GCSE Biology Paper 1 Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from AQA GCSE Biology Paper 1.

Prokaryotic Cells

Simple, unicellular organisms without a membrane-bound nucleus, such as bacteria.

Eukaryotic Cells

Complex cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Stem Cells

Unspecialized cells that can differentiate into various cell types and have the potential to develop into any cell type in the body.

Mitosis

A type of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, used for growth and repair.

Diffusion

The passive movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of low solute concentration to an area of high solute concentration.

Active Transport

The movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy in the form of ATP.

Enzyme

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being changed itself.

Antibiotics

Medications used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

Vaccination

The process of introducing a dead or weakened pathogen to stimulate an immune response and create immunity.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism to maintain life.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen.

Circulatory System

The system responsible for transporting blood, nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

Homeostasis

The process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable, constant conditions.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic.

Virus

A small infectious agent that can only replicate inside a living host cell.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against foreign pathogens, involving white blood cells and antibodies.

Pathogen

An organism or agent that causes disease.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell division leading to the formation of tumors, which can be benign or malignant.

Digestion

The process of breaking down food into smaller components that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.