IGCSE Biology Key Words

Question 1

Nutrition (What nutrition do plants and animals need?)

Answer 1

The taking in of materials for energy, growth and development. Plants require light, carbon dioxide, water and ions. Animals need organic compounds and ions and usually need water

Question 2

Excretion

Answer 2

The removal from organisms of waste products of metabolism (chemical reactions in cells including respiration), toxic materials and substances that are in excess of requirements

Question 3

Respiration

Answer 3

The chemical reactions in cells that break down nutrient molecules and release energy for metabolism

Question 4

Sensitivity

Answer 4

The ability to detect or sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and to respond appropriately

Question 5

Reproduction

Answer 5

The processes that make more of the same kind of organism

Question 6

Growth

Answer 6

A permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size, or both

Question 7

Movement

Answer 7

An action by an organism or part of an organism causing a change of position or place

Question 8

Species

Answer 8

A group of organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring

Question 9

Binomial system

Answer 9

An internationally agreed system in which the scientific name of an organism is made up of two parts: the genus and the species

Question 10

Tissue

Answer 10

A group of cells with similar structure working together to perform a shared function (job)

Question 11

Organ

Answer 11

A structure made up of a group of tissues working together to perform specific functions

Question 12

Organ system

Answer 12

A group of organs with related functions working together to perform body functions