OCR GCSE Biology B Key Terms

A requirement that the spread of plotted data (including any range bars) must cover at least half of the provided graph paper grid in both directions.

Non-living physical factors in an environment, such as light intensity, temperature, and water availability.

The non-living parts of an ecosystem, such as the atmosphere, water, soil, minerals, temperature, and sunlight.

A non-living physical or chemical part of an ecosystem that affects living organisms, such as light, temperature, or pH.

The non-living physical or chemical components of an ecosystem, such as light, temperature, pH, or wind speed.

The natural detachment of plant parts, typically leaves or ripe fruit, stimulated by ethene.

A specialised layer of cells at the base of a leaf or fruit stalk where ethene-stimulated cell division causes detachment.

The movement of soluble molecules from the digestive lumen into the blood or lymph.

The number of individuals of a specific species in a given area.

The process of allowing a plant to adjust to a new environment for a few minutes to ensure the transpiration rate has stabilized before taking readings.

The period allowed for an organism to adjust to new environmental conditions before data collection begins.

The process of changing the lens shape (via ciliary muscles and suspensory ligaments) to focus on objects at different distances.

How close a recorded measurement is to the true or accepted correct value.

How close a measurement is to its true value; in this context, improved by using equipment like a spirometer to eliminate human error.

A measurement that is close to the true value; for example, using a gas syringe provides a more accurate volume than counting variably sized bubbles.

A biological stain used to visualise DNA and chromosomes, turning them a deep red or purple colour.

A feature developed during a lifetime that is not determined by genes and cannot be inherited.

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur; lowered by enzymes.

Immunity resulting from the body's own lymphocytes producing antibodies and memory cells.

A transport mechanism that requires an input of metabolic energy (ATP) from the cell to function.

The specifically shaped region on an enzyme molecule where the substrate binds and the chemical reaction takes place.

The movement of substances against a concentration gradient across a cell membrane, requiring energy from respiration and specific carrier proteins.

The real-life, physical dimensions of a biological specimen, typically calculated and measured in micrometres (μm).

The rapid diversification of a group of organisms into multiple new forms that fill different ecological niches, such as the Galápagos finches.

One of the four chemical bases in DNA, which always pairs with Thymine.

Antidiuretic Hormone; released by the pituitary gland to increase the permeability of the kidney's collecting ducts when water levels are low.

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys by changing the permeability of the collecting ducts.

Endocrine glands located above the kidneys that produce adrenaline.

A hormone released from the adrenal glands in response to stress that prepares the body for intensive action.

A multipotent cell found in specific tissues (like bone marrow) that can only differentiate into a limited range of cell types.