Word Definition

Acid A substance which forms H+ ions and acts as a proton

donor.
Acrosome Membrane-bound storage sac of enzymes in the head of a
sperm.
Acrosome reaction Release of enzymes from the acrosome when the head of
the sperm touches the surface of the ovum.
Activation energy The energy needed to make or brake bonds at the
beginning of a chemical reaction.
Active site Area of enzyme with specific shape which fits shape of
substrate molecules.
Active transport Form of cellular transport in which energy is used to move
substances against a concentration gradient.
Adenine A purine base in DNA and RNA
Adenosine diphosphate Molecule produced when a phosphate group is removed
(ADP) from ATP
Adenosine triphosphate Molecule that releases energy when the terminal
(ATP) phosphate bond is broken, to from adenosine triphosphate
Adhesion Attraction of different molecules
Agouti Coat coloring, e.g. in cats
Albinism Genetic condition in which the natural melanin pigment of
the skin, eyes and hair does not form
Allele Different forms of a gene.
Allopatric speciation Speciation that results when populations are physically
separated in some way
Altruistic An action that benefits others without any direct benefit to
the individual
Alveolus (plural alveoli) Minute air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange takes
place
Amino Acid Sub-unit of proteins.
Amniocentesis Prenatal test that involves taking a sample of amniotic
fluid at around 16 weeks of a pregnancy and culturing the
fetal cells to look for genetic abnormalities.
Amphoteric Can act as both an acid and a base
Amylopectin Polymer of glucose with many branched chains
Amyloplast Plant organelles involved in amylopectin (a form of
starch)
Anabolic Reaction Reaction that builds new chemical from more than one
reactant.
Anaerobic respiration The release of energy from glucose without the use of
oxygen
Anaphase Fourth stage of mitosis where chromatids are pulled
towards the poles of the cell
Anatomical adaptation Adaptations of the anatomy of an animal or plant to
conditions
Aneurysm A bulge in the wall of an artery as a result of pressure of
blood building up behind a narrowed area. This leaves the
wall weakened and vulnerable to splitting open
Angina Chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart isn’t
 getting enough oxygen because of reduced blood flow to
the cardiac muscle. Usually the result of atherosclerosis
and is a symptom of coronary heart disease
Angiogenesis Growth of new blood vessels
Anther Male sex organ in plants
Antibodies Protein produced on response to the presence of a specific
antigen on the surface of a foreign cell
Anticoagulant Drug that prevents the blood from clotting
Antihypertensive Drug that lowers blood pressure
Antisense Strand The strand of DNA which acts as a template for the
formation of mRNA.
Antitoxin An antibody that can neutralize a toxin made by a specific
pathogen
Aorta Main artery leaving the left side of the heart carrying
oxygenated blood to the body
Apoplast Cell walls
Apoplast pathway Pathway through cell walls travelled by water molecules
from soil to xylem as a part of transpiration stream
Apoptosis Programmed cell death, also known as cell suicide
Artifact A feature present as a result of human actions in preparing
material rather than a natural feature of the tissue or cell
Arteriole Vessel that links an artery and capillary
Artery Vessel carrying blood away from the heart
Asexual reproduction The production of genetically identical offspring from a
single parent cell or organism
Aspirin Painkiller or anticoagulant
Assimilation The taking-in of new material by cells after cell division
Atheroma Fatty deposits initially laid down on damaged arterial
lining
Atherosclerosis Hardening of the arteries – the build-up of hardened fatty
deposits on the arterial lining
ATPase Enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of ATP to ADP
with the release of useful energy for the cell
Atrial systole The contraction of the atria forcing blood into the
ventricles
Atrioventricular valve Bicuspid and tricuspid valves
Autoradiography A technique using photographic film to show up
radioactively labeled substances in plants and other
organisms
Autosome Chromosome that carries information about somatic
(body) cells and their biochemistry (not a sex
chromosome).
Bacterial conjugation Sexual reproduction in bacteria
Balancing selection A form of natural selection that maintains a
disadvantageous allele in a population because of the
benefit to the heterozygote.
Barr body Mass of inactivated X chromosome in cells of female
mammals
Basal metabolic rate The energy needed for the basic metabolic reactions of the
(BMR) body to take place
Base Forms OH – ions and acts as a proton acceptor
Behavioral adaptation An adaptation of the behavior of an animal which gives it
a selective advantage
Behavioral isolation Reproductive isolation resulting from changes in the
courtship ritual, display or mating pattern
Beta blocker Drug that blocks the response of the heart to adrenaline,
slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure
Bias Influence in a particular direction
Bicuspid valve Valve found between the left atrium and the left ventricle
of the heart. One of the atrioventricular valves
Bilayer Double layer
Biodiversity The number and variety of different organisms found in a
particular area
Biodiversity hotspot Area which is particularly rich in different species
Bioindicator Species that is particularly sensitive to change and so can
be used to indicate problems in an area which might lead
to loss of biodiversity
Boiplastic Plastic (polymer) made from monomers which come from
a sustainable biological source
Blastocyst Early embryo consisting of a ball of cells
Body mass index (BMI) A formula for comparing your weight to your height used
to indicate obesity levels
Breathing Movement of air in and out of the respiratory system
Bronchi Tubes leading from the trachea into the left and right
lungs
Bronchiole Small tube leading from the bronchi and spread
throughout the lungs
Budding Form of asexual reproduction involving an outgrowth
from the parent plant which develops into a smaller,
genetically identical individual
Buffer A substance that tends to prevent change in pH when an
aid or base is added to a solution
Calorimeter A process which measures the amount of energy
contained in a substance, e.g. food
Capillary Narrow blood vessels with walls one cell thick which
penetrate between the cells of the body and link arteries
and veins. Materials diffuse into and out of the blood
through the capillary walls
Captive breeding Breeding individuals from an endangered species in zoos
program and parks to save species from extinction
Capture/recapture Method of estimating the population of a particular
technique species in an area which involves capturing individuals,
marking them and releasing them and then capturing some
of the again
Carbaminohaemoglobin Haemoglobin combined with carbon dioxide
Carbohydrates Molecules made of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen that
supply the body with energy. Sub-units are known as
monosaccharides
Carbonic anhydrase The enzyme that controls the rate of the reaction between
carbon dioxide and water to from carbonic acid
Carbon-neutral No net release of carbon compounds into the atmosphere
Cardiac cycle The time taken for a single heart beat as the heart goes
through diastole and systole
Cardiac muscle The muscle which makes up the heart
Cardiovascular center Center in the brain which responds to the carbon dioxide
levels in the blood and controls the heart rate.
Cardiovascular disease Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, particularly heart
(CVD) attacks and strokes
Cardiovascular system The heart and blood vessels
Carotid arteries Large arteries which branch off the aorta to supply
oxygenated blood to the head
Carrier An individual that has one allele (heterozygous) for a
genetic disease so does not suffer from it but can pass the
allele to its offspring
Carrier protein A protein that carries a specific molecule or type of
molecule through a membrane
Casparian strip Waterproof layer of cells in a root containing suberin
Catabolic reactions Reactions that breakdown a chemical into more than one
product
Catalyst A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction.
Cause A factor that directly causes something
Cell cycle Sequence of events making up cell division
Cell determination Predestination of embryonic cells to become particular
tissues
Cell sap Contents of vacuole in plant cells
Cell surface membrane The membrane (a phospholipid bilayer with protein
floating and embedded in the structure) that surrounds the
cytoplasm and controls the movement of substances into
and out of the cell.
Cell theory Theory that cells are the basic unit of living organisms
Cellulose Complex carbohydrate which is a major component of
plant cell walls
Cell wall Tough outer layer around plant cells made up mainly of
cellulose
Centrioles Structure in an animal cell that are involved in spindle
formation during cell division
Centromere The region where the chromatids are joined together in
pairs before separating during cell division
Channel protein Protein in membranes that allows passage of substances
through the membrane
Chiasma (plural chiasmata) points where chromatid break during
crossing over
Chlorophyll Green pigment found in plants which traps energy from
sunlight. Needed for photosynthesis
Chloroplast Organelle in some plants cells which contains chlorophyll,
site of photosynthesis
Chorionic villus Prenatal test for genetic disorders which involves
sampling sampling fetal tissue from the placenta at 10-12 weeks
Chromatid One of the two strands formed when a chromosome
replicates in cell division
Chromatin DNA bound to protein when a cell is not actively dividing
Chromatography Technique for separating the components of a mixture
based on movement of different-sized particles in a
solvent
Chromosomal Mutation Mutation involving changes in the positions of genes
within the chromosome.
Cilia Hair-like projections from the cells which move
backwards and forwards. They line the respiratory tract
and move mucus up and away from the lungs
Circulation Movement of the blood around the body in the
cardiovascular system
Cleavage Special form of mitosis which involves rapid cell division
without interphase pauses for assimilation and cell
expansion
Clone Genetically identical individuals that result from asexual
reproduction
Codon Three base pairs of DNA or RNA coding for a particular
amino acid.
Cohesion Technology of water molecules to stick together
Collenchyma Supporting tissue in plants
Colloid A mixture in which very small particles of one substance
are distributed evenly throughout another substance. The
solute particle of a colloid are larger than particles of a
solvent
Community All of the populations of living organisms which live in
habitat at any one time
Complementary Base Purine and pyrimidine bases that always pair up in the
Pairing formation of DNA or RNA.
Complementary DNA DNA made by reversing the normal transcription process.
It can act as an artificial gene.
Complementary Strand The mRNA strand formed alongside the original DNA
strand during translation of the genetic code into proteins.
Composite material Material made up of a combination of two or more
substances which all contribute to the properties of the
final composite
Concentration gradient The difference between an area where a solute is at high
concentration and an area where the same solute is at a
relatively low concentration
Conception The fusing of the sperm and the ovum
Condensation reaction Reaction in which two substances are joined together and
a molecule of water is produced
Conjugated protein Protein molecules joined to other substances, eg iron,
carbohydrate
Conservation Looking after a living and changing environment
Constrict Get narrower
Continuous growth Growth which occurs continuously, although at different
 rates, throughout life at least until maturity is reached
Continuous variation A feature that shows many small variations
Contractile vacuole Vacuole found in simple animals that forms and empties
to control water content of the cytoplasm
Correlation A factor that appears to be linked to a change or event, eg
both increase or decrease at the same time
Cristae Infoldings of the mitochondrial inner membrane which
provides a large surface area for enzyme action
Critically endangered Facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Crossing over Process by which chromatids break and rejoin,
introducing variety during meiosis
Cross-linking Intermolecular bonds which hold cellulose chains together
Cross-species cloning Cloning animals using a closely related species as a
surrogate mother and provider of the empty egg
Cutin A waxy, waterproof polymer which covers the surface of
plants
Cyanide Poison that acts by preventing the release of energy from
ATP
Cyclin Small protein involved in control of the cell cycle
Cyclin/CDK complex Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) bound to the protein
cyclin in a complex which controls the cell cycle through
phosphorylation of protein
Cyclin-dependent Enzymes involved in the control of the cell cycle
kinases (CDKs)
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Genetic disease in which a membrane transport protein is
not formed properly, leading to problems with chloride
ion transport and damage to tissues as a result of very
thick mucus.
Cystic fibrosis The membrane transport protein which is affected in
transmembrane cystic fibrosis
regulatory channel
protein (CFTR channel
protein)
Cytokinesis Division of the cytoplasm to form two daughter cells
during cell division
Cytoplasm The jelly-like liquid inside a cell containing organelles
Cytosine A pyrimidine base in DNA and RNA
Cytoskeleton 3D web-like structure that fills the cytoplasm, made up of
microfilaments and microtubules.
Denature When the tertiary and quaternary structure of the protein is
destroyed.
Deoxygenated Containing reduced levels of oxygen, as in blood leaving
the body cells
DNA (deoxyribonucleic Nucleic acid that forms genetic material of the cell.
acid)
Diastole When the heart relaxes and fills with blood
Diastolic blood pressure The blood pressure reading taken when the heart is
relaxed
Dietary reference values Range of appropriate food intakes for different groups of
 the population
Differentiate The process by which cells become specialized for a
particular function and lose the ability to from different
types of cells (lose pluripotency)
Diffusion Free movement of particles in a liquid or a gas down a
concentration gradient from an area of relatively high
concentration to an area of relatively low concentration
Digitalin A compound found in foxgloves which at low doses
makes the heart beat more powerfully. It is toxic at higher
doses
Diglyceride A fat or oil containing only two fatty acids
Dilate Get wider
Dipeptide Molecule formed when two amino acids are joined by a
peptide link
Diploid Having two sets of chromosomes in cell (2n)
Dipole Very small, equal and opposite electric charges within a
molecule
Directional selection A change from one phenotype to another which is more
advantageous under the circumstances
Disaccharide Double sugar unit, eg sucrose
Discontinuous growth Growth which takes place in a serious of steps
Discontinuous variation Variation shown by features which are either present or
not
Displayed formula Chemical formula showing the basic arrangement of
atoms within a molecule
Diuretic Drug that increases the volume of urine produced
Diversifying selection A form of natural selection which results in increased
genetic diversity of a population
DNA Helicase Enzyme that unzips the two strands of DNA at the start of
replication.
DNA ligase One of the enzymes that joins nucleotides together from
DNA strands.
DNA polymerase One of the enzymes that joins nucleotides together from
DNA strands.
Dominant Allele which is expressed phenotype whether the
individual is homozygous or heterozygous.
Dopamine Monoamine neurotransmitter
Double-bind trial Drug trial where neither the doctor nor the patient knows
whether they are getting the active new treatment or not
Double circulation Double circulatory system where deoxygenated blood is
pumped from heart to respiratory organs and oxygenated.
It is then returned to the heart to be pumped into another
separate system to be carried around the body to the
tissues before deoxygenated blood is returned to the heart
Double fertilization In plants where one male gamete fuses with two polar
bodies and the other fuses with the female gamete (egg)
nucleus to from a zygote
Double Helix Molecular structure made famous by DNA that involves
two strands twisted together like a spiral staircase.
Dry mass The mass of the body of an organism with all the water
removed
Ecdysone Insect hormone that controls the molting process
Ecological isolation Breeding isolation when two populations inhibit the same
region but develop preferences for different parts of the
habitat
Ecological niche The role of an organism within an ecological community
Ecological species Definition of species based on the ecological niche
occupied by the organisms
Ecology The study of the relationships between living organisms
and their environment
Ecosystem Environment including all the living organisms
interacting, the cycling of nutrients and the physical and
chemical environment in which organisms are living
Electrocardiogram A recording of the electrical activity of the heart, often
(ECG) used to help diagnose heart problems
Electron micrograph Photograph taken using an electron microscope
(EM)
Electron microscope Microscope that uses a beam of electrons to form an
image, which allows very high levels of magnification
Electrophoresis A method of separating amino acids by their movement
through an inert gel under the influence of an electric field
Electrostatic attraction Attraction between opposite charges (positive and
negative)
Embryonic stem cell Cells from the early embryo which are pluripotent or
totipotent, can form most or all of the cell types of an
organism
Embryo sac Contains the gametophyte generation in the ovary of the
flowering plants
Embryo splitting Process of splitting early embryos while the cells are
totipotent to produce a number of identical clones in
animal husbandry
Emulsion Tiny droplets of one liquid suspended in another liquid
Endangered Facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild
Endemic A species which is a unique to an area
Endemism Species which only occur in a very specific small area
such as an island, they are unique to the area
Endocytosis Taking particles into the cell; on a large scale this is
phagocytosis, on a small scale it is pinocytosis
Endoplasmic reticulum A 3D network of membrane-bound cavities spreading
(ER) through the cytoplasm. Plays a major role in transport
within the cell
Endosperm nucleus Triploid nucleus formed when male nucleus fuses with
two polar bodies in ovule of a plant
Endothelium Layer of epithelial cells which lines the chambers of the
heart, the blood vessels and the lymph vessels
Enzyme Biological catalyst
Epidermis Outer layer of cells in a plant leaf, outer layer of the skin
Epiglottis Tissue which closes over the glottis in a reflex action
 when you swallow
Epistasis When one gene in a polygenic trait alters or affects the
expression of another gene
Epithelial tissues Tissues which line the surfaces inside and outside the
body
Erythrocyte Red blood cell
Essential amino acid Amino acid that cannot be synthesized in the body and so
must be taken in as part of the diet
Ester bond Bond formed in the condensation reaction between the
carboxyl group of a fatty acid and one of the hydroxyl
groups of glycerol, with the elimination of a molecule of
water
Esterification Condensation reaction by which fatty acids are combined
with glycerol to form lipids
Eubacteria One of the most common types of bacteria
Eukaryote Cell or organism where the nucleus is surrounded by a
nuclear membrane
Evaluate Judge the value of a study, procedure or technique in
terms of accuracy, validity, reliability, precision,
reproducibility, etc.
Evolution The process by which species of living organisms
undergo permanent change as a result of a natural
selection n response to a change in their environment
Exhalation Moving air out of the respiratory system
Exocytosis Moving substances out of a cell by emptying a membrane-
bound vesicle
Expressed To show, as in effect of an allele on the phenotype.
External fertilization Fertilization that takes place outside the body
External stimulus Signal or change from outside the body or cell
Extinction The permanent loss of all members of a species
Extracellular enzymes An enzyme that works outside the cells, such as digestive
enzymes.
F1 (first filial generation) The first generation of offspring in a genetic cross.
F2 (second filial The offspring that result from a cross of the F1 generation.
generation)
Facilitated diffusion Diffusion that takes place through specific
channels/carriers but which does not use up energy
Fat A lipid that is solid at normal room temperature
Fatty acid Long-chain organic acid that makes up part of the
structure of lipids
Fertilization Joining of two gametes to form a new individual (zygote)
Fertilization membrane Thick membrane formed around the outside of an ovum
once it has been fertilized by a sperm
Fiber Molecules that cannot be digested in the gut and add bulk
to the diet
Fibrin Fibrous protein involved in clot formation
Fibrinogen Precursor of fibrin
Fibrous protein Protein that forms long, fibrous structures and has little or
no tertiary structure
Fick’s law The relationship between surface area, concentration
gradient and thickness of the exchange membrane which
determines the rate of diffusion
Fission In biology, the simple method of asexual reproduction
which involves an organism splitting in two. Seen in
bacteria and protoctists
Fixing Preserving a biological specimen to be viewed under a
microscope
Flaccid Floppy
Fluid mosaic model Currently accepted model of the structure of the cell
membrane
Follicle In reproduction, the region where the ovum matures in the
ovary
Food staple Main energy supplying foods in the diet
Founder effect Process by which any unusual alleles become relatively
common in a population if only a small number of
individuals set up a population and one of the founder
members has the unusual allele.
Fragmentation Reproduction of an entire individual from a body
fragment
Frequency distribution Representation of the frequency at which a particular
characteristic is found in a population
Gamete Sexual cell with half the chromosome number of an
ordinary cell
Gametogenesis Formation of the gametes
Gametophyte Haploid, sexual reproduction of plants
Gene Unit of inheritance
Gene flow The movement of genes by the interbreeding of
individuals in different populations
Gene linkage Genes that are inherited together in a linked unit of a
chromosome
Gene pool All the different versions of genes (alleles) found in a
population
Gene probe Technique for indentifying active genes in a cell
General formula Formula representing any member of a given chemical
family showing the ratio of the different types of atoms
Generative nucleus Nucleus in the pollen tube containing the chromosomes
which fuses with the female nucleus in the ovule
Gene therapy Treatment that involves replacing faulty genes with
healthy ones
Genetic diversity Variety of genes and alleles within a population
Genetic engineering Artificially changing the genetic material of an organism.
Genetic modification Copying healthy genes and inserting them into the DNA
of other organisms
Genetic pedigree A family tree showing the sex of the individuals and if
diagram they are affected by a genetic condition or not
Genetic screening Testing populations for a genetic disease
Genotype The genetic make-up of an organism
Genus Group of similar species
Geographical isolation A physical barrier, eg a river or mountain range, that
separates individuals and prevents breeding
Germinate The growth of the pollen grain on the stigma of a plant.
The growth of a seed into a young plant
Globular protein Protein with tertiary and sometimes quaternary levels of
3D organization, holding them into globular shapes
Glottis Throat
Glycerol Propane-1,2,3-triol, a compound that makes up part of the
structure of lipids
Glycogen Storage carbohydrate in animals
Glycoprotein Protein with a carbohydrate prosthetic group
Glycosidic bond Bond joining two monosaccharide units together
Golgi body Stacks of parallel, flattened membrane pickets loosely
linked to the RER and involved in the secretion of
materials from the cell
Gonad Organ that produces sex cells, such as testis or ovary in
humans
Guanine A purine base in DNA and RNA
Guttation When water is forces out of the leaves in drops as a result
of root pressure when transpiration rates are low
Habitat Place where an organism lives
Hemoglobin Red pigment which carries oxygen in the blood
Haploid Cell containing a single set of chromosomes (half the full
chromosome number (n))
Heartbeat The sound made by blood hitting the heart valves as it
flows through the heart
Heterozygote Individual with different alleles for the same gene
Heterozygote advantage When the heterozygous state for a particular gene gives
(Hybrid vigour) advantages to the individual
Heterozygous Having different alleles of the same gene
Hexose Monosaccharide containing six carbon atoms
Histone Positively charges protein molecule around which DNA
molecules coil
Homologous One of a matching pair of chromosomes
chromosome
Homologous pair Matching pairs of chromosomes
Homozygote An individual with both alleles for a gene the same
Homozygous Having both alleles of a gene the same
Hormone Chemical messenger made in an endocrine gland, secreted
into the body to the effector gland
Human Genome Project Massive international research program that mapped the
entire human genome
Huntigton’s disease Genetic disease caused by a dominant allele that develops
in middle age and is fatal
Hydrogen bond The weak electrostatic attraction between oppositely
charges dipoles of different molecules
Hydrolysis Splitting a compound by reacting with water
Hydrophilic Water-loving
Hydrophobic Water-hating
Hypertension High blood pressure
Hypertonic A solution with a higher solute concentration (lower
solvent concentration) than the cell contents
Hypotension Low blood pressure
Hypotonic A solution with a lower solute concentration (higher
solvent concentration) than the cell contents
Independent assortment The random distribution of chromosomes from parents
into offspring
Indicator species Species which can be used to monitor pollination levels,
food levels etc
Induced fit hypothesis Modified version of the lock-and-key hypothesis of
enzymes action that proposes a flexible shape for the
active site which is modified once the substrate molecule
is bound to form an active complex.
Industrial melanism Changes in the coloration of a population as a response to
environmental changes from industrial activity
Inferior vena cava Major vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the lower
part of the body back to the heart
Inflammatory response The response of the body to damaged tissue which
involves swelling and increased blood flow bringing white
blood cells to the area
Inhalation Moving air into the respiratory system
Insulin Hormone produced by the pancreas that controls the
concentration of glucose in the blood
Internal fertilization Fertilization which takes place inside the body
Internal stimulus Signal or change from inside the body or cell
Interphase Period of non-division in the cell cycle
Intracellular Within a cell
Intracellular enzymes Enzymes hat work inside the cell.
Intrinsic rhythmicity The basic rhythm of the heart beat which is present in the
individual cells
Ionic bond A chemical bond formed between two ions with opposite
charges
Ionic substance A substance made up of oppositely charged ions held
together by ionic bonds
Isomer One of two or more compounds made up of the same
atoms arranged differently
Isotonic (Isosmotic) A solution with the same osmotic concentration as the cell
contents
Juvenile hormone Insect hormone that controls the maturity of the instar
produced after each moult
Karyotype Image showing the chromosomes arranged into
homologous pairs.
Keystone species A species which has a major effect on its environment. A
large number of other species depend on a keystone
species for their survival
Lac operation Cluster of genes involved with the production of lactose in
bacterial cells
Larynx Voice box
Law of independent Law of genetics, originally proposed by Gregor Mendel,
assortment: Mendel’s which states that different traits are inherited
second law independently of each other.
Law of segregation: Law of genetics, originally proposed by Gregor Mendel,
Mendel’s first law which states that one allele for each trait is inherited from
each parent and each pair of alleles is segregated
(separated) when the gametes are formed.
Left atrium The small upper chamber of the heart on the left that fills
with oxygenated blood from the lungs
Left ventricle The larger lower chamber of the heart on the left that
pumps oxygenated blood out of the heart into the aorta to
travel around the body
Leucocyte White blood cell
Leucoplast A range of plant organelles
Lifestyle The way someone lives their life
Light microscope A microscope which relies on light to form an image
Lignin Organic compound that binds to cellulose fibers and
makes them hard and strong
Lipid Molecule that contains a lot of stored chemical energy.
Supplies body with energy and also used as an energy
store. Made up of fatty acids and glycerol
Lipoprotein A protein with a lipid group attached
Lock-and-key hypothesis Model of enzymes action based on the idea of an active
site which fits specific reactants.
Locus Position of a gene on a chromosome
Longitudinal study Studies which follow the same group of individuals over a
long period of time
Lumen The central space inside a blood vessel or other tube, eg
the lumen of the gut
Lung surfactant Phospholipid that coats the surface of the alveoli and
makes it easier to move air in and out
Lymphocyte Type of white blood cell
Lysosome Organelle containing lysozymes
Macromolecule Very large molecule
Macronutrient Nutrient needed in large amounts by the body, ef fat,
protein and carbohydrate
Malignant A tumor which invades surrounding tissues and splits to
form secondary tumors
Malnutrition A condition linked to an inadequate diet, eg either too
much or too little food or the wrong type of food
Marsupial Mammal that gives birth to very immature young which
then complete their development in a pouch
Mass transport system A transport system which involves the flow of a fluid in a
system with a mechanism for moving it around
Mating Process by which male gametes are released directly into
the body of the female
Matrix Surrounding substance
Mechanical isolation Reproductive isolation caused by anatomical changes in
an animal or plant as a result of mutation which
 reproduction impossible
Megagamete The female gamete in a plant
Megagametogenesis Process by which the female gametes are formed in plants
Megakaryocyte Large bone marrow cell which is the origin of platelets in
the blood
Megaspore Precursor of female gamete in plants
Meiosis Cell division which results in the production of four
daughter cells each with half of the chromosome number
of the original
Melanocyte Pigment-forming cell
Melanoma Cancer of the cells that produce the pigment melanin
Mesosome Fold of the cell surface membrane that can form a vesicle
Messenger RNA RNA that carries information from the DNA in the
(mRNA) nucleus out into the cytoplasm to be translated into
proteins on the ribosomes.
Metabolic chain or Sequence of metabolic reactions.
pathway
Metabolism Combination of anabolic and catabolic reactions that take
place in body cells.
Metadata analysis Looking at a large number of studies and putting the data
together
Metaphase Third stage of mitosis where chromatids line up across the
equator of the cell
Metaphase plate Central region of spindle formed in mitosis
Metastasis Splitting of a malignant tumor to form secondary growth
Metaxylem The xylem which develops second, after the protoxylem
Micelle Structure formed by a cluster of molecules with both
hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends when placed in water
Microfibril A group of 10- 100000 cellulose molecules
Microfilament Protein fibers that make up part of the cytoskeleton
Microgametogenesis Process by which the male gametes are formed in plants
Microhabitat Small area of a larger habitat
Micronutrient Nutrient needed in tiny amounts by body, eg vitamins and
some minerals
Microspore Precursor of male gamete in plants
Microtubule Tiny protein tubes that make up part of the cytoskeleton
Middle lamella First layer of the plant cell wall to be formed during cell
division
Mitochondrion Organelle which is the site of aerobic cellular respiration
Mitosis Cell division of the body cells that results in two identical
daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as
the original cell
Molecular activity The number of substrate molecules transformed per
minute by a single enzyme molecule.
Molecular phylogeny Analysis of different chemicals and genes in different
organisms to identify interrelationships
Monoamine oxidase A Enzyme found in nervous system, liver, and gut that
(MAOA) breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters
Monoculture An area containing only one type of genetically very
 similar plants
Monoglyceride A fat or oil containing a single fatty acid
Monohybrid cross Genetic cross that considers just one gene
Monolayer Single layer
Monomer A single unit in a polymer
Monosaccharide Single sugar unit, eg glucose
Monotreme Egg-laying mammals
Monounsaturated fatty Fatty acid that contains just one double carbon-carbon
acid bond
Morphology Outer and inner appearance of an organism
Mortality The ratio of the total number of deaths compared with the
whole population, often expressed as number of deaths per
thousand people per year
Moult In the context of insect growth: to shed an outer covering
in order to grow
MRI scan Magnetic resonance image formed by combining X-rayed
sections of the body to produce a 3D image
Multifactorial disease Disease that is the result of many factors, some genetic
and some environmental, all interacting.
Multiple allele One of a number of different alleles (more than two
alternatives) that can be found on a particular gene
Multipotent Limited degree of pluripotency seen in somatic cells
Mutagen Something that causes mutation, eg some chemicals and
ionizing radiation.
Mutation Change in the genetic code.
Myocardial infarction Heart attack
Natural selection Process by which the organisms best suited to a particular
environment are most likely to survive and pass their
advantageous genetic characteristics to their offspring
Neurotransmitter Chemical involved in transmitting nerve impulses across
the synapses of the nervous system
Noradrenaline A monoamine neurotransmitter
Normal distribution Bell-shaped curve of a feature showing continuous
curve variation in a population
Nucleic Acid Polymer built up from nucleotide monomers, eg
deoxyribose nucleic acid and ribose nucleic acid which
are the main molecules of inheritance.
Nucleoid Area in prokaryotes where the genetic material is
localized
Nucleolus An extremely dense area of the nucleus containing almost
pure DNA and protein
Nucleosome DNA wound around histones
Nucleotides Monomer of nucleic acid made up of a pentose sugar,
organic nitrogenous base and a phosphate group.
Nucleus Organelle containing the genetic information of a cell
Obesity Being obese with a body mass index of over 30
Oedema Accumulation of fluid in a tissue
Oil A lipid that is liquid at normal room temperature
Oncongene Gene that causes the production of uncontrolled amounts
 of proteins which stimulate the cell cycle and in turn cause
uncontrolled cell replication
Oocyte Immature ovum
Oogenesis Formation of ova
Optical microscope Microscope that uses light to form an image
Organ Group of tissues grouped into a structure to carry out a
particular function
Organelle A membrane-bound enclosure in the cytoplasm of a
eukaryotic cell with a particular function, eg
mitochondria, ribosomes
Osmosis Movement of water down a concentration gradient
through a partially permeable membrane
Osmotic concentration The concentration of solutes that have an osmotic effect
Ovary Female sex organ in animals and plants
Ovule Female gamete produced in plants
Ovum (plural ova) haploid female gamete
Oxygenated Containing high levels of oxygen, as in blood from the
lungs
Parenchyma Relatively unspecialized plant tissue
Parthenogenesis Reproduction in which an ovum or ovule develops and
forms a new organism without fusing a male gamete
Passive transport Transport that does not require energy, such as diffusion
and osmosis
Pathogen Microorganism that causes disease
Pectin A glue-like polysaccharide
Pentose Sugar Monosaccharide that contains five carbon atoms.
Peptide A chain of amino acids
Peptide link The bond formed between two amino acids as a result of a
condensation reaction
Preempting organ Organ involved in asexual reproduction which contains
stored food to survive dormant period, eg bulb, corm
Peripheral Distant form the center of the body
Phagocytosis The process by which phagocytes engulf and digest
bacteria or other pathogens
Phase 1 trial Trial in which a new drug is given to a small number of
healthy volunteers
Phase 2 trial Trial in which a new drug is given to a small group of
volunteer patients affected by the condition the drug is
designed to treat
Phase 3 trial Trial in which a new drug is used with a large group
(5000+) of patients affected by the condition the drug is
designed to treat
Phenotype The physical and chemical characteristics that make up
the appearance of an organism.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) Genetic condition affecting protein metabolism
Phloem Living transport tissue in plants that carries dissolved food
from the leaves around the plant
Phospholipid Lipid molecule containing a phosphate group, making it a
polar lipid
Physical activity level A factor which represents the level of activity undertaken
(PAL) by an individual
Physiological adaptation Adaptations of the biochemistry or physiology of an
organism to the environment in which it lives
Pinocytosis Taking small particles/amounts into a cell
Pit Gaps in the cell walls that allow communication between
cells
Placebo An inactive substance that resembles a drug bus has no
action in the body
Placebo effect The effect by which patients often improve even when
they are receiving no active drug, they just think they are
and it makes them feel better
Placenta In mammals, the organ where nutrients and oxygen from
the mother pass into the blood of the fetus and waste
products from the fetus pass into the blood of the mother
by diffusion. In plants, the pad of tissue which joins the
ovule to the ovary wall
Placental mammal Mammal in which the young develop inside the uterus of
the mother with their need met through the placenta. After
birth they feed on milk from the mammary glands
Plant fiber Long plant cells with heavily lignified cell walls
Plant stanol and sterol Compounds found in plants which reduce levels of LDLs
and balance the LDL/HDL ratio in the blood
Plaque A fatty deposit hardened by calcium salts and fibrous
tissue which may form on the lining of an artery
Plasma Liquid part of blood
Plasmid Extra, circular strand of DNA, separate from the main
chromosome, found in bacteria
Plasmodesmata Sites of intercellular exchanges through cytoplasmic
bridges between plant cells
Plasmolysis When the cytoplasm of a plant cell pulls away from the
cell wall because it has shrunk through loss of water due
to osmosis
Platelet Component of the blood, a fragment of megakaryocyte,
involved in the blood-clotting mechanism
Pleural cavity The space between the pleural membranes surrounding the
lungs
Pleural membrane Membrane surrounding the lungs
Pluripotent Cells with the potential to form most of the cell types
needed in an organism
Point mutation Mutation in one or a small number of nucleotides
Polar lipid Lipid molecule containing a polar group
Pollen Male gamete in plants
Pollen sac Region of anther where pollen grains develop
Pollen tube Tube which grows out of a pollen grain down the stigma
into the ovule in the ovary to transport the pollen nuclei
Pollination The arrival of pollen grains on the female part of a flower
Polygenic inheritance Characteristics which are inherited through the interaction
of several different genes
Polymer Molecule made of repeating similar units
Polypeptide Polymer made of many amino acids
Polysaccharide Polymer made up of many sugar units
Polyspermy When more than one sperm penetrates the fertile ovum
Polyunsaturated fatty Fatty acid that contains more than one double carbon-
acid carbon bond
Population Group of organisms of the same species, living and
breeding together in a particular niche in a habitat
Potometer Apparatus used to measure uptake of water by a plant
Precision Exactness: measured in a way which can be reproduced
consistently
Preimplantation Genetic diagnosis technique by which the genetic make-
up of an embryo can be determined before it is implanted
in the uterus of its mother
Prenatal screening Testing a fetus for a genetic condition before birth
Primary cell wall Flexible plant cell walls with cellulose microfibrils
oriented in same direction
Primary structure In proteins, the arrangement of amino acids in the
polypeptide chains
Probability The likelihood of an event happening
Prokaryote Single-celled organism which has no nuclear membrane
and the genetic material is not organized into
chromosomes
Prophase Second stage of mitosis where the chromosome can coil
and condense, when they can take up stain and become
visible as two chromatids
Prosthetic group A non-protein group attached to a protein molecule
Protein Organic molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
and nitrogen along with other elements such as sulfur.
Used for growth and repair in the body. Sub-units known
as amino acids
Prothrombin Precursor of thrombin in the blood-clotting cascade
Proto-oncogene Gene which codes for proteins which stimulate the cell
cycle
Protoplasm The cytoplasm and the nucleus of a cell
Protoxylem First xylem tissue to form in a stem root
Pulmonary artery Artery carrying deoxygenated blood from the right side of
the heart to the lungs
Pulmonary circulation Circulation between the heart and the lungs
Pulmonary veins Vessels carrying oxygenated blood from the lungs back to
the left side of the heart
Purine Base in nucleic acids with two-nitrogen containing rings
Pyrimidine Base in nucleic acids with one nitrogen-containing ring.
Quadrat Apparatus used to identify an area for sampling
Quantitative sampling Counting the number of organisms within a measured area
Quaternary structure In proteins, the 3D arrangement of more than one
polypeptide chain in a molecule
Recessive Allele which is only expressed in the phenotype when the
individual is homozygous for the allele.
Recognition species Species definition based on unique fertilization systems,
including behavior patterns in animals
Recombinant DNA Combination of host DNA with new gene in genetic
modification
Recombination Process by which DNA strands are broken and rejoined.
Often occurs during meiosis
Regeneration Asexual reproduction of a body part to replace one which
has been lost
Reliable Results which can be replicated by different people and on
different occasions
Replicate To copy
Respiratory system Organ system in which the exchange of respiratory gases
takes place
Resting phase More appropriately called interphase, the stage in cell
division when the cell assimilates new materials and the
chromosomes cannot be seen
Restriction endonuclease Enzyme that cuts up DNA at specific sites
Reserve transcriptase Enzyme involved in building up DNA for artificial genes
from an RNA template
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) A nucleic acid that is vital for protein synthesis in all
living cells and carries the genetic information in many
viruses
Ribosome Cell organelle that is the site of protein synthesis.
Right atrium The small upper chamber of the heart on the right that fills
with deoxygenated blood form the body
Right ventricle The lower chamber of the heart on the right that pumps
deoxygenated blood out of the heart into pulmonary artery
to be carried to the lungs
Risk factor A factor that increases the probability of an event
happening
RNA polymerase Enzyme involved in making RNA copy from DNA
template during transcription in the nucleus
Root hair Microscopic extensions of the membranes of the outer
root cells
Root pressure Movement of water up the plant from the roots involving
active transport
Rough endoplasmic Endoplasmic reticulum covered in ribosomes involved in
reticulum (RER) synthesis and transport of proteins
Sample Take measurements from a number of randomly selected
areas
Sampling error Error which creeps into genetic investigations due to such
problems such as death of offspring, inefficient sampling
and chance.
Saturated When all of the active sites on an enzyme are taken up.
Saturated fatty acid A fatty acid containing only single carbon-carbon bonds
Sclereid A plant cell with thick, lignified walls
Sclerenchyma Strengthening and supporting tissue found in plants, made
up of heavily lignified, thick walled cells
Seasonal isolation When the timing of reproductive fertility varies in
 different parts of a population, making reproduction
between the two groups impossible
Secondary cell wall Inflexible, rigid plant cell wall built up as cellulose
microfibrils are laid densely at different angles to each
other
The ovum released at ovulation when meiosis has not
Secondary oocyte been fully completed
Secondary structure In proteins, the repeating pattern in the structure of the
polypeptide chains, eg alpha helix
Sectioning Making thin slices of tissue to prepare a microscopic slide
Selection pressure Changes in the environment that mean that certain
characteristics will give an organism an advantage
Semiconservative Replication of DNA where the two strands unzip and new
replication nucleotides align alongside each strand.
Semilunar valves Valves found in veins and the heart that prevent the
backflow of blood
Senescence Old age
Septum An area of two dividing tissue, eg the tissue that divides
the two divides of the heart
Serotonin Monoamine neurotransmitter, released when the blood
vessels are damaged which causes the smooth muscles to
contract, narrowing the blood vessel and reducing
bleeding
Sex chromosome Chromosome that carries information about the sex of the
individual
Sex pilus Strand of cytoplasm between two bacteria during sexual
reproduction
Sexual reproduction Production of a new individual resulting from the joining
of two sex cells
Sexual selection Selection for features that give reproduction success
Single circulation Circulation where blood is pumped through respiratory
organs and around the body before returning to the heart
Site of Special Scientific Area protected from development because of the scientific
Interest (SSSI) value of the organism living there
Smooth endoplasmic Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes, involved in the
reticulum (SER) synthesis and transport of lipids
Solute Substance that dissolves in a solvent, such as ionic
substances in water
Somatic cell Body cell
Somatic stem cell Adult cells with a limited ability to form other types of
cells
Species Group of closely related organisms that are all potential
capable of interbreeding to produce fertile offspring
Species richness Measure of the number of species in a given area
Specificity The property of enzymes which means that they only
catalyse one particular reaction or type of reaction.
Spermatogenesis Formation of sperm
Spermatozoa (sperm) Haploid male gamete
Sphygmomanometer Equipment used for measuring blood pressure
Spindle Set of microtubules formed during mitosis that move the
chromatids to the opposite ends of the cell
Spore Structure produced by asexual reproduction often as a way
of surviving adverse conditions. Develops into a new
individual genetically identical to parent
Sporophyte Diploid generation of plants
Sporulation Asexual reproduction that involves the formation of
spores
Staining A method of adding dye to a biological specimen so it
shows up more clearly under the microscope
Standard deviation A statistical measure of the amount of difference form the
mean within a sample
Statin Drug used to lower and balance the cholesterol levels in
the blood
Sticky ends The end of a cut DNA helix, with one strand left slightly
longer than the other
Stroke An interruption in the function of the brain usually caused
by either a blood clot forming in a blood vessel supplying
the brain or bleeding from a blood vessel supplying the
brain
Suberin Waxy, waterproof compound
Substrate Substance that enzyme works on.
Sulfur bridge Bond between sulfur atoms in two amino acids
Superior vena cava Major vein carrying deoxygenated blood back from the
head and upper part of the body back to the heart
Suspension A solid mixed with a liquid in which the particles will
separate out if the mixture is not constantly moved or
stirred
Symplast Interconnected cytoplasm between plant cells
Symplast pathway Pathway through cytoplasm travelled by water molecules
down a concentration gradient by osmosis from soil to
xylem as part of transpiration stream
System Group of organs working together to carry out a particular
function
Systemic circulation Circulation from the heart around the body and back to the
heart
Systole The contraction of the heart
Systolic blood pressure The blood pressure reading when the heart is contracting
strongly
Telophase The final stage of mitosis where the chromatids reach the
poles of the cells and become chromosomes, the nuclear
membrane reforms and the cytoplasm divides
Temperature coefficient, The effect of temperature on the rate of a reaction.
Q10
Tendinous cords Tendons which prevent the atrioventricular valves turning
inside out
Tensile strength Strength to resist pulling forces
Tertiary structure In proteins, the 3D folding of the secondary structure
Test cross A genetic cross with the homozygous recessive to show
 whether an individual is homozygous dominant or
heterozygous
Testis Male sex organ in humans
Thalassaemia Genetic disease in which blood proteins are not
manufactured properly, leading to sever anaemia.
Thalassaemia major Most severe from of beta thalassaemia
(Cooley’s anemia)
Therapeutic cloning Experimental technique aiming to produce embryonic
stem cells from an adult to use in therapy for a patient
Thermophilic Heat-loving
Thrombin Enzyme that causes the conversion of inactive fibrinogen
to fibrin when the blood clots
Thromboplastin Enzyme that controls the conversion of prothrombin to
active thrombin
Thrombosis Clot that forms in a blood vessel
Thymine A pyrimidine base in DNA.
Tissue Specialized cells organized into a group to carry out a
particular function
Tissue culture Growth of tissue in the laboratory outside the whole
organism
Tonoplast The membrane surrounding plant vacuoles which controls
the movement of substances in and out of the vacuole
Totipotent Cell with the potential to form all known cell types within
an organism
Trachea Windpipe; the tube leading from the nose and mouth
down into the chest, which s supported by incomplete
rings of cartilage
Transfer RNA (tRNA) Small unit of RNA that codes for a specific amino acid
and attaches to it in the cytoplasm before carrying it to the
surface of a ribosome for protein synthesis.
Transgenic Organisms which have genes from another organism
engineered into their DNA
Translation Process by which the genetic code is converted into new
protein molecules directed by RNA.
Translocation Movement of substances around plants
Transpiration The loss of water vapor from the surface of a plant
Tricuspid valve Valve found between the right atrium and right ventricle
of the heart. One of the atrioventricular valves
Triglyceride A fat or oil containing three fatty acids
Triose sugar Monosaccharide containing three carbon atoms
Triplet code Three bases of DNA which code for a single amino acid
Triploid Containing three set of chromosomes
True-breeding When two individual are crossed, all of the offspring show
the same phenotype
Tube nucleus Forms of pollen tube for fertilization in plants
Tumor An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from the
uncontrolled growth of cells
Tumor suppressor gene Gene which slows down the cell cycle and reduces the
rate of cell division
Turgid Swollen, firm; used to describe plant cells that are fully
hydrated
Turgor The point at which the inward movement of water due to
osmosis is balanced by the pressure of the plant cell walls
on the cytoplasm. The cytoplasm is pressing hard against
the cell wall
Turnover number The number of substrate molecules transformed per
minute by a single enzyme molecule.
Ultrastructure Structure of a cell as revealed by electron microscope
Unit membrane Phospholipid bilayer which is the basis for all living
membranes
Unsaturated fatty acid A fatty acid containing at least one double carbon-carbon
bond
Uracil A pyrimidine base in RNA
Vacuolar pathway Pathway through cell vacuoles travelled by water
molecules moving down a concentration gradient by
osmosis from soil to xylem as part of transpiration stream
Vacuole Membrane-lined enclosure in a cell; permanent feature in
plant cells, formed when needed in animal cells
Valid An investigation that is properly designed to answer the
questions which are being asked
Vas deferens Tube carrying sperm out of the testis
Vector In this context: means of carrying new gene into host
DNA during genetic modification
Vegetative propagation Production of new plants by asexual reproduction
Vein Blood vessel that carriers blood towards the heart
Ventricular systole The contraction of the ventricles of the heart forcing blood
out of the heart to the lungs and around the body
Venule Blood vessel that links a vein and capillary
Vesicle Membrane-bound sac containing cellular secretions
Villi Microscopic , finger-like projections which greatly
increase the surface area of the lining of the small
intestines
Vulnerable Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild
Whole-chromosome Mutation resulting in loss or duplication of whole
mutations chromosome.
X-ray diffraction Scattering of X-rays by the components of a molecule,
used to build up a complex pattern for interpretation of
molecular shape.
Xylem Main tissue transporting water from the roots around a
plant. The walls of xylem vessels are heavily lignified, all
the older vessels are non-living
Zona pellucida Protective layer of jelly around an animal ovum
Zygote New diploid cell formed when the two haploid gametes
fuse at fertilization