It is important that organisms, both plants and animals are able to respond to stimuli. This is achieved by communication within the body, which may be chemical and/or electrical. Both systems are covered in detail in this module. Communication is also fundamental to homeostasis with control of temperature, blood sugar and blood water potential being studied as examples.
Diffusion happens when the particles are free to move. This is true in gases and for particles dissolved in solutions. Particles diffuse down a concentration gradient, from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
The maintenance of a constant internal environment by feedback mechanisms.
the removal of an amino group from an amino acid or other compound.
an animal that is dependent on or capable of the internal generation of heat.
Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
Pertaining to hormones and the glands that make and secrete them into the bloodstream through which they travel to affect distant organs.
The nervous system is a complex network of nerves and cells that carry messages to and from the brain and spinal cord to various parts of the body.
the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system — compare peripher
In this module, the biochemical pathways of photosynthesis and respiration are considered, with an emphasis on the formation and use of ATP as the source of energy for biochemical processes and synthesis of biological molecules.
understanding and other skills developed in this
module to new situations and/or to solve related
problems.
A protein that acts as a catalyst, a material that speeds up chemical reactions in the bodies of plants and animals without itself taking part in, or being consumed by, these reactions
the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy.
: the cycle of enzyme-catalyzed dark reactions of photosynthesis that occurs in the chloroplasts of plants and in many bacteria and that involves the fixation of carbon dioxide and the formation of a 6-carbon sugar.
the biochemical process in which the cells of an organism obtain energy by combining oxygen and glucose, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (the currency of energy in cells).
a sequence of reactions in the living organism in which oxidation of acetic acid or acetyl equivalent provides energy for storage in phosphate bonds (as in ATP) — called also citric acid cycle, tricarboxylic acid cycle.
Adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, is a molecule that carries energy within cells. It is the main energy currency of the cell, and it is an end product of the processes of photophosphorylation (adding a phosphate group to a molecule using energy f
Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), also known as adenosine pyrophosphate (APP), is an important organic compound in metabolism and is essential to the flow of energy in living cells.
This module covers the role of genes in regulating and controlling cell function and development. Heredity and the mechanisms of evolution and speciation are also covered. In addition learners will gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within
ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners
also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity.
A polymer which is made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. May also contain prosthetic groups as part of its quaternary structure.
The mechanism by which genetic information is passed on.
A piece of genetic material that codes for life.
the process by which different kinds of living organism are believed to have developed from earlier forms during the history of the earth.
noun (used with a singular verb) Biology. the science of heredity, dealing with resemblances and differences of related organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the environment. the genetic properties and phenomena of an organism.
one of the structural components, or building blocks, of DNA and RNA. A nucleotide consists of a base (one of four chemicals: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine) plus a molecule of sugar and one of phosphoric acid
is a double helix, while RNA is a single helix. Both have sets of nucleotides that contain genetic information.
abbreviation of ribonucleic acid, complex compound of high molecular weight that functions in cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as a carrier of genetic codes in some viruses.
Learners gain an appreciation of the role of microorganisms in recycling materials within the environment and maintaining balance within
ecosystems. The need to conserve environmental resources in a sustainable fashion is considered, whilst appreciating the potential conflict arising from the needs of an increasing human population. Learners
also consider the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and biodiversity.
The mechanism by which genetic information is passed on.
abbreviation of ribonucleic acid, complex compound of high molecular weight that functions in cellular protein synthesis and replaces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) as a carrier of genetic codes in some viruses.
a double helix, while RNA is a single helix. Both have sets of nucleotides that contain genetic information.
A nucleotide is one of the structural components, or building blocks, of DNA and RNA. A nucleotide consists of a base (one of four chemicals: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine) plus a molecule of sugar and one of phosphoric acid.
the science of heredity, dealing with resemblances and differences of related organisms resulting from the interaction of their genes and the environment. the genetic properties and phenomena of an organism.
A system that includes all living organisms (biotic factors) in an area as well as its physical environment (abiotic factors) functioning together as a unit.
Biotic factor. From Biology-Online Dictionary | Biology-Online Dictionary. Definition. noun, plural: biotic factors.
n biology and ecology, abiotic components or abiotic factors are non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms and the functioning of ecosystems.
The content of this unit will target areas of under-performance in previous terms. Lesson content will consolidate prior learning in preparation for A Level exams.
1. the act of analysing something: 2. the process of studying or examining something in an organized way to learn more about it.
Chemical bond formed between the positive charge on a hydrogen atom and the negative charge on another atom of an adjacent molecule e.g. between the Hydrogen atom of one water molecule and the Oxygen atom of an adjacent water molecule.
A class of organic compounds that are fatty acids are their derivatives and are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include triglycerides, phospholipids, waxes and steroids.
resistant to a particular infection or toxin owing to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
A micro organism that causes harm.
the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat, a high level of which is usually considered to be important and desirable.
The mechanism by which genetic information is passed on.
Use light to produce images. They have a magnification of up to x1500 and a resolution of 200 nm. They are easy to use and can be used on live specimens.
Compounds made from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Either monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.
any of the many tiny air sacs of the lungs which allow for rapid gaseous exchange.
a member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles and an organized nucleus, including some which can cause disease.
the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.