Biology key terms

The chemical splitting of larger molecules into smaller molecules.

The number of breaths taken in a given time, usually measured in breaths per minute.

The volume of air breathed in or out in one breath.

A protein made using instructions in certain Bt genes that is toxic when eaten by particular susceptible insect pests.

A solution that resists changes in pH and therefore keeps the reaction mixture at a chosen pH.

The unintended capture of organisms that were not the target of the fishing activity.

An estimate of the chance of harm based on statistical evidence, such as the number of cases in a large group over a stated period.

Checking or adjusting an instrument against a known standard so that its readings can be trusted.

A plant polysaccharide that may be deposited to strengthen a barrier against an invading pathogen.

A method of determining an energy transfer by measuring a temperature change in a known mass of a substance such as water.

A disease caused by changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled growth and division.

A microscopic blood vessel with a wall one cell thick, across which substances are exchanged between the blood and tissues.

A narrow tube in which a small movement of water can be tracked by following an air bubble.

A method of estimating a mobile animal population by marking a first catch and checking how many marked animals appear in a later catch.

A method of estimating the number of mobile organisms by marking a first sample and checking how many marked individuals appear in a second sample.

A digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates into simpler sugars.

The movement of carbon between the atmosphere, living organisms and other stores, including its return to the air as carbon dioxide.

The quantity of carbon dioxide present in a given volume, often expressed as a concentration.

A poisonous gas in cigarette smoke that can pass through the placenta and reduce the oxygen available to the foetus.

An agent that can increase cancer risk by causing changes that damage DNA.

Specialised muscle tissue in the heart that contracts repeatedly to pump blood.

The volume of blood pumped out of a ventricle in one minute, usually measured in millilitres or litres per minute.

A disease affecting the heart or blood vessels.

A group of diseases affecting the heart or blood vessels.

A person who has one copy of a recessive allele but does not express its phenotype because a dominant allele is also present.

An intensive investigation of one person or a small group, often using medical records, observations, tests and scans.

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up.