Biology key terms

A diagram showing how a characteristic has been inherited through several generations of a family.

A diagram that shows biological relationships and the occurrence of an inherited characteristic through several generations of a family.

A severe and widespread shortage of food that causes hunger and malnutrition.

A molecule with a hydrocarbon chain that can attach to glycerol when a lipid is synthesised.

A heart valve that does not open fully or does not close properly, reducing the efficiency of blood flow through the heart.

The anaerobic respiration of glucose by yeast, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.

A vessel in which microorganisms are grown under controlled conditions.

The joining of the nuclei of a male and female gamete to form a fertilised egg cell.

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

An insoluble protein that forms a mesh during blood clotting.

A soluble protein in blood plasma that is converted into fibrin during clotting.

A strip at the edge of an agricultural field that is left less intensively managed to provide habitat for organisms.

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 molecules are filtered out of the blood; useful substances can still be reabsorbed from it.

The removal of small molecules from the blood to form a fluid called filtrate.

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.

A limit on the number or total mass of particular fish that may be caught in a specified area or period.

A population of fish of a particular species that is available to be caught in a defined area.

Reproductive success: how effectively an organism survives and passes its alleles to the next generation in its particular environment.

The long, whip-like part of a sperm cell that propels it towards an egg.

A light-emitting label that can be attached to an antibody so that the location of a bound target can be seen.

A transfer of material from one store to another within a cycle.

The point at which light rays meet to produce a sharp image.

A range of lifelong physical, learning and behavioural difficulties caused by exposure to alcohol before birth.

The stage of human development from about eight weeks after fertilisation until birth.