Biology GCSE AQA Year 10 Mock Exam Flashcards

Microscopes

• Magnification formula: image size divided by the size of the real object.
• Types of microscopes: light microscope, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope.
• Transmission electron microscopes provide two-dimensional images with high magnification and resolution.
• Scanning electron microscopes produce three-dimensional images at lower magnification.

Cell Structure

• Animal cells contain cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
• Plant cells contain chloroplasts, cell wall, and a permanent vacuole, which are not found in animal cells.
• The cell wall is made from cellulose, which provides strength and support to the cell.
• Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis.

Root Hair Cell Adaptations

• Increase surface area for water absorption.
• Large permanent vacuole enhances osmosis efficiency.
• Numerous mitochondria provide energy for active transport of minerals.

Xylem and Nerve Cells

• Xylem cells form hollow tubes for water and mineral ion transport, with lignin spirals for strength.
• Nerve cells have many dendrites for connections, an axon for impulse transmission, and synapses for communication via chemicals.

Sperm Cell Adaptations

• Long tail aids movement towards the egg.
• High mitochondria content supplies energy for tail movement.
• Acrosome contains enzymes to penetrate the egg's outer layer.
• Large nucleus carries genetic information.

Transport Processes

• Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane from high to low concentration.
• Diffusion is the movement of solutes from high to low concentration.
• Active transport moves substances against concentration gradients, requiring energy.

Cell Cycle Stages

• Stage 1: Cell growth, mass increase, and replication of DNA.
• Stage 2: Mitosis, where chromosomes separate and the nucleus divides.
• Stage 3: Cytoplasm and membrane division creating two identical daughter cells.

Stem Cells

• Unspecialised cells found in early development of embryos.
• Potential to differentiate into various cell types.

Levels of Organisation

• Multicellular organisms are organized into cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and ultimately, the organism.

Biochemical Tests

• Iodine test indicates starch presence, turning yellow to blue.
• Biuret test detects proteins, changing blue to purple.
• Ethanol test reveals lipids, producing a cloudy white layer.

Metabolism and Catalysts

• Metabolism encompasses all cellular reactions.
• Catalysts increase reaction rates without being chemically altered.
• Enzymes are biological catalysts specific to reactions due to active site shape.

Enzyme Activity

• Enzymes denature when substrates no longer fit the active site.
• High temperatures (over 40°C) cause denaturation.
• pH changes disrupt enzyme structure; extreme changes lead to denaturation.

Heart and Blood Cells

• Red blood cells transport oxygen; white blood cells defend against pathogens; platelets assist in blood clotting.
• Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart; veins transport deoxygenated blood back.
• Capillaries connect arteries and veins, allowing diffusion of gases and nutrients.

Disease and Immune Response

• Disinfectants kill bacteria in the environment; antiseptics are safe for skin use; antibiotics combat bacteria inside the body.
• White blood cells ingest pathogens, produce unique antibodies, and generate antitoxins to neutralize toxins.

Tumours and Photosynthesis

• Benign tumours remain contained, while malignant tumours invade healthy tissues.
• Photosynthesis is influenced by light, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and chlorophyll levels.

Plant Usage of Glucose

• Plants utilize glucose for respiration, storage as starch, production of fats/oils, building cellulose, and synthesizing amino acids.

Exercise Physiology

• Heart rate increases for oxygen supply; breathing rate rises to enhance lung oxygen intake.
• Glycogen is converted back to glucose for cellular respiration during exercise.
• Anaerobic respiration results in lactic acid production, leading to oxygen debt.

Skin and Respiratory Defenses

• Skin acts as a barrier with a microbiome; nose hairs and mucus trap pathogens; the trachea and bronchi use mucus and cilia for protection.
• The stomach contains acid to destroy ingested pathogens.

Plant Defenses

• Cellulose walls protect against disease invasion; waxy cuticles and bark provide further barrier defenses; leaf fall aids in removing pathogens.

Monoclonal Antibodies

• Created by fusing mouse lymphocytes with tumor cells (hybridomas) to produce identical antibodies for various medical applications.

Blood Circulation in the Heart

• Oxygenated blood flows from the pulmonary vein to the left atrium, then to the left ventricle, and is pumped out through the aorta.
• Alveoli and capillaries facilitate efficient gas exchange due to their structure and extensive surface areas.

Testing for Glucose

• Benedict's test detects glucose by turning blue to red upon heating.

Villi Functionality

• Villi increase surface area for absorption, enhancing exchange efficiency in the intestines.