Edexcel GCSE Biology key terms

The temporary combination formed when a substrate is bound to an enzyme's active site.

The outer layer of the skin, which forms a protective barrier and contains temperature receptors.

An approximate value based on available measurements, observations and stated assumptions.

A gaseous plant hormone used commercially to control fruit ripening.

A judgement about whether an action is right or acceptable, considering effects such as welfare, consent, fairness and environmental harm.

A question about whether an action and its consequences are morally right or wrong.

One of the three domains; it contains organisms whose cells have genetic material enclosed within a nucleus.

A cell that has its genetic material enclosed within a nucleus.

The enrichment of water with nutrients, leading to excessive plant or algal growth and often a loss of dissolved oxygen.

The change of liquid water into water vapour.

A change in the inherited characteristics of a population over many generations.

Movement of substances into and out of an organism or its cells across a surface.

A region where substances pass between an organism and its surroundings.

Removal from an organism of waste products of metabolism and substances present in excess.

A reaction that transfers energy to the surroundings.

A small piece of tissue removed from a plant and used to start a tissue culture.

A habitat in which conditions such as water availability, temperature or light make survival particularly difficult.

A diagram showing how a characteristic appears across generations of a family.

The anaerobic breakdown of glucose by yeast and plant cells, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.

The fusion of the nuclei of a sperm cell and an egg cell.

A substance added to soil to supply mineral nutrients needed for plant growth.

The circular area visible through a microscope at one time.

The body's rapid set of responses to a threatening or stressful situation, preparing it for vigorous action or escape.

The fluid formed when small substances pass from the blood into Bowman’s capsule during filtration.

The separation of a liquid from larger solid pieces by passing it through a filter.

The mass of a sample after it has spent the stated time in the test solution.

The breeding and raising of fish in controlled enclosures, such as tanks or cages, for food.