Biology key terms

A substance that kills microorganisms or prevents them from growing.

A substance that kills microorganisms or stops their growth.

Substances that kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth.

Medicines that control HIV by limiting its replication, slowing damage to the immune system and reducing the chance of progression to AIDS.

A substance that kills microorganisms or prevents their growth, used on living tissue.

A protein produced by lymphocytes that binds to and neutralises a particular toxin.

A medicine that interferes with the reproduction of viruses inside host cells.

A carnivore that has no predators.

The equipment used to make observations, manipulate variables or take measurements in an investigation.

The use of scientific knowledge or methods for a practical purpose.

One of the three domains; it contains prokaryotic microorganisms that are genetically distinct from bacteria.

A reasoned case in which evidence is connected to a claim to support a conclusion.

The total of the values divided by the number of values.

An object made or modified by humans, such as a shaped stone tool.

A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart under relatively high pressure.

A system that groups organisms using selected observable features, often for convenient identification rather than to show evolutionary relationships.

A mechanical device that takes over or supports the heart’s pumping action.

An electrical device that sends signals to the heart to correct an irregular heart rate.

Another name for selective breeding, emphasising that humans rather than the environment decide which organisms reproduce.

Free from contaminating microorganisms; sterile conditions help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing in a culture.

A set of procedures used to prevent unwanted microorganisms contaminating a culture, equipment or the surroundings.

Reproduction involving one parent and no fusion of gametes, producing genetically identical offspring by mitosis.

The use of medical techniques to help someone achieve a pregnancy, often by controlling reproduction with hormones or handling eggs, sperm or embryos.

A simplified statement accepted for the purpose of making an estimate or calculation.

A fatty deposit in an artery wall that narrows the space through which blood flows.

The build-up of fatty material in artery walls, which narrows the space for blood flow and increases the risk of blood clots.

The relative amounts of gases in the air, including oxygen, carbon dioxide and gaseous pollutants.