Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Revision Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Revision.

Eukaryotic Cells

Plant and animal cells with genetic material enclosed in a nucleus.

Prokaryotic Cells

Bacterial cells much smaller than eukaryotic cells, with genetic material not enclosed in a nucleus.

Cell Wall

Strengthens plant and algal cells; made of cellulose.

Chloroplasts

Found in plant cells; filled with chlorophyll to absorb light for photosynthesis.

Cell Specialization

Cells may be specialized to carry out a particular function.

Plasmodium

Transports water and mineral ions around a plant.

Cell Differentiation

Cells differentiate to form different types of cells during organism development.

Diffusion

The spreading out of particles in a solution or gas from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane.

Active Transport

Moves substances from a more dilute solution to a more concentrated solution against a concentration gradient, requiring energy from respiration.

Tissue

A group of cells with a similar structure and function.

Organ

Aggregations of tissues performing specific functions.

Organ System

Organs organized into systems which work together to form organisms.

Heart

An organ that pumps blood around the body in a double circulatory system.

Lungs

Specialized organs adapted to allow for efficient gas exchange, with a large surface area.

Blood

A tissue consisting of plasma, in which red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are suspended.

Phloem

Consists of long hollow tubes that transports dissolved sugars around a plant.

Xylem Vessel

Hollow tubes strengthened by lignin; transport water in the transpiration stream.

Plant Organ System

A collection of plant organs working together.

Stomata

Found on the underside of leaves, used to control gas exchange and water loss.

Photosynthesis

An endothermic reaction in which energy is transferred from the environment to chloroplasts by light to produce glucose.

Aerobic Respiration

An exothermic reaction which is continuously occurring in living cells, releasing energy needed for living processes.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration in the absence of oxygen. In yeast it is also known as fermentation.

Metabolism

The sum of all reactions in a cell or the body.

Homeostasis

The regulation of the conditions inside a cell or organism.

Human Nervous System

Enables humans to react to their surroundings and to coordinate their behaviour.

Human Endocrine System

Composed of glands which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream to a target organ.

Contraception

Methods used to control fertility.

In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)

An alternative method used by couples unable to get pregnant.

Negative Feedback

Processes that ensure internal conditions are maintained within a narrow range.

Chromosomes

Found in the nucleus, made of DNA molecules, carrying a large number of genes.

Mitosis

Cell division where the genetic material is doubled and then divided into two genetically identical daughter cells.

Stem Cell

An undifferentiated cell capable of giving rise to many more cells of the same type, from which other cells can arise from differentiation.

Cancer

Result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division.

DNA

A polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix, the genetic material in the nucleus.

Genome

The entire genetic material of an organism.

Inherited Disorders

Disorders caused by the inheritance of certain alleles, e.g. cystic fibrosis and polydactyly.

Variation

There is extensive variation within a population of a species.

Evolution

A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through natural selection.

Selective Breeding

The process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics.

Communities

A group of interdependent organisms inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other.

Ecosystem

The interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living parts of their environment.

Biotic Factors

Living factors that affect a community, such as availability of food, new predators, new pathogens, and competition.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living factors that affect a community, such as light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, and soil pH.

Adaptations

Features that enable organisms to survive in the conditions in which they normally live.

Extremophiles

Organisms that live in environments that are very extreme, such as at high temperature, pressure, or salt concentration.

Food Chain

Producer -> Primary Consumer -> Secondary Consumer -> Tertiary Consumer.

Transpiration

The movement of water from the roots to the atmosphere via the xylem and leaves.

Microorganism Decay

The process by which microorganisms cycle materials through an ecosystem.

Biodiversity

The variety of all the different species of organisms on Earth, or within an ecosystem.

Waste Management

Practices and processes to reduce the harmful effects of waste.

Peat Bogs

Wetland areas made up of partially decomposing material, used as garden compost.

Deforestation

Large-scale removal of forests.

Global Warming

The observed increase in the average surface temperature due to the effect of greenhouse gases.

Maintaining Biodiversity

Implementing programmes to reduce the negative effects of humans on ecosystems and biodiversity.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease, infecting plants or animals and spreading by direct contact, water, or air.

Digestive Enzymes

Convert large insoluble molecules into smaller soluble ones so they can be absorbed into the blood stream.

Coronary Heart Disease

A non-communicable disease involving problems inside the body.

Communicable Diseases

Infectious diseases spread from one person or organism to another.

Vaccination

Introducing small amounts of dead/inactive pathogens into the body to cause the white blood cells to respond, preventing infection.

Antibiotics

Drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria.

Plant Defence Responses

Physical and chemical strategies of plants to resist invasion by microorganisms.