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Biology GCSE Key Terms > B1 - B2.2 Glossary > Flashcards

B1 - B2.2 Glossary Flashcards

1
Q

Multicellular organisms

A

Organisms composed of multiple cells working together as a cohesive unit to perform various functions.

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2
Q

Unicellular organisms

A

Organisms consisting of a single cell that carries out all necessary life functions.

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3
Q

Eukaryotic cell

A

A type of cell that contains a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples include cells of plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

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4
Q

Prokaryotic cell

A

A type of cell that lacks a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Examples include bacteria and archaea.

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5
Q

Nucleus

A

A membrane-bound organelle within eukaryotic cells that contains the genetic material (DNA) and controls cellular activities.

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6
Q

Cytoplasm

A

The gel-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles.

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7
Q

Cell membrane

A

The outer boundary of a cell that separates the cell from its environment and controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

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8
Q

Mitochondria

A

Membrane-bound organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for producing energy (ATP) through cellular respiration.

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9
Q

Subcellular structures

A

Various organelles and structures within a cell, such as mitochondria, chloroplasts, and the nucleus.

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10
Q

Cell wall

A

A rigid outer layer found in plant, fungal, and bacterial cells that provides support and protection.

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11
Q

Vacuole

A

A membrane-bound sac within a cell that stores water, nutrients, and waste materials.

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12
Q

Chloroplasts

A

Organelles found in plant cells and some protists that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.

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13
Q

Bacteria

A

Microscopic, single-celled organisms that belong to the domain Bacteria. They are prokaryotic and have various shapes and structures.

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14
Q

Genetic material

A

The material (such as DNA or RNA) that carries the genetic information of an organism.

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15
Q

Flagella

A

Whip-like appendages on the surface of some cells that allow for movement.

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16
Q

Pili

A

Short, hair-like structures on the surface of some bacteria that help with attachment and transfer of genetic material.

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17
Q

Slime capsule

A

A protective layer outside the cell wall of some bacteria that aids in attachment and protection.

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18
Q

Plasmid

A

Small, circular DNA molecules found in some bacteria that can replicate independently from the main chromosome.

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19
Q

Resolution

A

The ability to distinguish or separate two objects or details in an image.

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20
Q

Electron microscopes

A

Microscopes that use a beam of electrons instead of light to magnify and visualize samples.

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21
Q

Transmission electron microscopes

A

Electron microscopes that create detailed, high-resolution images by transmitting electrons through a thin sample.

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22
Q

Scanning electron microscopes

A

Electron microscopes that provide detailed three-dimensional images of the surface of a sample by scanning it with a beam of electrons.

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23
Q

Chromosome

A

A structure composed of DNA and proteins that carries the genetic information of an organism.

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24
Q

Genes

A

Segments of DNA that contain instructions for the development and functioning of an organism.

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25
Q

Enzymes

A

Proteins that act as catalysts in biological reactions, speeding up the rate of chemical reactions in cells.

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26
Q

Lock and key hypothesis

A

A model that explains the specificity of enzyme-substrate interactions, where the enzyme (lock) and substrate (key) fit together in a specific way.

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27
Q

Optimum conditions

A

The ideal range of factors, such as temperature and pH, at which an enzyme or organism can function most effectively.

28
Q

Denature

A

The process by which proteins lose their shape and function due to extreme conditions, such as high temperature or extreme pH.

29
Q

Polymers

A

Large molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers.

30
Q

Monomers

A

Small molecules that can join together to form larger, more complex molecules called polymers.

31
Q

Undifferentiated

A

Cells that have not yet developed specialized structures or functions.

32
Q

Stem cells

A

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to differentiate into various cell types in the body.

33
Q

Meristems

A

Regions of plant tissue where cell division and growth occur, allowing for plant growth and development.

34
Q

Lipids

A

A class of molecules that includes fats, oils, and waxes, which serve as a source of energy and are important components of cell membranes.

35
Q

Respiration

A

The process by which cells convert organic compounds into usable energy, typically in the form of ATP.

36
Q

Aerobic respiration

A

Respiration that requires oxygen and occurs in the presence of oxygen, producing more ATP compared to anaerobic respiration.

37
Q

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate):

A

A molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes.Form of chemical energy.

38
Q

Anaerobic respiration

A

Respiration that occurs in the absence of oxygen, producing a limited amount of ATP.

39
Q

Oxygen debt

A

The amount of oxygen needed to convert accumulated lactic acid to glucose after anaerobic respiration.

40
Q

Producers

A

Organisms, such as plants and some bacteria, that can convert sunlight into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.

41
Q

Photosynthesis

A

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

42
Q

Biomass

A

The total mass of living organisms (plants and animals) in a given area or ecosystem.

43
Q

Fructose

A

A simple sugar (monosaccharide) found in fruits and honey.

44
Q

Sucrose

A

A disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose, commonly known as table sugar.

45
Q

Limiting factors

A

Environmental factors that can limit or restrict the growth, activity, or distribution of organisms in an ecosystem.

46
Q

Diffusion

A

The passive process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

47
Q

Concentration gradient

A

The difference in the concentration of a substance between two areas or across a membrane.

48
Q

Passive process

A

A process that does not require energy expenditure by the cell, such as diffusion or osmosis.

49
Q

Osmosis

A

The passive movement of water molecules across a selectively permeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration.

50
Q

Water potential

A

The potential energy of water in a system compared to pure water under standard conditions.

51
Q

Turgor pressure

A

The pressure exerted on the cell wall of a plant cell by the inward movement of water due to osmosis.

52
Q

Turgid

A

Describes a plant cell that is swollen and firm due to the entry of water through osmosis.

53
Q

Plasmolysed cell

A

Describes a plant cell that has lost water and has shrunk away from the cell wall due to a hypertonic environment.

54
Q

Flaccid

A

Describes a plant cell that has lost water and has become limp or wilted.

55
Q

Lysis

A

The bursting or disintegration of a cell due to the entry of excessive water.

56
Q

Crenated

A

Describes a cell that has shrunk or become wrinkled due to water loss in a hypertonic environment.

57
Q

Active transport

A

The movement of substances across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, requiring energy and often involving carrier proteins.

58
Q

Carrier proteins

A

Proteins embedded in the cell membrane that assist in the active transport of molecules or ions across the membrane.

59
Q

Mitosis

A

The process of cell division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.

60
Q

Cell cycle

A

The sequence of events that a cell undergoes, including growth, DNA replication, and division.

61
Q

DNA replication

A

The process by which DNA molecules are duplicated, resulting in two identical copies of the DNA molecule.

62
Q

Cell differentiation

A

The process by which cells become specialized in structure and function to perform specific roles in an organism.

63
Q

Differentiated

A

Describes cells that have undergone differentiation and have specialized structures and functions.

64
Q

Specialised

A

Describes cells, tissues, or organs that have developed specific structures and functions to perform specific tasks.

65
Q

5/6/23 - check other deck to fill in any knowledge gaps

A

Biology GCSE Key Terms (1 decks)

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