AQA · GCSE · 8461
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — Specification (2026)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
AQA GCSE Biology (8461)
AQA GCSE Biology (8461)
AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — Specification (2026)
Topics follow AQA GCSE Biology headings (cell biology; organisation; infection & response; bioenergetics; homeostasis & response; inheritance, variation & evolution; ecology).
Mark schemes: AQA mark schemes credit correct biological terms and clear links between structure and function. Use precise process words (diffusion/osmosis/active transport), and include variables/controls when describing required practicals.
Active recall: 0 / 44 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cell biology | Essential | Cell | The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. | |
| Cell biology | Core | Diffusion | Net movement of particles from a region of higher concentration to lower concentration. | |
| Cell biology | Core | Osmosis | Diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane from dilute to more concentrated solution. | |
| Cell biology | Core | Active transport | Movement of substances against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration. | |
| Cell biology | Advanced | Mitosis | Cell division producing two genetically identical daughter cells. | |
| Organisation | Essential | Enzyme | A biological catalyst that speeds up reactions without being used up. | |
| Organisation | Core | Denature | Change in enzyme shape (active site) so it no longer functions, often due to temperature or pH. | |
| Organisation | Core | Respiration | A set of reactions that release energy from glucose in cells. | |
| Organisation | Advanced | Aerobic respiration | Respiration using oxygen to release energy; produces carbon dioxide and water. | |
| Infection & response | Essential | Pathogen | A microorganism that causes disease. | |
| Infection & response | Core | Antibody | A protein produced by B lymphocytes that binds specifically to an antigen. | |
| Infection & response | Core | Vaccine | A preparation that stimulates an immune response and provides immunity without causing disease. | |
| Infection & response | Advanced | Herd immunity | Protection of a population when enough individuals are immune, reducing disease spread. | |
| Infection & response | Core | Antigen | A molecule on a pathogen that triggers an immune response. | |
| Infection & response | Core | Antibiotic | A drug that kills bacteria or stops them reproducing (not effective against viruses). | |
| Infection & response | Advanced | Resistance (antibiotic) | When bacteria survive an antibiotic and pass on genes that reduce effectiveness. | |
| Bioenergetics | Essential | Photosynthesis | Process where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy, producing oxygen. | |
| Bioenergetics | Core | Chlorophyll | A green pigment that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. | |
| Bioenergetics | Core | Limiting factor | A variable that restricts the rate of a process (e.g., light intensity). | |
| Bioenergetics | Core | Aerobic respiration | Releasing energy from glucose using oxygen; produces carbon dioxide and water. | |
| Bioenergetics | Advanced | Anaerobic respiration | Releasing energy without oxygen; in muscles produces lactic acid. | |
| Bioenergetics | Advanced | Metabolism | The sum of all chemical reactions in a cell or organism. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Essential | Homeostasis | Regulation of internal conditions to maintain optimum function (e.g., temperature, glucose). | |
| Homeostasis & response | Core | Negative feedback | Control mechanism that reverses a change to return conditions to a set point. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Core | Thermoregulation | Maintaining a stable internal body temperature. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Core | Blood glucose | The concentration of glucose in the blood. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Advanced | Insulin | Hormone from the pancreas that lowers blood glucose by promoting uptake/storage. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Advanced | Glucagon | Hormone from the pancreas that raises blood glucose by promoting release from stores. | |
| Homeostasis & response | Advanced | Synapse | A junction between neurones where neurotransmitters transmit signals. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Essential | Gene | A section of DNA that codes for a protein (or functional RNA). | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Essential | DNA | Deoxyribonucleic acid: molecule carrying genetic information. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Core | Chromosome | A long DNA molecule with associated proteins, carrying many genes. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Core | Allele | A different version of the same gene. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Core | Genotype | The combination of alleles an organism has for a characteristic. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Core | Phenotype | The observable characteristics produced by genotype and environment. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Advanced | Mutation | A change in DNA sequence that may create a new allele. | |
| Inheritance, variation & evolution | Advanced | Natural selection | Individuals with advantageous traits survive/reproduce more, increasing allele frequency. | |
| Ecology | Essential | Ecosystem | A community of organisms interacting with each other and their environment. | |
| Ecology | Core | Population | All organisms of one species living in a habitat at the same time. | |
| Ecology | Core | Biodiversity | The variety of different species living in an area. | |
| Ecology | Core | Food chain | A sequence showing feeding relationships and energy transfer. | |
| Ecology | Advanced | Trophic level | Position of an organism in a food chain (producer, primary consumer, etc.). | |
| Ecology | Advanced | Eutrophication | Excess nutrients cause algal bloom, reducing oxygen and harming aquatic life. | |
| Ecology | Advanced | Bioindicator | A species used to monitor environmental conditions (e.g., lichens for air quality). |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Biology (8461) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this AQA GCSE Biology keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important biology terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — Specification (2026) (8461). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Biology glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for GCSE Biology (8461) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Biology.
- Can I download this Biology keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Biology list aligned to the 8461 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — Specification (2026) for AQA GCSE. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Biology at GCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.