AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy key terms

The unit of electric current, symbol A. A current of one ampere means one coulomb of charge passes a point each second.

The maximum displacement of a point on a wave from its undisturbed position, measured in metres.

An enzyme that breaks down starch into smaller sugars, including maltose.

The breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms without oxygen.

Respiration that transfers energy without using oxygen. In muscles, glucose is incompletely oxidised to lactic acid.

Describes a substance containing no water as part of its crystal structure.

A negatively charged ion.

The positive electrode in an electrolysis cell.

A result that is noticeably different from the pattern of the other results.

A conductor used to transmit or receive radio waves; also called an aerial.

Caused by human activities.

A medicine that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth and reproduction.

An inherited characteristic that allows bacteria to survive an antibiotic that would normally kill them or inhibit their growth.

A protein produced by white blood cells that binds to a specific antigen and helps the body destroy the pathogen.

A medicine that reduces blood clotting.

A molecule, often on a pathogen's surface, that is recognised by the immune system and stimulates an immune response.

A substance released by cells that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth.

A medicine used to control HIV infection and prevent progression to AIDS.

A substance produced by white blood cells that neutralises toxins released by bacteria.

A solution in which water is the solvent.

An underground layer of permeable rock that holds water.

An average calculated by adding all the values and dividing by the number of values.

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart.

An electrical device used to correct irregularities in heart rate by delivering electrical impulses to the heart.

The mixture of gases surrounding a planet.

A substance in the air that can harm human health or the environment.

The smallest particle of an element that retains its chemical properties, consisting of a nucleus surrounded by electrons.