IB Biology Definitions required by the syllabus

IB Biology syllabus definitions

* Definition given in IB Biology syllabus TOPIC Topic 1: Cells WORD Organelle Tissue DEFINITION A discrete structure within a cell, with a specific function.* A group of cells similar to each other, along with their associated intercellular substances, which perform the same function within a multicellular organism. A group of tissues which work together as a single unit to perform a particular function within a multicellular organism. A group of organs, vessels, glands, other tissues, and/or pathways which work together to perform a body function within a multicellular organism. The passive movement of molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of low concentration. The passive movement of water molecules, across a partially permeable membrane, from a region of lower solute concentration to a region of higher solute concentration.* Compounds containing carbon that are found in living organisms (except hydrogencarbonates, carbonates and oxides of carbon).* Proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding the rate at which biochemical reactions proceed but not altering the direction or nature of the reactions. A specific region of an enzyme where a substrate binds and catalysis takes place. A structural change in a protein that results in a loss (usually permanent) of its biological properties. Refer only to heat and pH as agents.* Having more than one base triplet to code for one amino acid.* Found in all living organisms.* Controlled release of energy in the form of ATP from organic compounds in cells.*

Organ Organ system

Diffusion

Osmosis

Topic 2: The Chemistry of Life

Organic Enzyme

Active site Denaturation Degenerate Universal

Cell respiration

IB Biology Definitions required by the syllabus

TOPIC Topic 3: Genetics

WORD Gene

DEFINITION A heritable factor that controls a specific characteristic. (The differences between structural genes, regulator genes and genes coding for tRNA and rRNA are not expected at SL).* One specific form of a gene, differing from other alleles by one or a few bases only and occupying the same gene locus as other alleles of the gene.* The whole of the genetic information of an organism.* A change in the base sequence of a gene on DNA. This could be by substitution, deletion, or insertion of a base or bases. The terms point mutation or frameshift mutation will not be used. A pair of chromosomes containing the same linear gene sequences, each derived from one parent. The alleles possessed by an organism.* The characteristics of an organism.* An allele that has the same effect on the phenotype whether it is present in the homozygous or heterozygous state.* Dominant alleles mask the effects of recessive alleles. An allele that only has an effect on the phenotype when present in the homozygous state.* Pairs of alleles that both affect the phenotype when present in a heterozygote. (The terms incomplete and partial will no longer be used.)* The particular position on homologous chromosomes of a gene.* Having two identical alleles of a gene.* Having two different alleles of a gene.* An individual that has a recessive allele of a gene that does not have an effect on their phenotype.* Testing a suspected heterozygote by crossing it with a known homozygous recessive. (The term backcross is no longer used.)* Genes found on sex chromosomes (X and Y chromosomes) are said to be sex linked. Testing an individual for the presence or absence of a gene.* A group of genetically identical organisms or a group of cells artificially derived from a single parent cell.*

Allele Genome Gene mutation

Homologous chromosomes Genotype Phenotype Dominant allele Recessive allele Codominant alleles Locus Homozygous Heterozygous Carrier Test cross Sex linkage Genetic screening Clone

IB Biology Definitions required by the syllabus

TOPIC Topic 4: Ecology and Evolution

WORD Ecology Ecosystem Population Community Species Habitat

Autotroph (producer)

DEFINITION The study of relationships between living organisms and between organisms and their environment.* A community and its abiotic environment.* A group of organisms of the same species who live in the same area at the same time.* A group of populations living and interacting with each other in an area.* A group of organisms which can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.* The environment in which a species normally lives or the location of a living organism.* An organism that fixes chemical energy in the form of organic molecules; it "makes its own food" and does not require previously formed organic materials from the environment; e.g. photoautotroph, chemoautotroph. An organism that requires chemical energy from already formed organic molecules. Animal that consumes decomposing organic particles, deriving nutrition primarily from microbes on the particles. Organism that feeds by secreting digestive enzymes onto its food source and absorbing the products of digestion. Fungi and bacteria are examples. Stage in a food chain or web leading from primary producers (lowest trophic level) through primary consumers (herbivores) to secondary and tertiary consumers (carnivores). Maximum average number or biomass of organisms that can be sustained in a habitat over the long term. Usually refers to a particular species, but can be applied to more than one. A method to ensure that every individual in a population has an equal chance of being observed. The process of cumulative change in the heritable characteristics of a population.*

Heterotroph (consumer) Detritivore

Saprotroph (decomposer)

Trophic level

Carrying capacity Random sample Evolution

IB Biology Definitions required by the syllabus

TOPIC Topic 5: Human Health and Physiology

WORD Pathogen Excretion

DEFINITION An organism or virus that causes a disease.* This is a general term for the discharge of substances from the body. Release of an absorbed or endogenous substance or of a waste product, in urine, faeces, or other products normally leaving the body. Excretion of most chemical compounds from the body occurs mainly through the kidney and the gut, although volatile compounds may be largely eliminated by exhalation. Excretion by perspiration and through hair and nails may also occur. Excretion by the gastrointestinal tract may take place by various routes such as the bile, the shedding of intestinal cells and transport through the intestinal mucosa. The reassortment of genes or characters into different combinations from those of the parents. Recombination occurs for linked genes by crossing over and, for unlinked genes, by chromosome assortment* due to random alignment during metaphase I and II of meiosis. Genes that are located on the same chromosome are part of a linkage group; the closer together the genes are, the lower the probability that they will be separated by crossing-over during meiosis in, and hence the greater the probability that they will be inherited together. A trait or characteristic that is influenced by the expression of more than one gene, e.g. hair colour in humans. Continuous variation occurs as a result.

Topic 8: Genetics

Recombination

Linkage group

Polygenic inheritance

IB Biology Definitions required by the syllabus

TOPIC Topic 10: Defence Against Infectious Disease

WORD Active immunity Passive immunity Natural immunity Artificial immunity Resting potential

DEFINITION Immunity due to the production of antibodies by the organism itself after the bodys defence mechanisms have been stimulated by invasion of foreign micro-organisms.* Immunity due to the acquisition of antibodies from another organism in which active immunity has been stimulated, including via the placenta or in colostrum.* Immunity due to infection.* Immunity due to inoculation with vaccine.* The difference in electrical charge across the plasma membrane of a neuron when not conducting nerve impulses (i.e. resting). In humans, the value is around -70mV, meaning the inside is negative relative to the outside of the cell. Voltage change generated across the membrane of a nerve or muscle cell when the cell is activated by electrical, chemical or mechanical stimuli. In humans, the value is around +40mV. The action potential is propagated along the nerve by voltagegated ion channels. The control of the water balance of the blood, tissue or cytoplasm of a living organism.* The loss of water vapour from the leaves and stems of plants.* The transfer of pollen from the male organ, where it is formed, to the receptive region of a female organ, e.g. from anther to stigma. The amount of energy fixed by autotrophs, in kJ m-2 yr-1. Gross production less the energy used by the autotrophs for their own respiration, in kJ m-2 yr-1. A quantitative estimate of the entire amount of living organisms in a particular habitat; it can be measured in terms of volume, mass, or caloric energy. The pressure exerted by an individual gas in a mixture of gases; measured in kPa (or mm Hg).

Topic 11: Nerves, Muscles and Movement

Action potential

Topic 12: Excretion Topic 13: Plant Science

Osmoregulatio n Transpiration Pollination

Option G: Ecology and Conservation

Gross production Net production Biomass

Option H: Further Human Physiology

Partial pressure