Key terms & definitions

The use of living organisms to control the population of a pest.

An explanation of behaviour or a psychological disorder in terms of physical processes, such as brain structure, brain activity and neurotransmission.

A living microorganism used to produce gas that makes a dough rise; yeast is a biological raising agent.

The classification of an individual as biologically male or female in the simplified GCSE model, based on inherited sex chromosomes and the resulting development of reproductive structures.

The use of microorganisms to break down biodegradable organic matter in wastewater.

A valve made from animal or human tissue that is used to replace a faulty heart valve.

A replacement heart valve made from biological tissue, such as tissue from a pig or cow.

A weapon that uses disease-causing organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, or toxins produced by living organisms, to cause harm.

The breakdown of rock by living organisms, such as plant roots growing into cracks.

Organic material, such as wood, crops or animal waste, used as a source of energy.

The mass of living material in one or more organisms.

The biological material that makes up living organisms.

Plant or animal material used as an energy source, including wood, energy crops and organic waste.

The percentage of the biomass available at one trophic level that becomes biomass at the next trophic level.

A large-scale ecosystem characterised by its climate and dominant vegetation, such as tropical rainforest or coniferous forest.

An approach that understands mental health problems primarily as illnesses with biological causes and uses medical treatments such as medication.

A security method that uses a person's physical or behavioural characteristics, such as a fingerprint or voice pattern, to authenticate them.

A textile incorporating technology that measures a wearer’s biological information, such as heart rate.

Using ideas from living things, such as their structures or ways of working, to help solve design problems.

A biodegradable polymer made using plant and vegetable-derived raw materials, suitable for some short-life disposable products.

An enzyme treatment that removes protruding fibres from cotton fabric to produce a smoother surface.

A small sample of tissue or cells taken from the body for examination to help identify disease.

Basic Input Output System: software held in ROM that provides instructions used when a computer starts up.

The parts of the Earth where life exists, including living organisms and their environments on land, in water and in the air.

An enzyme treatment of denim that removes some surface fibres and dye to create a softer, faded or distressed appearance.

The use of technology to modify living organisms or biological processes, for example by genetically engineering crops.

The use of living organisms or biological processes to make useful products.

The living components of an ecosystem, including plants, animals, decomposers and humans.

A living part of an ecosystem, such as a plant, animal, human or microorganism.

A living component of an ecosystem, such as a plant, animal or microorganism.