AQA GCSE Biology key terms

A lower chamber of the heart that pumps blood out of the heart.

A finger-like projection of the lining of the small intestine that increases its surface area for absorption.

An infectious agent that reproduces only inside living host cells and may damage those cells.

The amount of three-dimensional space occupied by an object, measured in cubed units such as cm³.

A visible marking, often a bright colour, that signals that an animal is poisonous, dangerous or unpleasant to eat.

Material that is unwanted after a product or resource has been used.

The continuous movement of water between the atmosphere, land, seas and living organisms.

The difference in water vapour concentration between two places; a steeper difference increases the rate of diffusion.

A tough, waxy layer covering the surface of a leaf that helps prevent microorganisms entering.

A nucleated blood cell that helps defend the body against pathogens.

Plant transport tissue made of hollow, lignin-strengthened tubes that carry water and mineral ions from the roots to the stems and leaves.

A clear area around a treatment disc on an agar plate where bacterial growth has been prevented.

The cell formed when two gametes join at fertilisation.