Biology Level Systems Overview for CL Gateway GCSE Science

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Level Systems in Biology for the CL Gateway GCSE Science exam.

Magnification

The calculation of how much larger an image appears compared to the object, calculated as image height over object height.

Micrometer (µm)

A unit of length equal to 1 x 10 to the minus 6 meters.

Plant Cell

A type of cell that contains a cell wall, vacuole, chloroplasts, and is designed for structure and photosynthesis.

Animal Cell

A type of cell lacking a cell wall, vacuole, and chloroplasts, specialized for various functions.

DNA

A long strand of deoxyribonucleic acid consisting of bases A, T, C, and G, forming a double helix.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, coded for by sequences of three DNA bases.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Denatured Enzyme

An enzyme that has lost its functional shape due to extreme temperature or pH, which affects its activity.

Respiration Equation

The process in which glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing lactic acid and less energy from glucose.

Amylase

An enzyme that breaks down starch into sugars, produced in the saliva and pancreas.

Photosynthesis

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

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in leaves that is essential for photosynthesis.

Optimal Temperature

The temperature range where enzyme activity is highest before denaturation occurs.

Starch

A form of stored energy in plants, synthesized from glucose during photosynthesis.