Biology key terms

The movement of a substance between living organisms and the non-living environment, allowing it to be used again.

Division of the cytoplasm and cell membrane to form two separate cells.

The jelly-like material in a cell where many chemical reactions take place.

Information collected during an investigation, including numerical measurements and descriptive observations.

A way of displaying scientific information, such as words, a table, a graph, a diagram or symbols.

A new cell produced by the division of a parent cell.

The removal of the amino group from an excess amino acid in the liver, producing ammonia.

The breakdown of dead material, usually involving decomposers such as bacteria and fungi.

The number of digits written after the decimal point; this is not the same as the number of significant figures.

A judgement reached after comparing the available options, evidence, arguments and relevant circumstances.

A microorganism that breaks down dead organisms and waste.

Microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organisms and waste material.

The breakdown of dead organisms and waste biological material by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

A change made by a plant after detecting infection that helps to restrict or destroy the pathogen.

The large-scale clearing of trees from an area of forest.

A net loss of body water that leaves too little water in the blood and tissues.

A change to a protein’s three-dimensional shape, including its active site, so that it can no longer perform its normal function.

Permanently changed in shape so that an enzyme's active site is no longer complementary to its substrate.

A branched extension of a neurone that receives signals from other cells.

Branched extensions of a neuron that receive signals from other neurons.

A long extension of a sensory neurone that carries impulses from receptor endings towards the cell body.

The conversion of soil nitrates into nitrogen gas by denitrifying bacteria, reducing the nitrates available to plants.

Blood containing less oxygen after supplying respiring body tissues.

The quantity measured to find out whether the independent variable had an effect.

A unit formed by combining base units, such as metres per second for speed or joules for energy.

The layer of skin beneath the epidermis that contains blood vessels and sweat glands.

The removal of dissolved salts from seawater or other salty water.