Biology Vocabulary Flashcards (GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy 8464B/1F)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the notes on photosynthesis, respiration, cells, tissues, organs, plant and animal physiology, and malaria/theory/testing concepts.

Photosynthesis

Process by which green plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose; occurs in chloroplasts; rate can be affected by light intensity.

Oxygen

Gas produced during photosynthesis and carried in the blood to be used in respiration.

Light intensity

Amount of light reaching a plant; a factor that can limit the rate of photosynthesis.

Limiting factor

A factor that limits the rate of a process; when one factor is increased but others aren’t, the rate may not increase further.

Rate of photosynthesis

Speed at which photosynthesis occurs; often measured by oxygen production, carbon dioxide uptake, or biomass increase.

Alveolus (alveoli)

Tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange with the blood occurs.

Haemoglobin

Protein in red blood cells that binds and carries oxygen around the body.

Carbon dioxide

Gas produced by respiration; transported in blood and exhaled via the lungs.

Root hair cell

Plant root epidermal cell with long extensions that increase surface area for water/mineral uptake.

Phloem

Plant vascular tissue that transports sugars (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts of the plant.

Xylem

Plant vascular tissue that transports water and minerals from roots to shoots; provides support.

Guard cell

Specialized leaf epidermal cells that regulate opening and closing of stomata.

Stomata

Pores on leaf surfaces that allow gas exchange; opened/closed by guard cells.

Transpiration

Loss of water vapour from leaves through stomata, contributing to water movement in the plant.

Amylase

Enzyme that digests starch into sugars; produced in saliva and pancreas.

Iodine test

Chemical test for starch; iodine turns blue-black in the presence of starch.

Benedict’s solution

Chemical test for reducing sugars; colour changes from blue to green/yellow/orange/red depending on sugar amount.

Partially permeable tubing

Model membrane used in experiments to simulate selective barriers like membranes in the gut.

Starch

Polysaccharide stored by plants; detected by iodine test.

Sugar

Monosaccharides or disaccharides; detected by Benedict’s test.

Amylase testing (enzyme action on starch)

Enzyme that breaks down starch into simpler sugars during digestion.

Eyepiece lens

Lens closest to the eye on a microscope; magnifies the image; magnification multiplies with the objective lens.

Objective lens

Microscope lens near the specimen; provides primary magnification (e.g., ×10); used with eyepiece lens.

Total magnification

Product of the magnifications of the eyepiece and objective lenses (e.g., ×50 = eyepiece × objective as in the example).

Nucleus

Control centre of the cell containing genetic material; a key organelle.

Cell

Basic unit of life; the building block of all organisms.

Tissue

Group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Organ

Structure composed of two or more tissues that works together to perform a body function.

Root hair cell specialization

Root hair cells increase surface area to maximise water uptake.

Pacemaker cells

Specialised heart cells that regulate the heartbeat, located in the atria (right atrium in particular).

Heart rate

Number of heartbeats per minute.

Stroke volume

Volume of blood pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat.

Cardiac output

Total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute; calculated as heart rate × stroke volume.

Digitalis

Drug derived from foxgloves used to slow the heart rate.

Beta blockers

Drugs that slow the heart rate, affecting performance during exercise and resting conditions.

Malaria

Disease transmitted by mosquitoes; caused by a protist.

Vaccine

Biological preparation that provides active immunity to a disease, reducing its spread.

Insecticide-treated nets

Mosquito nets treated with insecticide used to reduce malaria transmission.

Independent variable

The variable deliberately changed by the experimenter to measure its effects.

Resolution (balance)

Smallest mass change that a balance can reliably measure; e.g., 0.1 g.