Cambridge International · International A Level · 9700
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level Biology (9700)
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.
Cambridge International International A Level Biology (9700)
Cambridge International International A Level Biology (9700)
Cambridge International A Level Biology (9700)
Cambridge 9700 covers AS and A Level content: cell structure, biological molecules, enzymes, membranes, DNA and protein synthesis, cell division, genetics, biotechnology, selection and evolution, ecology, and physiology including transport, gas exchange, photosynthesis, respiration, coordination, homeostasis and excretion — exact emphasis depends on your paper combination.
Mark schemes: Use precise terms: gene, allele, locus, homozygous, heterozygous. Extended responses: logical sequence (e.g. transcription before translation). Comparison questions need both similarities and differences. Data: quote values from figures with units; describe trends before explaining.
Active recall: 0 / 41 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Monomer / polymer | Building blocks linked to form macromolecules — e.g. amino acids → proteins. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Primary protein structure | Sequence of amino acids. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Secondary structure | α-helix and β-pleated sheet — hydrogen bonds. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Tertiary structure | 3D folding — ionic, H-bond, disulfide, hydrophobic interactions. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Quaternary structure | More than one polypeptide chain. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Competitive inhibition | Inhibitor competes for active site. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Core | Non-competitive inhibition | Binds elsewhere; changes active site shape. | |
| Biological molecules & enzymes | Advanced | Michaelis–Menten | Vmax and Km — affinity and saturation conceptually. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Core | Fluid mosaic model | Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins; fluid at physiological temperature. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Core | Facilitated diffusion | Through channel/carrier proteins — down gradient, no metabolic energy. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Core | Active transport | Against concentration gradient — ATP or ion gradients. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Core | Cotransport | Secondary active transport — e.g. glucose with Na⁺. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Core | Endocytosis / exocytosis | Bulk transport via vesicles. | |
| Cell membranes & transport | Advanced | Resting potential | Ion pumps and selective permeability — basis for excitable cells. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Core | Semi-conservative replication | Each daughter duplex has one parental strand. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Core | Transcription | DNA → pre-mRNA; RNA polymerase; promoter region. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Core | Splicing | Introns removed — eukaryotes. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Core | Translation | mRNA → polypeptide at ribosome; codon–anticodon pairing. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Core | Mutation | Substitution, insertion, deletion — frameshift consequences. | |
| DNA, RNA & protein synthesis | Advanced | Operon (prokaryote) | Coordinated gene regulation — lac operon overview. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Core | Genotype / phenotype | Alleles carried vs observable characteristics. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Core | Test cross | Determine unknown genotype. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Core | Genetic engineering | Isolation, insertion of gene into vector, transformation. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Core | PCR | Amplify DNA — denature, anneal primers, extend. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Core | Gel electrophoresis | Separate DNA fragments by size. | |
| Genetics & biotechnology | Advanced | Restriction mapping | Fragment patterns after cutting with restriction enzymes. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Allele frequency | Proportion of all copies of a gene that is a particular allele. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Advanced | Hardy–Weinberg | p² + 2pq + q² = 1; p + q = 1 — predicts frequencies if no evolution. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Natural selection | Differential survival and reproduction — allele frequency change. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Genetic drift | Random change — stronger in small populations. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Gene flow | Movement of alleles between populations. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Net primary productivity | GPP − plant respiration. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Energy transfer efficiency | Typically ~10% between trophic levels. | |
| Selection, evolution & ecology | Core | Nutrient cycling | Carbon and nitrogen — reservoirs, fixation, nitrification, denitrification. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Haemoglobin | Cooperative binding — oxygen dissociation curve; Bohr shift. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Tissue fluid | Plasma minus large proteins — surrounds cells. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Oxygen debt | Lactate from anaerobic respiration — repaid by extra oxygen consumption. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Action potential | Depolarisation (Na⁺ influx), repolarisation (K⁺ efflux), refractory period. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Synaptic transmission | Ca²⁺ influx → vesicle fusion → neurotransmitter → postsynaptic receptors. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Core | Negative feedback | Counteracts change — e.g. blood glucose regulation. | |
| Physiology — transport, gas exchange & homeostasis | Advanced | Loop of Henle | Counter-current multiplier — establishes medullary gradient for concentrated urine. |
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Biology (9700) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International International A Level Biology keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important biology terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level Biology (9700) (9700). 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 International A Level Biology (9700) 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 9700 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level Biology (9700) for Cambridge International International A Level. 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 International A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.