AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy key terms

A scale comparison based on powers of ten. A quantity 100 times larger is two orders of magnitude larger.

A rock containing enough of a metal or its compound to make extraction economically worthwhile.

A structure made of different tissues working together to perform a function.

A compound containing carbon atoms covalently bonded to atoms of other elements, commonly hydrogen, oxygen or nitrogen.

Material originating from living organisms, such as faeces and food waste, which microorganisms can break down.

A single living thing.

A group of organs working together to carry out a function. Roots, stems and leaves form a plant organ system that transports substances.

A repeated change or movement back and forth about a central position.

An instrument that displays how an electrical signal changes with time; microphones can supply signals representing sound.

The net movement of water through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution.

The movement of genes from a crop into other crops or related wild plants through reproduction.

The liquid, iron-rich layer of Earth's core surrounding its solid inner core.

An electron in the outermost occupied shell of an atom. Outer electrons determine how an atom takes part in chemical reactions.

The outermost occupied electron energy level in an atom.

The difference between the energy of the products and the energy of the reactants.

The release of a mature egg from an ovary.

A reaction in which a substance gains oxygen.

Compounds of nitrogen and oxygen formed when these gases react at high temperatures during fuel combustion. They cause respiratory problems and contribute to acid rain.

Blood containing a relatively high concentration of oxygen.

The extra oxygen needed after exercise to react with built-up lactic acid and clear it from the cells.

A group of cells in the right atrium that produces electrical impulses controlling the natural resting heart rate.

A medicine that relieves pain without killing the pathogens causing an infection.

An organ that monitors blood glucose concentration and produces hormones that control it.

An arrangement in which components are connected on separate branches between the same two junctions, so each branch has the same potential difference.

A membrane that allows some substances, such as water molecules, to pass through but prevents others from passing.

A representation of matter using small particles, often drawn as circles or spheres, to explain its properties and changes of state.

Tiny particles suspended in air, including soot from diesel engines and dust from roads and industry.