AQA GCSE Combined Science: Synergy key terms

The introduction of substances into the environment that cause harm to organisms or their surroundings.

A characteristic influenced by many genes, such as human height.

A large molecule made by joining many smaller molecules together.

The reaction in which many small molecules join together to form long-chain molecules.

A group of organisms of the same species living in an area.

An atom or group of atoms with a positive electrical charge. A metal atom forms a positive ion by losing electrons.

Water that is safe to drink; it may contain dissolved substances and is not necessarily chemically pure.

The energy transferred per unit charge between two points, measured in volts (V). Voltage is another name for potential difference.

The rate at which energy is transferred, measured in watts (W). One watt equals one joule per second.

The power at which an appliance is designed to operate, usually stated on its label. It gives the energy transferred per second under the stated operating conditions.

An insoluble solid formed in a solution during a reaction.

Water falling from the atmosphere, for example as rain, sleet or snow.

Testing a potential medicine before human trials, using cells, tissues and live animals.

A consumer that kills and eats other animals.

An animal that is killed and eaten by a predator.

The input coil of a transformer, connected to the incoming electrical supply.

An organism that eats producers.

An organism that makes its own biological molecules; usually a green plant or alga using light energy in photosynthesis.

A new substance formed by a chemical reaction.

A hormone produced by the ovary after ovulation that maintains the uterus lining and inhibits FSH and LH release.

A cell whose genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus, such as a bacterial cell.

An increase in cell numbers through repeated cell division.

An enzyme that breaks down proteins into amino acids.

A subatomic particle in the nucleus with relative charge +1 and approximate relative mass 1.

The process of changes through which a child's body becomes sexually mature.

A diagram showing the possible combinations of parental alleles in offspring.

A single element or compound that is not mixed with any other substance.