Biology key terms

A long-lasting lymphocyte formed after exposure to an antigen that recognises the same antigen and enables a faster response on later exposure.

The curved surface of a liquid in a container, used when reading its volume.

The repeating sequence in which an egg matures and may be released while the uterus lining breaks down, rebuilds and is maintained.

The loss of the uterus lining from the body at the beginning of a cycle when pregnancy has not occurred.

A person's psychological and emotional state, including how they think and feel.

Plant tissue containing stem cells that can divide and differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the plant's life.

A group of plant stem cells in a growing region, such as a root or shoot tip, that can differentiate into any type of plant cell throughout the plant's life.

The openings between the strands of a fishing net, whose dimensions affect which organisms are retained or can escape.

A single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information transcribed from a gene to a ribosome.

The rate at which the chemical reactions of metabolism take place in the body's cells.

The sum of all the chemical reactions occurring in a cell or organism.

A clear, ordered account of how to carry out an investigation so that someone else can follow it.

A millionth of a unit, equal to $10^{-6}$ of that unit.

Microorganisms grown in a nutrient medium so that their growth can be studied.

Protection provided by harmless or beneficial microorganisms living on or in the body, usually through competition with pathogens.

The community of microorganisms that normally lives on and inside the body.

A photograph or other recorded image produced using a microscope.

A unit of length equal to $10^{-6}$ metres; its symbol is $\mu\text{m}$.

A unit equal to one millionth of a metre: $1\text{ µm}=10^{-6}\text{ m}$.

An organism that is too small to be seen clearly without magnification.

Growing many genetically identical plants from small pieces of plant tissue under controlled conditions.

A thin preparation of a specimen mounted on glass so that it can be viewed with a microscope.

The use of instruments to produce images of objects that are too small to see clearly with the unaided eye.

A thousandth of a unit, equal to $10^{-3}$ of that unit.

A unit equal to one thousandth of a metre: $1\text{ mm}=10^{-3}\text{ m}$.

An adaptation in which a plant resembles something else and so can trick animals into avoiding it.

A dissolved, electrically charged particle needed as a nutrient for healthy growth and normal cell functions.