OCR GCSE Combined Science A key terms

The process by which a cell becomes specialised for a particular function, developing suitable structures.

A boundary surrounding a cell that controls the movement of substances into and out of it.

Chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules, such as glucose, and transfer energy for cellular processes.

The brain and spinal cord, which receive information and coordinate responses.

The brain and spinal cord, which process information and coordinate responses.

A non-communicable disease in which abnormal cells in the cervix divide uncontrollably.

The difference between an object's final and initial vertical positions, measured in metres (m).

Final velocity minus initial velocity: $v-u$, measured in m/s.

The conversion of a substance from one physical state to another, without changing its chemical identity.

The quantity of electrical charge, represented by $Q$ and measured in coulombs (C). In a current calculation, it is the charge passing a point during the stated time.

The quantity of electric charge that passes a point in a circuit during a time interval, measured in coulombs (C).

The transfer of electrons between materials when their surfaces are rubbed together, leaving them electrically charged.

A substance that protects against infection by damaging or killing pathogens.

The type of attraction holding atoms or ions together in a substance.

A change in which one or more new substances form because atoms are rearranged into different particles or structures.

A representation using element symbols and subscripts to show the elements present and the relative numbers of their atoms.

A simplified representation used to explain selected features of a substance or process.

A characteristic describing how a substance reacts to form different substances.

A particular type of atom, ion or molecule involved in a chemical reaction.

An energy store that can decrease during chemical reactions, such as those involving food or a fuel reacting with oxygen.

The unique letter or pair of letters used to represent an element, such as Na for sodium.

The green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

A sub-cellular structure in which photosynthesis takes place.

The pattern of separated substances produced by chromatography, such as spots on chromatography paper.

A technique that separates the components of a mixture because they are distributed differently between a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

A structure made of DNA that carries genes.

Microscopic hair-like structures on some cells, including cells lining the trachea and bronchi, that beat to move mucus towards the throat.