Grow in soil, on trees and on the bodies of turtles and frogs; smallest of all green plants</p>
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cytoplasm

A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended, where many chemical reactions take place.

<p>A jellylike fluid inside the cell in which the organelles are suspended, where many chemical reactions take place.</p>
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cell membrane

A cell structure that controls which substances can enter or leave the cell.

<p>A cell structure that controls which substances can enter or leave the cell.</p>
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mitochondria

An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.

<p>An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.</p>
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13

ribosome

Cytoplasmic organelles at which proteins are synthesised.

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14

cell wall

A rigid layer of nonliving material that surrounds the cells of plants and some other organisms.

<p>A rigid layer of nonliving material that surrounds the cells of plants and some other organisms.</p>
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15

cellulose

A substance (made of sugars) that is common in the cell walls of many organisms

<p>A substance (made of sugars) that is common in the cell walls of many organisms</p>
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16

chloroplast

An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs

<p>An organelle found in plant and algae cells where photosynthesis occurs</p>
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17

chlorophyll

A green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and some bacteria

<p>A green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and some bacteria</p>
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18

vacuole

Cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates

<p>Cell organelle that stores materials such as water, salts, proteins, and carbohydrates</p>
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19

cytoskeleton

(A-Level)
A network of fibers that holds the cell together, helps the cell to keep its shape, and aids in movement

<p>(A-Level)<br>A network of fibers that holds the cell together, helps the cell to keep its shape, and aids in movement</p>
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20

Golgi apparatus

(A-Level)
An organelle found in eukaryotic cells responsible for the final stages of processing proteins for release by the cell.

<p>(A-Level)<br>An organelle found in eukaryotic cells responsible for the final stages of processing proteins for release by the cell.</p>
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21

rough endoplasmic reticulum

(A-Level)
System of internal membranes within the cytoplasm. Membranes are rough due to the presence of ribosomes. Functions in transport of substances such as proteins within the cytoplasm

<p>(A-Level)<br>System of internal membranes within the cytoplasm. Membranes are rough due to the presence of ribosomes. Functions in transport of substances such as proteins within the cytoplasm</p>
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22

smooth endoplasmic reticulum

(A-Level)
part of the endoplasmic reticulum that contains enzymes used for all sorts of processes

<p>(A-Level)<br>part of the endoplasmic reticulum that contains enzymes used for all sorts of processes</p>
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23

photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy.
6CO2 + 6H2O + light --> C6H12O6 + 6O2

<p>Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy.<br>6CO2 + 6H2O + light --&gt; C6H12O6 + 6O2</p>
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24

glucose

A simple sugar that is an important source of energy.

<p>A simple sugar that is an important source of energy.</p>
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25

eukaryotes

Organisms whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles

<p>Organisms whose cells contain a membrane-bound nucleus and other organelles</p>
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26

prokaryotes

Cells that have no internal membranes or internal organelles, like nuclei or mitochondria.

<p>Cells that have no internal membranes or internal organelles, like nuclei or mitochondria.</p>
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27

bacteria

Constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, they have a number of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals.

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plasmids

Small rings of DNA found naturally in some bacterial cells in addition to the main bacterial chromosome. Can contain genes for antibiotic resistance or other "contingency" functions.

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DNA

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.

<p>A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes.</p>
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30

flagella

A long, whip-like filament that helps in cell movement. Many bacteria are flagellated, and sperm are flagellated.

<p>A long, whip-like filament that helps in cell movement. Many bacteria are flagellated, and sperm are flagellated.</p>
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31

neuron

A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.

<p>A nerve cell; the basic building block of the nervous system.</p>
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32

axon

A threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

<p>A threadlike extension of a neuron that carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.</p>
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dendrites

A neuron's bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.

<p>A neuron's bushy, branching extensions that receive messages and conduct impulses toward the cell body.</p>
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34

myelin sheath

A layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons; insulates the cell and enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses as the impulse hops from one node to the next.

<p>A layer of fatty tissue segmentally encasing the fibers of many neurons; insulates the cell and enables vastly greater transmission speed of neural impulses as the impulse hops from one node to the next.</p>
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35

synapse

A junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to the next.

<p>A junction where information is transmitted from one neuron to the next.</p>
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36

striated muscle cells

These cells are made up of fibres and can be much larger than normal animal cells, with lengths up to 300mm; they can also be multi-nucleated. Combine to make muscle tissue.

<p>These cells are made up of fibres and can be much larger than normal animal cells, with lengths up to 300mm; they can also be multi-nucleated. Combine to make muscle tissue.</p>
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37

sperm

Male sex cell or gamete.

<p>Male sex cell or gamete.</p>
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38

acrosome

A vesicle at the tip of a sperm cell that contains digestive enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the egg

<p>A vesicle at the tip of a sperm cell that contains digestive enzymes to help the sperm penetrate the egg</p>
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specialisation

The structural adaption of a cell to suit a particular function (Eg: Red blood cells have no nucleus to make room for space to carry oxygen).

<p>The structural adaption of a cell to suit a particular function (Eg: Red blood cells have no nucleus to make room for space to carry oxygen).</p>
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40

tissue

A group of similar cells that perform the same function.

<p>A group of similar cells that perform the same function.</p>
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organ

A collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body

<p>A collection of tissues that carry out a specialized function of the body</p>
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organ system

A group of organs that work together in performing vital body functions.

<p>A group of organs that work together in performing vital body functions.</p>
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43

organism

A living thing

<p>A living thing</p>
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44

root hair cell

Cell found in roots. It has a large surface area to help the cell absorb water quickly.

<p>Cell found in roots. It has a large surface area to help the cell absorb water quickly.</p>
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45

photosynthetic cell

Contains many chloroplasts for photosynthesis

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46

phloem

Living vascular tissue that carries sugar and organic substances throughout a plant

<p>Living vascular tissue that carries sugar and organic substances throughout a plant</p>
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47

xylem

Nonliving vascular tissue that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots of a plant to its leaves

<p>Nonliving vascular tissue that carries water and dissolved minerals from the roots of a plant to its leaves</p>
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48

lignin

substance in vascular plants that makes cell walls rigid

<p>substance in vascular plants that makes cell walls rigid</p>
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49

diffusion

Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

<p>Movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.</p>
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50

concentration gradient

A difference in the concentration of a substance across a distance.

<p>A difference in the concentration of a substance across a distance.</p>
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51

osmosis

Diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane

<p>Diffusion of water through a selectively permeable membrane</p>
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52

dilute solution

a solution that contains a small amount of solute

<p>a solution that contains a small amount of solute</p>
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53

concentrated solution

a solution containing a large amount of solute

<p>a solution containing a large amount of solute</p>
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54

partially permeable membrane

A membrane that is permeable to certain substances, such as water, but is not permeable to other substances.

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55

isotonic

Having the same solute concentration as another solution.

<p>Having the same solute concentration as another solution.</p>
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hypertonic

Having a higher concentration of solute than another solution.

<p>Having a higher concentration of solute than another solution.</p>
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hypotonic

Having a lower concentration of solute than another solution

<p>Having a lower concentration of solute than another solution</p>
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soluble

Capable of being dissolved

<p>Capable of being dissolved</p>
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59

turgor

Condition of being distended or swollen; normal fullness

<p>Condition of being distended or swollen; normal fullness</p>
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60

plasmolysis

A phenomenon in walled cells in which the cytoplasm shrivels and the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall; occurs when the cell loses water to a hypertonic environment.

<p>A phenomenon in walled cells in which the cytoplasm shrivels and the plasma membrane pulls away from the cell wall; occurs when the cell loses water to a hypertonic environment.</p>
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active transport

Energy-requiring process that moves material across a cell membrane against a concentration difference

<p>Energy-requiring process that moves material across a cell membrane against a concentration difference</p>
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62

alveoli

(singular alveolus) Tiny sacs, with walls only a single cell layer thick, found at the end of the respiratory bronchiole tree. They are the site of gas exchange in the respiratory system.

<p>(singular alveolus) Tiny sacs, with walls only a single cell layer thick, found at the end of the respiratory bronchiole tree. They are the site of gas exchange in the respiratory system.</p>
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63

stomata

A microscopic pore surrounded by guard cells in the epidermis of leaves and stems that allows gas exchange between the environment and the interior of the plant.

<p>A microscopic pore surrounded by guard cells in the epidermis of leaves and stems that allows gas exchange between the environment and the interior of the plant.</p>
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64

chromosomes

A cellular structure carrying genetic material, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Each consists of one very long DNA molecule and associated proteins

<p>A cellular structure carrying genetic material, found in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Each consists of one very long DNA molecule and associated proteins</p>
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65

cell cycle

series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide

<p>series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide</p>
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mitosis

A process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells. Conserves chromosome number by equally allocating replicated chromosomes to each of the daughter nuclei.

<p>A process of nuclear division in eukaryotic cells. Conserves chromosome number by equally allocating replicated chromosomes to each of the daughter nuclei.</p>
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67

gene

A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific protein, which determines a specific trait.

<p>A segment of DNA on a chromosome that codes for a specific protein, which determines a specific trait.</p>
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multicellular

Made up of more than one cell.

<p>Made up of more than one cell.</p>
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differentiation

Process in which cells become specialized in structure and function

<p>Process in which cells become specialized in structure and function</p>
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70

gametes

A haploid sex cell such as an egg or sperm. Gametes unite during sexual reproduction to produce a diploid zygote.

<p>A haploid sex cell such as an egg or sperm. Gametes unite during sexual reproduction to produce a diploid zygote.</p>
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71

egg cell

the female reproductive cell

<p>the female reproductive cell</p>
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embroyonic stem cell

undifferentiated cells that are unlike any specific adult cell however they have the important ability to form any adult cell

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adult stem cell

Cells present in adult tissues that generate replacements for nondividing differentiated cells that can be of great therapeutic potential.

<p>Cells present in adult tissues that generate replacements for nondividing differentiated cells that can be of great therapeutic potential.</p>
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74

cloning

A process in which a cell, cell product, or organism is copied from an original source.

<p>A process in which a cell, cell product, or organism is copied from an original source.</p>
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75

ovum

A mature egg cell.

<p>A mature egg cell.</p>
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76

epidermis

The outer layer of cells covering an organism

<p>The outer layer of cells covering an organism</p>
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77

meristem

an undifferentiated, growing region of a plant that is constantly undergoing cell division and differentiation

<p>an undifferentiated, growing region of a plant that is constantly undergoing cell division and differentiation</p>
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elongation

The fractional increase in a material's length due to stress in tension or expansion.

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79

vascular

Of or relating to blood or fluid vessels

<p>Of or relating to blood or fluid vessels</p>
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zygote

Fertilized egg

<p>Fertilized egg</p>
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therapeutic cloning

The cloning of human cells by nuclear transplantation for therapeutic purposes, such as the generation of embryonic stem cells to treat disease.

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small intestine

Digestive organ where most chemical digestion and absorption of food takes place

<p>Digestive organ where most chemical digestion and absorption of food takes place</p>
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83

stomach

A muscular and elastic sac that serves mainly to store food, break it up mechanically, and begin chemical digestion of proteins and fat.

<p>A muscular and elastic sac that serves mainly to store food, break it up mechanically, and begin chemical digestion of proteins and fat.</p>
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large intestine

The last section of the digestive system, where water is absorbed from food and the remaining material is eliminated from the body

<p>The last section of the digestive system, where water is absorbed from food and the remaining material is eliminated from the body</p>
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digestive system

Breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood for distribution to body cells.

<p>Breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood for distribution to body cells.</p>
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diaphragm

Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing

<p>Large, flat muscle at the bottom of the chest cavity that helps with breathing</p>
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liver

A large solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.

<p>A large solid organ that lies in the right upper quadrant immediately below the diaphragm; it produces bile, stores glucose for immediate use by the body, and produces many substances that help regulate immune responses.</p>
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gall bladder

An organ that stores bile and releases it as needed into the small intestine

<p>An organ that stores bile and releases it as needed into the small intestine</p>
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duodenum

First part of the small intestine

<p>First part of the small intestine</p>
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mouth

Oral cavity; opening to the digestive tract or alimentary canal; Begins preparation of food for digestion

<p>Oral cavity; opening to the digestive tract or alimentary canal; Begins preparation of food for digestion</p>
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salivary gland

Glands of the mouth that produce saliva, a digestive secretion and lubricant

<p>Glands of the mouth that produce saliva, a digestive secretion and lubricant</p>
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gullet

the passage by which food passes from the mouth to the stomach; the esophagus.

<p>the passage by which food passes from the mouth to the stomach; the esophagus.</p>
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pancreas

An organ in the abdominal cavity with two roles. The first is an exocrine role: to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are delivered to the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. The second is an endocrine role: to secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels.

<p>An organ in the abdominal cavity with two roles. The first is an exocrine role: to produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate, which are delivered to the small intestine via the pancreatic duct. The second is an endocrine role: to secrete insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream to help regulate blood glucose levels.</p>
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bile duct

A tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine

<p>A tube that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine</p>
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appendix

A mass of lymphatic tissue at the beginning of the large intestine that helps trap ingested pathogens.

<p>A mass of lymphatic tissue at the beginning of the large intestine that helps trap ingested pathogens.</p>
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rectum

A short tube at the end of the large intestine where waste material is compressed into a solid form before being eliminated

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anus

A muscular opening at the end of the rectum through which waste material is eliminated from the body

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enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts for biological chemical reactions

<p>Proteins that act as catalysts for biological chemical reactions</p>
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villi

Tiny finger-shaped structures that cover the inner surface of the small intestine and provide a large surface area through which digested food is absorbed

<p>Tiny finger-shaped structures that cover the inner surface of the small intestine and provide a large surface area through which digested food is absorbed</p>
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carbohydrates

Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; ready source of energy (glucose and glycogen can be stored in tissues); can be simple sugars (glucose), simple polymers (starch), or very complex polymers (cellulose)

<p>Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; ready source of energy (glucose and glycogen can be stored in tissues); can be simple sugars (glucose), simple polymers (starch), or very complex polymers (cellulose)</p>
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