IGCSE Biology 0610 - Paper 31 (Core) Revision Notes

Flashcards for key vocabulary and concepts.

MRS GREN

Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition - Characteristics of Living Organisms

Classification

Kingdom -> Phylum -> Class -> Order -> Family -> Genus -> Species

Plants

Multicellular organisms that undergo photosynthesis and have cell walls made of cellulose.

Animals

Organisms lacking cell walls and possessing a nervous system.

Fungi

Organisms that obtain nutrition through saprotrophic means and lack chloroplasts.

Bacteria

Unicellular organisms lacking a nucleus and possessing a cell wall (not cellulose).

Protoctists

Microscopic organisms with variable characteristics.

Viruses

Non-living entities that reproduce inside a host cell.

Nucleus

Controls the activities of the cell.

Cytoplasm

Site of chemical reactions within the cell.

Cell membrane

Controls the entry and exit of substances in the cell.

Cell wall

Provides support to plant cells.

Chloroplasts

Site of photosynthesis in plant cells.

Vacuole

Stores cell sap in plant cells.

Levels of Organization

Cell -> Tissue -> Organ -> Organ system -> Organism

Diffusion

Movement of substances from high to low concentration (e.g., oxygen into blood).

Osmosis

Movement of water across a membrane (e.g., into root hairs).

Active Transport

Movement of substances from low to high concentration, requiring energy.

Carbohydrates

Biological molecules used for energy.

Proteins

Biological molecules used for growth and repair.

Lipids

Biological molecules used for storage and insulation.

Starch Test

Iodine -> blue-black color indicates the presence of starch.

Glucose Test

Benedict's + heat -> orange-red color indicates the presence of glucose.

Protein Test

Biuret reagent -> purple color indicates the presence of protein.

Lipid Test

Ethanol -> milky solution indicates the presence of lipids.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts affected by temperature and pH; denature if too hot.

Photosynthesis

CO2 + H2O -> glucose + O2 (requires light and chlorophyll)

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Light intensity, CO2 concentration, and temperature.

Leaf Adaptations

Broad surface area, chloroplasts, and stomata facilitate photosynthesis.

Human Diet

Should be balanced with carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water.

Digestion

Occurs in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine.

Aerobic Respiration

glucose + O2 -> CO2 + H2O + energy

Anaerobic Respiration (Humans)

glucose -> lactic acid + less energy

Anaerobic Respiration (Yeast)

glucose -> ethanol + CO2 + energy

Xylem

Transports water and minerals up the plant.

Phloem

Transports sugars both ways in the plant.

Transpiration

Water loss from leaves.

Arteries

Carry blood away from the heart.

Veins

Carry blood to the heart; contain valves.

Capillaries

Site of exchange between blood and tissues.

Red Blood Cells

Transport oxygen.

White Blood Cells

Involved in immunity.

Platelets

Involved in blood clotting.

Plasma

Transports various substances in the blood.

Lungs

Contain alveoli for gas exchange (large surface area, thin, moist).

Inhalation

Diaphragm moves down, ribs move up, air enters lungs.

Exhalation

Diaphragm moves up, ribs move in, air exits lungs.

Smoking: Tar

Causes Cancer

Smoking: Nicotine

Causes Addiction

Smoking: CO

Reduces Oxygen delivery

Nervous System Pathway

Receptor -> sensory neuron -> CNS -> motor neuron -> effector

Reflex

Automatic response.

Insulin

Hormone that lowers blood sugar.

Adrenaline

Hormone involved in the fight/flight response.

Homeostasis

Maintaining a stable internal environment.

Asexual Reproduction

Involves one parent, offspring are clones.

Sexual Reproduction

Involves two parents, offspring show variation.

Male Reproductive System

Sperm produced in testes.

Female Reproductive System

Eggs produced in ovaries.

Fertilization (Humans)

Sperm + egg -> zygote

Pollination

Anther -> stigma in plants.

Fertilization (Plants)

Results in seed formation.

Gene

Section of DNA.

Allele

Version of a gene.

Genotype

Genetic makeup (e.g., Bb).

Phenotype

Observable trait (e.g., eye color).

Variation Types

Continuous and discontinuous.

Mutation

Change in DNA.

Food Chains/Webs

Show energy flow (10% passed on).

Ecological Pyramids

Represent number or biomass.

Air Pollution

Can cause acid rain.

Water Pollution

Can cause eutrophication.

Land Pollution

Can result from pesticides.

Conservation

Preserves biodiversity, involves captive breeding.

Carbon Cycle

Involves photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, and decay.