Biology Flashcards

CIE Biology IGCSE
1 - Characteristics and Classification of

Living Organisms
Flashcards
PMT Education is licensed under https://bit.ly/pmt-cc

This work by https://bit.ly/pmt-edu-cc CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
https://bit.ly/pmt-edu
www.pmt.education https://bit.ly/pmt-cc
What 8 characteristics do all living
organisms share?
What 8 characteristics do all living organisms share?
- they move
- they respire
- they respond to their surroundings
- they control their internal conditions
- they grow and develop
- they reproduce
- they excrete their waste
- they require nutrition
Define movement
Define movement
When an organism changes its position

or place
Define respiration
Define respiration
The biochemical reactions in cells that

break down molecules to release energy
Define sensitivity
Define sensitivity
The detection of a stimulus and the

ability to respond to that stimulus
Define growth
Define growth
A permanent increase in the size of an

organism by either the increase in the
number of cells or the size of the cells
Define reproduction
Define reproduction
The creation of offspring of the same

species as the parent(s)
Define excretion
Define excretion
The removal of waste products from

metabolic processes or substances in
excess
Define nutrition
Define nutrition
The intake of substances required for

growth and to provide energy
Why are viruses not living?
Why are viruses not living?
They do not have all of the 8

characteristics of living organisms (for
example they cannot respire)
Define species
Define species
A group of organisms that can breed to

produce fertile offspring
What is phylogenetics?
What is phylogenetics?
The study of evolutionary relationships
Give 2 ways that organisms can be
classified
Give 2 ways that organisms can be classified
- Physical features
- Phylogenetic relationships
How are modern classification
techniques more accurate?
(Higher/Supplement)
How are modern classification techniques more
accurate? (Higher/Supplement)
Biochemical and genetic analysis gives a

more precise and detailed understanding
about the relationships of organisms
How can organisms that share recent
common ancestors be identified?
(Higher/Supplement)
How can organisms that share recent common
ancestors be identified? (Higher/Supplement)
- Analyse the organism’s DNA

- Organisms with more similar DNA
sequences often share more common
ancestors
What are the 5 kingdoms?
What are the 5 kingdoms?
Prokaryotae, protoctista, fungi, plantae,

animalia
Describe the binomial naming system
Describe the binomial naming system
Give 3 advantages of the binomial
naming system
Give 3 advantages of the binomial naming system
- It is universal
- It provides information about closely
linked organisms and hence their traits
- It allows for precise naming
State the features that all cells share
State the features that all cells share
Cytoplasm, cell membrane and DNA

(Higher/Supplement)
Ribosomes and enzymes for respiration
Name 5 parts of an animal cell
Name 5 parts of an animal cell
- Nucleus
- Mitochondria
- Ribosomes
- Cell membrane
- Cytoplasm
Name 8 parts of a plant cell
Name 8 parts of a plant cell
Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell

membrane, cytoplasm, permanent vacuole,
chloroplasts, cell wall
What are the two broad groups of
animals?
What are the two broad groups of animals?
Vertebrates and invertebrates
What is the difference between
vertebrates and invertebrates?
What is the difference between vertebrates and
invertebrates?
Vertebrates have a backbone whereas

invertebrates do not
What are the 5 main groups of
vertebrates?
What are the 5 main groups of vertebrates?
Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,

fish
What is an arthropod?
What is an arthropod?
An invertebrate with an exoskeleton (e.g.

insects or crustaceans)
What are the 4 main groups of
arthropods?
What are the 4 main groups of arthropods?
myriapods, insects, arachnids,

crustaceans
What are the two broad groups of
plants? (Higher/Supplement)
What are the two broad groups of plants?
(Higher/Supplement)
Flowering and non-flowering
What are the two main groups of
flowering plants? (Higher/Supplement)
What are the two main groups of flowering plants?
(Higher/Supplement)
Monocotyledons and dicotyledons
monocotyledons and dicotyledons
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the difference between monocotyledons and
dicotyledons (Higher/Supplement)
Monocotyledons only contain one

embryonic flower (cotyledon) whereas
dicotyledons contain two
What are dichotomous keys?
What are dichotomous keys?
They are resources that are used to

identify organisms by asking a series of
contrasting questions
CIE Biology IGCSE
2 - Organisation of the Organism
Flashcards

State 4 parts of an animal cell visible
under a light microscope
State 4 parts of an animal cell visible under a light
microscope
Nucleus, cytoplasm and the cell

membrane
State 4 additional features of eukaryotic
cells that are not visible under a light
microscope (Higher/Supplement)
State 4 additional features of eukaryotic cells that
are not visible under a light microscope
(Higher/Supplement)
- Ribosomes
- Mitochondria
- Rough endoplasmic reticulum
- Vesicles
What is the function of ribosomes?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the function of ribosomes?
(Higher/Supplement)
Ribosomes are the site of protein

synthesis
What is the function of the rough
endoplasmic reticulum?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the function of the rough endoplasmic
reticulum? (Higher/Supplement)
The rough endoplasmic reticulum is studded with
ribosomes and is involved in producing and
transporting proteins.
What is the function of the mitochondria?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the function of the mitochondria?
(Higher/Supplement)
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of

the cell. It produces energy in the form of
ATP by carrying out aerobic respiration.
What is the function of vesicles?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the function of vesicles?
(Higher/Supplement)
Vesicles are used to transport

substances within cells
A very metabolically active cell is likely to
have lots of which type of organelle?
(Higher/Supplement)
A very metabolically active cell is likely to have lots
of which type of organelle? (Higher/Supplement)
Mitochondria as they produce energy

through aerobic respiration
What types of cells have rough
endoplasmic reticulum and
mitochondria? (Higher/Supplement)
What types of cells have rough endoplasmic
reticulum and mitochondria? (Higher/Supplement)
Almost all cells except prokaryotic cells

like bacteria
Label this cell diagram
(Higher/Supplement)
Label this cell diagram (Higher/Supplement)
Label this light micrograph of an onion
epidermal cell
Label this light micrograph of an onion epidermal cell
State 6 parts of a plant cell visible under
a light microscope
State 6 parts of a plant cell visible under a light
microscope
Nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts,

vacuoles, cell wall and the cell
membrane
State 2 functions of the nucleus
State 2 functions of the nucleus
- Controls the cell

- Contains genetic material - found in
the form of chromosomes
State the function of the cytoplasm
State the function of the cytoplasm
It is where most of the cell’s chemical

reactions take place
State the function of ribosomes
State the function of ribosomes
They are the site of protein synthesis
State 3 organelles only found in plant
cells
State 3 organelles only found in plant cells
- Cellulose cell wall

- Permanent vacuole
- Chloroplasts
What is the function of the cell wall and
what is it made of?
What is the function of the cell wall and what is it
made of?
It provides strength and support. It is

made of cellulose (in plants).
What is the function of the permanent
vacuole and what does it contain?
What is the function of the permanent vacuole and
what does it contain?
It supports the cell and contains cell sap

(a solution of sugars and salts)
What is the function of chloroplasts?
What is the function of chloroplasts?
They are the site of photosynthesis
What is the function of ciliated epithelial
cells?
What is the function of ciliated epithelial cells?
They waft away dirt and debris up the

throat where it can be swallowed
How are ciliated epithelial cells adapted
to their function?
How are ciliated epithelial cells adapted to their
function?
- Small cilia that line the exposed surface can waft back
and forwards
- The cilia are long and thin so that lots of them can waft at
the same time
What is the function of root hair cells?
What is the function of root hair cells?
To take up minerals and water needed

by the plant
How are root hair cells adapted to their
function?
How are root hair cells adapted to their function?
- They have lots of mitochondria to provide energy for

active transport
- They have a long extension to maximise the surface area
available for uptake
What is the function of xylem vessels?
What is the function of xylem vessels?
To transport water from the roots to the

shoots and to support the plant
How are xylem vessels adapted to their
function?
How are xylem vessels adapted to their function?
- Waterproofed and strengthened with a substance

called lignin
- Small diameter so a continuous column of water is
maintained
- Dead cells without organelles so that the flow of water
is not interrupted
What is the function of palisade
mesophyll cells?
What is the function of palisade mesophyll cells?
Their main function is to absorb light and

carry out photosynthesis
How are palisade mesophyll cells
adapted to their function?
How are palisade mesophyll cells adapted to their
function?
- Contain lots of chloroplasts to carry out photosynthesis
- Thin and tall so that many can be packed together
- Large vacuole pushes chloroplasts to the outside of the cell
- Thin cell wall to minimise the diffusion distance
What is the function of red blood cells?
What is the function of red blood cells?
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the

lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide from
tissues to the lungs to be exhaled
How are red blood cells adapted to their
function?
How are red blood cells adapted to their function?
- No nucleus so there is more room for haemoglobin

- Contain lots of haemoglobin to carry oxygen
- Biconcave shape giving a large surface area to volume ratio
- Thin membrane to minimise the diffusion distance for gases
What is the function of nerve cells?
What is the function of nerve cells?
To pass nervous impulses quickly from

one part of the body to another
How are nerve cells adapted to their
function?
How are nerve cells adapted to their function?
- Ends contain neurotransmitters to send impulses to other neurones

- Long axon to transmit impulses long distances
- Thin to transmit impulses faster
- Enclosed in a myelin sheath to speed up transmission
What is the function of a sperm cell?
What is the function of a sperm cell?
To travel to, penetrate and fertilise an

egg cell
How are sperm cells adapted to their
function?
How are sperm cells adapted to their function?
- They contain a long tail to help it swim to the egg

- They have a middle section containing lots of mitochondria which
provide the cell with energy for swimming to the egg
- They have an acrosome at the tip containing enzymes to digest the
outer membrane of the egg
What is the function of an egg cell?
What is the function of an egg cell?
To fuse with a sperm cell for reproduction
How is an egg cell adapted to its
function?
How is an egg cell adapted to its function?
- Haploid nucleus so that after fusing with a sperm it produces a diploid

organism
- Lots of cytoplasm for many divisions
- Lots of nutrients to support the egg until it reaches the womb
Define tissue
Define tissue
A group of cells working together to carry

out a specific function
Define organ
Define organ
A group of tissues working together to

carry out a specific function
Define organ system
Define organ system
A group of organs working together to

carry out a specific function
Name 3 organ systems in the body
Name 3 organ systems in the body
- The respiratory system

- The circulatory system
- The reproductive system
What tissues make up a plant leaf?
What tissues make up a plant leaf?
Mesophyll tissue (spongy mesophyll and

palisade mesophyll)
Epidermis (upper and lower)
Veins (xylem and phloem)
What organs make up the circulatory
system?
What organs make up the circulatory system?
- The heart
- The lungs
- The blood vessels
What type of tissue is the heart made up
of?
What type of tissue is the heart made up of?
Cardiac muscle
What organs make up the digestive
system?
What organs make up the digestive system?
The oesophagus, stomach, small

intestine, large intestine, liver, pancreas,
gallbladder and anus
Is this diagram an example of a tissue,
organ or organ system?
Is this diagram an example of a tissue, organ or
organ system?
This is an organ (the eye) which is made

of multiple different tissues
organ system?
This is an organ system (the respiratory

system) which is made of multiple
different organs working together
organ system?
This is an organ (the heart) which is

made of multiple different tissues
organ system?
This is an organ (the brain) which is

made of multiple different tissues
organ system?
This is an organ system (the digestive

system) which is made of multiple
different organs working together
Define magnification
Define magnification
How much larger a displayed image is

compared with the original object
What is the formula to calculate
magnification from image size and actual
size?
What is the formula to calculate magnification from
image size and actual size?
(The I AM formula)
Image size = Actual Size x Magnification
If a cell that is 0.05mm in diameter is
viewed under a microscope with a 200x
power lens, what will the size of the
image be in mm?
If a cell that is 0.05mm in diameter is viewed under a
microscope with a 200x power lens, what will the
size of the image be in mm?
Actual size = 0.05mm
Magnification = 200x
I=AxM
0.05 x 200 = 10mm
If an image of a cell is 50mm in diameter
when viewed under a 800x microscope,
what is the size of the actual cell in mm?
If an image of a cell is 50mm in diameter when
viewed under a 800x microscope, what is the size of
the actual cell in mm?
Image size = 50mm
Magnification = 800x
I = A x M can be rearranged to I / M = A
50/800 = 0.0625mm
How do you convert from mm to cm?
How do you convert from mm to cm?
Divide by 10
E.g. 100 mm = 10 cm
How do you convert from cm to mm?
How do you convert from cm to mm?
Multiply by 10
E.g. 5 cm = 50 mm
How do you convert from mm to μm?
(Higher/Supplement)
How do you convert from mm to μm?
(Higher/Supplement)
Multiply by 1000
E.g. 50mm = 50,000μm
How do you convert from μm to mm?
(Higher/Supplement)
How do you convert from μm to mm?
(Higher/Supplement)
Divide by 1000
E.g. 6μm = 0.006mm
CIE Biology IGCSE
3 - Movement In and Out of Cells
Flashcards

Define diffusion
Define diffusion
The net movement of molecules from an

area of high concentration to an area of
low concentration down their
concentration gradient
Where does the energy for the
movement of particles in diffusion come
from? (Higher/Supplement)
Where does the energy for the movement of
particles in diffusion come from?
(Higher/Supplement)
From the kinetic energy of the particles
that causes them to move in random
directions
Why is the diffusion of gases important?
Why is the diffusion of gases important?
It allows for gas exchange in organisms

to provide useful gases for processes
like respiration and to remove waste
gases
Why is the diffusion of solutes important?
Why is the diffusion of solutes important?
It is useful for the uptake of solutes from

the soil in plants
How does temperature affect the rate of
diffusion?
How does temperature affect the rate of diffusion?
As the temperature increases, so does

the rate of diffusion as the particles have
more kinetic energy and move faster
How does the concentration gradient
affect the rate of diffusion?
How does the concentration gradient affect the rate
of diffusion?
The greater the concentration gradient

(the difference between the two areas),
the faster the rate of diffusion
How does the surface area of the
membrane affect the rate of diffusion?
How does the surface area of the membrane affect
the rate of diffusion?
As the surface area increases so does

the rate of diffusion as there is more
space for the particles to move through
How does the diffusion distance affect
the diffusion rate?
How does the diffusion distance affect the diffusion
rate?
The larger the diffusion distance, the

slower the rate of diffusion as the
particles have further to move
What is osmosis?
What is osmosis?
The passive diffusion of water through a

partially permeable membrane
Define osmosis
(Higher/Supplement)
Define osmosis (Higher/Supplement)
The net movement of water molecules from

a high water potential to a low water
potential down their water potential
gradient across a partially permeable
membrane
What is a hypotonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is a hypotonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
A solution that has a higher water

potential than the water potential of the
cell
What happens if you place an animal cell
in a hypotonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What happens if you place an animal cell in a
hypotonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
There is a net movement of water into

the cell which causes the animal cell to
burst (lysis)
What happens if you place a plant cell in
a hypotonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What happens if you place a plant cell in a hypotonic
solution? (Higher/Supplement)
There is a net movement of water into

the cell which causes the plant cell to
become turgid (it does not burst because
of the strong cell wall)
What is a hypertonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is a hypertonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
A solution that has a lower water

potential than the water potential of the
cell
What happens if you place an animal cell
in a hypertonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What happens if you place an animal cell in a
hypertonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
There is a net movement of water out of

the cell which causes the animal cell to
shrink (crenate)
What happens if you place a plant cell in
a hypertonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What happens if you place a plant cell in a
hypertonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
There is a net movement of water out of the cell which
causes the plant cell to become plasmolysed (the cell
membrane peels away from the cell wall)
What is an isotonic solution?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is an isotonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
A solution that has the same water

potential as the water potential of the cell
What happens if you put a cell in an
isotonic solution? (Higher/Supplement)
What happens if you put a cell in an isotonic
solution? (Higher/Supplement)
There is no net movement of water in or

out of the cell
How is a plant cell supported?
How is a plant cell supported?
Water within the vacuole creates

pressure which supports the cell. The
cell wall also provides support.
Explain how the water in cells supports
them (Higher/Supplement)
Explain how the water in cells supports them
(Higher/Supplement)
The water creates turgor pressure which

pushes the cell membrane against the
inelastic cell wall
Define active transport
Define active transport
The movement of molecules from a low

concentration to a high concentration
against their concentration gradient
using energy from respiration
Give one use of active transport in
humans (Higher/Supplement)
Give one use of active transport in humans
(Higher/Supplement)
- Uptake of minerals and nutrients in the

small intestine
- Reabsorption in the kidney
Give one use of active transport in plants
(Higher/Supplement)
Give one use of active transport in plants
(Higher/Supplement)
Uptake of minerals into root hair cells
Explain how active transport involves
proteins (Higher/Supplement)
Explain how active transport involves proteins
(Higher/Supplement)
Carrier proteins move substances from

one side of the membrane to the other
using energy
CIE Biology IGCSE
4 - Biological Molecules
Flashcards

What chemical elements are present in
carbohydrates?
carbohydrates?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen (C,H,O)
lipids?
What chemical elements are present in lipids?
Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (C,H,O)
proteins?
What chemical elements are present in proteins?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and

sulfur (C,H,O,N,S)
What smaller molecules are starch and
glycogen made from?
What smaller molecules are starch and glycogen
made from?
Glucose
What smaller molecule is cellulose made
of?
What smaller molecule is cellulose made from?
Glucose
What smaller molecules are proteins
made of?
What smaller molecules are proteins made of?
Amino acids
What smaller molecules are fats and oils
made from?
What smaller molecules are fats and oils made
from?
Fatty acids
Glycerol
How do you test for starch?
How do you test for starch?
Add iodine to the sample
What will you observe in a positive test
for starch?
What will you observe in a positive test for starch?
The yellow/brown solution turns blue/black
How do you test for reducing sugars?
How do you test for reducing sugars?
- Add a few drops of Benedict’s solution

- Warm in a water bath for 3 minutes at
about 80 degrees
for reducing sugars?
What will you observe in a positive test for reducing
sugars?
The more reducing sugar present, the

closer to red the colour is
How do you test for proteins?
How do you test for proteins?
Add equal volumes of Biuret A (copper

sulfate) and Biuret B (sodium hydroxide)
to the sample and shake
for protein?
What will you observe in a positive test for protein?
The solution turns from blue to purple
How do you test for lipids?
How do you test for lipids?
3
- Add 2cm of ethanol to the sample
- Leave to dissolve
- Add 2cm3 of distilled water to the
sample
for lipids?
What will you observe in a positive test for lipids?
A cloudy white emulsion will form
How do you test for Vitamin C?
How do you test for Vitamin C?
Add DCPIP to the solution drop by drop

until the solution permanently changes
colour
for Vitamin C?
What will you observe in a positive test for Vitamin
C?
The solution will turn the DCPIP from

dark blue to colourless permanently
How does the sequence of amino acids
affect the protein produced?
(Higher/Supplement)
How does the sequence of amino acids affect the
protein produced? (Higher/Supplement)
The different amino acids and their

structures can determine the shape,
size, properties of the protein and how it
folds in different ways
Give 2 functions of proteins
(Higher/Supplement)
Give 2 functions of proteins (Higher/Supplement)
Antibodies
Enzymes
Describe the structure of DNA
(Higher/Supplement)
Describe the structure of DNA (Higher/Supplement)
- It is a polymer made of many nucleotide monomers

- It is made of 2 strands in the shape of a double helix
- Each strand contains bases (A, T, C, G)
- The 2 strands are linked between the bases
Give the 4 bases in DNA
(Higher/Supplement)
Give the 4 bases in DNA (Higher/Supplement)
A, T, C and G
How do the bases in DNA pair up?
(Higher/Supplement)
How do the bases in DNA pair up
(Higher/Supplement)
A always pairs with T

C always pairs with G
Give one use of water in the body
Give one use of water in the body
Water is used as a solvent in the body
Give 3 processes in which water is used
as a solvent (Higher/Supplement)
Give 3 processes in which water is used as a solvent
(Higher/Supplement)
- Digestion
- Excretion
- Transport
CIE Biology IGCSE
5 - Enzymes
Flashcards

What is a catalyst?
What is a catalyst?
A substance which increases the rate of

reaction without being used up or
changed itself
What are enzymes?
What are enzymes?
Enzymes are biological catalysts that

speed up the rate of metabolic reactions
Describe the structure of enzymes
Describe the structure of enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that contain a

highly specific active site that fits a
specific substrate
Why are enzymes necessary in
biological systems?
Why are enzymes necessary in biological systems?
They speed up reactions so that less

energy is needed for the reaction to
occur
Describe enzyme action
(Higher/Supplement)
Describe enzyme action (Higher/Supplement)
A substrate that fits the specific active site of the

enzyme binds to create an enzyme-substrate
complex, a reaction occurs (catalysed by the
enzyme) and then the products are released
What does the statement ‘enzymes are
highly specific’ mean?
(Higher/Supplement)
What does the statement ‘enzymes are highly
specific’ mean? (Higher/Supplement)
The active site of the enzyme must bind

to a substrate that has a complementary
shape and so only specific reactions can
be catalysed
State 4 factors that affect the rate of an
enzyme-controlled reaction
State 4 factors that affect the rate of an
- Temperature
- pH
- Substrate concentration
- Enzyme concentration
Describe the effect of temperature on the
rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction
Describe the effect of temperature on the rate of an
- As the temperature increases, so does the rate of reaction
- Once the temperature exceeds the optimum, the enzyme
denatures and the rate of reaction decreases
Why does the rate of an
enzyme-controlled reaction increase
when the temperature increases?
(Higher/Supplement)
Why does the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction
increase when the temperature increases?
(Higher/Supplement)
- As the temperature increases the particles have more

kinetic energy
- This increases the chance of collisions between
molecules being successful and leading to a reaction
If temperature increases above the
optimum, how does this affect enzyme
function?
(Higher/Supplement)
If temperature increases above the optimum, how
does this affect enzyme function?
(Higher/Supplement)
The active site will be distorted as the enzyme

denatures and so it will no longer fit the substrate
Describe the effect of pH on the rate of
an enzyme-controlled reaction
Describe the effect of pH on the rate of an
- The rate of an enzyme catalysed reaction is fastest at the
optimum pH
- If the pH is too high or low, the enzyme will work less efficiently
and the active site may be denatured at extremes of pH
How does a pH that is very different to
the optimum affect enzyme activity?
(Higher/Supplement)
How does a pH that is very different to the optimum
affect enzyme activity? (Higher/Supplement)
The change in pH will distort the

enzyme’s active site (denaturing it) so
that it can no longer fit the specific
substrate
CIE Biology IGCSE
6 - Plant Nutrition
Flashcards

What is photosynthesis?
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process where

some organisms are able to make
complex carbohydrates using the energy
from light
What is the word equation for
photosynthesis?
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
(in the presence of light and chlorophyll)
What is the symbol equation for
photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2

(in the presence of light and chlorophyll)
What is chlorophyll used for in
photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is chlorophyll used for in photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
Chlorophyll is used to trap light energy

and transfer it into chemical energy so
that it can be used to build complex
organic molecules (e.g. glucose).
What are the carbohydrates made in
photosynthesis stored as?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the carbohydrates made in photosynthesis
stored as? (Higher/Supplement)
The carbohydrates are stored as starch

in granules (starch is insoluble)
Give 2 uses of the carbohydrates made
in photosynthesis (Higher/Supplement)
Give 2 uses of the carbohydrates made in
photosynthesis (Higher/Supplement)
- Used in respiration to produce energy

- Used as structural components like
cellulose for cell walls
How can the importance of chlorophyll in
photosynthesis be shown
experimentally?
How can the importance of chlorophyll in
photosynthesis be shown experimentally?
- Find a leaf that has green parts and non-green parts
- Keep the plant in the dark for 2 days and then test both the green and
non-green parts for starch
- Move the plant into sunlight and then wait another 2 days and test
both parts of the plant again
- The green parts contain chlorophyll and these should be the only
ones testing positive for starch in the second test
How can the importance of light in
experimentally?
How can the importance of light in photosynthesis be
shown experimentally?
- Put a plant in the dark for 48 hours
- Remove the plant and place a strip of opaque tape over part of a leaf
- Leave the plant in the sun for 48 hours
- Remove the tape and test the part of the plant that did not have the
tape on and also the part that did have the tape on for starch and
compare the results
- The uncovered section should be the only one that tests positive for
starch
How can the importance of CO2 in
experimentally?
How can the importance of CO2 in photosynthesis be
shown experimentally?
- Place transparent plastic bags over 2 separate plants
- Place sodium hydrogencarbonate inside the bag of one
(produces CO2)
- Place soda lime in the other (absorbs CO2)
- Test the plant leaves for starch a day later
What is a limiting factor? (Higher)
What is a limiting factor? (Higher)
A factor that limits the rate of a reaction

when there is not enough of it
When may light be a limiting factor for
photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
When may light be a limiting factor for
photosynthesis? (Higher/Supplement)
In a dense forest or at night
When may temperature be a limiting
factor for photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
When may temperature be a limiting factor for
In winter
How can greenhouses provide the
optimum conditions for photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
How can greenhouses provide the optimum
conditions for photosynthesis? (Higher/Supplement)
- Gas heaters provide a suitable

temperature and release CO2
- Optimum lighting conditions can be
achieved with artificial light
How can hydrogencarbonate indicator be
used to investigate what happens to
plants in the dark?
(Higher/Supplement)
How can hydrogencarbonate indicator be used to
investigate what happens to plants in the dark?
(Higher/Supplement)
- Cover one plant’s leaves with tin foil, keep another exposed to the light
- Place each plant in a boiling tube containing hydrogencarbonate indicator and set up
another tube containing hydrogencarbonate indicator only as a control
- The test tube with the tin foil covered plant will have yellow coloured indicator due to
CO2 from respiration
- The test tube with the uncovered plant will have purple indicator as the carbon dioxide
will have been removed by photosynthesis
- The control will remain red
Identify the structures labelled in this
diagram of a leaf
Identify the structures labelled in this diagram of a
leaf
A waxy cuticle F lower epidermis
B vascular bundle G air-filled space
C upper epidermis H stoma
D palisade mesophyll tissue I guard cell
E spongy mesophyll tissue
Describe the position of the xylem and
phloem in the leaf
Describe the position of the xylem and phloem in the
leaf
The xylem is on the top of the phloem
They exist inside the spongy mesophyll layer
How is the spongy mesophyll layer
adapted for photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
How is the spongy mesophyll layer adapted for
It is packed loosely which allows gases

to diffuse through the plant for
photosynthesis (CO2 in, O2 out)
How is the palisade mesophyll layer
adapted for photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
How is the palisade mesophyll layer adapted for
It contains long and thin cells with many

chloroplasts and lots of chlorophyll to
carry out photosynthesis
What is the importance of the vascular
bundles in photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the importance of the vascular bundles in
- The xylem is adapted to transport water which is useful
to provide the cells with a constant supply of water for
photosynthesis
- The phloem is adapted to transport sugars to where
they are needed from the photosynthesising tissues that
produce them
How are the guard cells adapted to aid
the process of photosynthesis?
(Higher/Supplement)
How are the guard cells adapted to aid the process
of photosynthesis? (Higher/Supplement)
Guard cells can change shape to open

or close pores in the leaf which controls
the exchange of gases needed for
photosynthesis
What are nitrate ions used for in plants?
What are nitrate ions used for in plants?
They are used in the synthesis of amino

acids
What are magnesium ions used for in
plants?
What are magnesium ions used for in plants?
They are used to make chlorophyll
What does nitrate ion deficiency in plants
cause?
(Higher/Supplement)
What does nitrate ion deficiency in plants cause?
(Higher/Supplement)
- Stunted growth
- Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves)
What does magnesium ion deficiency in
plants cause?
(Higher/Supplement)
What does magnesium ion deficiency in plants
cause? (Higher/Supplement)
- Chlorosis (yellowing of the leaves)
CIE Biology GCSE
7 - Human Nutrition
Flashcards

What is a balanced diet?
What is a balanced diet?
A balanced diet is a diet that contains the

correct proportions of nutrients that the
body needs to function correctly (e.g.
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins)
Which general group of people require
the most calories in their diet?
Which general group of people require the most
calories in their diet?
Adolescent males with active lifestyles
Why do pregnant/breastfeeding women
need a larger caloric intake?
Why do pregnant/breastfeeding women need a
larger caloric intake?
They need more energy to support the

development of the child. The diet needs
to be balanced as well to provide the
correct nutrients
What is constipation caused by?
What is constipation caused by?
A lack of dietary fibre
What is starvation?
What is starvation?
Suffering or death that is caused by not

eating enough food
What is constipation?
What is constipation?
Infrequent bowel movements causing

difficulty passing faeces
What is scurvy caused by?
What is scurvy caused by?
A lack of vitamin C
Give 3 sources of carbohydrates in the
diet?
Give 3 sources of carbohydrates in the diet?
Pasta
Bread
Potato
Give 3 sources of fat in the diet
Give 3 sources of fat in the diet
Oily fish
Nuts
Full-fat dairy
Give 3 sources of protein in the diet
Give 3 sources of protein in the diet
Meat
Fish
Nuts
Give 2 sources of Vitamin C in the diet
Give 2 sources of Vitamin C in the diet
Fruit
Vegetables
Give 2 sources of Vitamin D in the diet
Give 2 sources of Vitamin D in the diet
Oily fish
Eggs
Give 2 sources of iron in the diet
Give 2 sources of iron in the diet
Brown rice
Meat
Give 2 sources of calcium in the diet
Give 2 sources of calcium in the diet
Milk
Cheese
What are the 2 main groups of dietary
fibre?
What are the 2 main groups of dietary fibre?
Soluble fibre
Insoluble fibre
Give 2 sources of soluble fibre
Give 2 sources of soluble fibre
Oats
Fruit
Give 2 sources of insoluble fibre
Give 2 sources of insoluble fibre
Wholemeal bread
Nuts
What are the causes of vitamin D
deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the causes of vitamin D deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
- Not enough sunlight

- Not enough oily fish, egg yolks or
fortified milk
What are the effects of vitamin D
deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the effects of vitamin D deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets in

children which leads to weak bones
which can cause deformities
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the causes of iron deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
- A diet lacking iron

- Blood loss
- Pregnancy
What are the effects of iron deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the effects of iron deficiency?
(Higher/Supplement)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Chest pain
What is kwashiorkor?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is kwashiorkor? (Higher/Supplement)
Types of protein deficiency
kwashiorkor and marasmus?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the difference between kwashiorkor and
marasmus? (Higher/Supplement)
Kwashiorkor is protein deficiency whereas
marasmus is not enough energy intake in many
forms (not just protein)
What are the effects of kwashiorkor and
marasmus?
(Higher/Supplement)
What are the effects of kwashiorkor and marasmus?
(Higher/Supplement)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue
What is ingestion?
What is ingestion?
The intake of substances into the body

through the mouth
What is mechanical digestion?
What is mechanical digestion?
The process of breaking down food

without altering it chemically
What is chemical digestion?
Breaking insoluble large molecules into

smaller soluble ones
Breaking insoluble large molecules into

smaller soluble ones
What is absorption?
What is absorption?
The process where ions and broken

down food molecules move into the
blood through the wall of the intestine
What is assimilation?
What is assimilation?
The movement of digested food

molecules into the cells of the body
where they are used
What is egestion?
What is egestion?
The removal of undigested food as

waste from the anus
What is diarrhoea?
What is diarrhoea
Passing watery faeces
How can diarrhoea be treated?
How can diarrhoea be treated?
Using oral rehydration therapy (ORT)

which involves taking a sugar/salt
solution orally (through the mouth)
What is cholera?
What is cholera?
A disease caused by a bacterium that

causes severe dehydration and
diarrhoea
What is an ion channel?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is an ion channel? (Higher/Supplement)
They are proteins that span cell membranes that

allow charged molecules to pass through the
membrane
How does the cholera bacterium cause
dehydration and diarrhoea?
(Higher/Supplement)
How does the cholera bacterium cause dehydration
and diarrhoea? (Higher/Supplement)
- The cholera bacterium produces a protein toxin
- The toxin causes chloride ion channels in the small intestine
membranes to open
- Chloride ions move into the gut
- Water then also moves into the gut down is concentration gradient
(lots of chloride ions in the gut lowers the water potential)
- Faeces becomes watery
Identify the structures of
the digestive system
labelled in the diagram
Identify the structures of the digestive
system labelled in the diagram
A oesophagus F small intestine
B liver G large intestine
C stomach H rectum
D gall bladder I anus
E pancreas J mouth
What is the difference between the
alimentary canal and the digestive
system?
What is the difference between the alimentary canal
and the digestive system?
The alimentary canal involves the tubes

that the food passes through whereas
the digestive system also includes
digestive glands
Describe the passage of food through
the alimentary canal
Describe the passage of food through the alimentary
canal
Mouth → oesophagus → stomach →

small intestine → large intestine →
rectum
What is the function of the mouth?
What is the function of the mouth?
- To chew and break down food

- To secrete digestive enzymes
What is the oesophagus?
What is the oesophagus?
The tube that carries food from the

mouth to the stomach
What does the stomach do?
What does the stomach do?
The stomach is a muscular sac

containing acid that pummels the food
and breaks it down further
What role does the pancreas play in
digestion?
What role does the pancreas play in digestion?
The pancreas secretes digestive

enzymes into the small intestine
Where are the salivary glands located?
Where are the salivary glands located?
In the mouth
Name the 2 parts of the small intestine
Name the 2 parts of the small intestine
Duodenum and ileum
What is the function of the duodenum?
What is the function of the duodenum?
The duodenum receives food directly

from the stomach and uses enzymes
and chemical digestion to break the food
down
What is the function of the ileum?
What is the function of the ileum?
Most nutrients are absorbed from the

food in the ileum into the blood
How is the ileum adapted for absorption?
How is the ileum adapted to absorption?
The ileum is lined with villi and microvilli

which provide a large surface area for
absorption
How are villi adapted for absorption?
How are villi adapted for absorption?
- Thin walls
- Large surface area
- Good blood supply close to the surface
What is the function of the large intestine
(colon)?
What is the function of the large intestine (colon)?
Water is reabsorbed into the blood in the

large intestine
What is the function of the rectum?
The rectum stores faeces before

egestion
Name the types of teeth in each of the 4 coloured
sections (red, yellow, blue and green)
Red - Incisors
Yellow - Canines
Blue - Premolars
Green - Molars
Label this diagram of a tooth
Label this diagram of a tooth
A Enamel F Gums
B Dentine G Cement
C Pulp
D Blood vessel
E Nerve
What is the function of incisors in
mechanical digestion?
What is the function of incisors in mechanical
digestion?
Biting and breaking sections of food off a

larger piece
What is the function of canines in
What is the function of canines in mechanical
digestion?
Ripping and shredding food
What is the function of premolars and
molars in mechanical digestion?
What is the function of premolars and molars in
Chewing and grinding food
What causes dental decay?
What causes dental decay?
Bacteria found in the mouth use sugars

from foods to respire which produces
acid that breaks down the enamel on
teeth
How can dental decay be prevented?
How can dental decay be prevented?
- Brush teeth regularly and thoroughly with

fluoride containing toothpaste twice a day for
roughly 2 minutes
- Control diet and limit the consumption of
sugary food and drinks
What is the purpose of chemical
digestion?
What is the purpose of chemical digestion?
Breaking larger insoluble molecules into smaller

soluble molecules that can be absorbed
What does amylase do?
What does amylase do?
Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks starch

down into simple sugars
Describe the digestion of starch in the
alimentary canal
(Higher/Supplement)
Describe the digestion of starch in the alimentary
canal (Higher/Supplement)
- Amylase is secreted and breaks starch down into maltose in the
alimentary canal
- Maltase breaks maltose down on the membranes of the small
intestine
What does protease do?
What does protease do?
Protease is a digestive enzyme that breaks

proteins down into amino acids
What does lipase do?
What does lipase do?
Lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks lipids

down into fatty acids and glycerol
Give 2 places in the alimentary canal
that amylase is secreted
Give 2 places in the alimentary canal that amylase is
secreted
- The pancreas
- The salivary glands in the mouth
Give 2 places in the alimentary canal
that protease is secreted
Give 2 places in the alimentary canal that protease is
secreted
- The pancreas
- The stomach
Where in the alimentary canal is lipase
secreted?
Where in the alimentary canal is lipase secreted?
The pancreas
Give 2 examples of protease enzymes
(Higher/Supplement)
Give 2 examples of protease enzymes
(Higher/Supplement)
Pepsin and trypsin
Where is trypsin secreted from?
(Higher/Supplement)
Where is trypsin secreted from?
(Higher/Supplement)
The small intestine
Where is pepsin secreted from?
(Higher/Supplement)
Where is pepsin secreted from?
(Higher/Supplement)
The stomach
What are the functions of the
hydrochloric acid in gastric juice?
What are the functions of the hydrochloric acid in
gastric juice?
- Killing bacteria
- Gives the appropriate (acidic) pH for enzymes
to work
Explain the functions of hydrochloric acid
in gastric juice
(Higher/Supplement)
Explain the functions of hydrochloric acid in gastric
juice (Higher/Supplement)
- Low (acidic) pH kills bacteria by denaturing the
enzymes inside them
- Low pH is the optimum pH for pepsin
What does bile do?
(Higher/Supplement)
What does bile do? (Higher/Supplement)
- Bile neutralises the stomach acid and provides

alkaline conditions for the digestive enzymes in
the small intestine
- Bile also emulsifies fats which increases their
surface area for chemical digestion
In which part of the alimentary canal is
digested food absorbed?
In which part of the alimentary canal is digested food
absorbed?
The small intestine
What is the purpose of villi in the small
intestine?
(Higher/Supplement)
What is the purpose of villi in the small intestine?
(Higher/Supplement)
Villi increase the surface area for absorption
Describe the structure of a villus
(Higher/Supplement)
Describe the structure of a villus
(Higher/Supplement)
- Central lacteal used for transporting fatty acids and glycerol in the
lymph fluid
- Lots of capillaries to absorb nutrients into the blood
- Thin wall to minimise the diffusion distance
State 2 parts of the alimentary canal
where water is absorbed
State 2 parts of the alimentary canal where water is
absorbed
- The small intestine (most water absorbed here)
- The colon

Biology Flashcards

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Biology Flashcards

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

CIE Biology IGCSE

1 - Characteristics and Classification of

PMT Education is licensed under https://bit.ly/pmt-cc

When an organism changes its position

The biochemical reactions in cells that

The detection of a stimulus and the

A permanent increase in the size of an

The creation of offspring of the same

The removal of waste products from

The intake of substances required for

They do not have all of the 8

A group of organisms that can breed to

The study of evolutionary relationships

Biochemical and genetic analysis gives a

- Analyse the organism’s DNA

Prokaryotae, protoctista, fungi, plantae,

Cytoplasm, cell membrane and DNA

Nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell

Vertebrates and invertebrates

Vertebrates have a backbone whereas

Mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians,

An invertebrate with an exoskeleton (e.g.

myriapods, insects, arachnids,

Flowering and non-flowering

Monocotyledons and dicotyledons

Monocotyledons only contain one

They are resources that are used to

PMT Education is licensed under https://bit.ly/pmt-cc

Nucleus, cytoplasm and the cell

Ribosomes are the site of protein

The mitochondria is the powerhouse of

Vesicles are used to transport

Mitochondria as they produce energy

Almost all cells except prokaryotic cells

Nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts,

- Controls the cell

It is where most of the cell’s chemical

They are the site of protein synthesis

- Cellulose cell wall

It provides strength and support. It is

It supports the cell and contains cell sap

They are the site of photosynthesis

They waft away dirt and debris up the

To take up minerals and water needed

- They have lots of mitochondria to provide energy for

To transport water from the roots to the

- Waterproofed and strengthened with a substance

Their main function is to absorb light and

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the

- No nucleus so there is more room for haemoglobin

To pass nervous impulses quickly from

- Ends contain neurotransmitters to send impulses to other neurones

To travel to, penetrate and fertilise an

- They contain a long tail to help it swim to the egg

To fuse with a sperm cell for reproduction

- Haploid nucleus so that after fusing with a sperm it produces a diploid

A group of cells working together to carry

A group of tissues working together to

A group of organs working together to

- The respiratory system

Mesophyll tissue (spongy mesophyll and

The oesophagus, stomach, small

This is an organ (the eye) which is made