Pearson Edexcel · International A Level · WBI01–WBI04
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology
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.
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology (WBI01–WBI04)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology (WBI01–WBI04)
Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology
Pearson International A Level Biology (WBI01–WBI04) covers molecules, cells, viruses, DNA replication, gene expression, biotechnology, genetics, populations, ecosystems, energy through ecosystems, and physiology (including neuroscience and endocrinology) as set out in the specification — exact unit order depends on your teaching route.
Mark schemes: Pearson uses levels of response for extended answers — develop a coherent chain of reasoning with examples. Terminology: distinguish gene, allele, locus, homozygous, heterozygous. Data: manipulate numbers from tables/graphs; show percentage change where appropriate. Practical questions: control variables, reliability (replicates), validity.
Active recall: 0 / 37 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Condensation & hydrolysis | Form and break polymers — water in/out. | |
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Protein structure levels | Primary to quaternary — stabilising bonds. | |
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Enzyme inhibition | Competitive vs non-competitive — Vmax and Km changes. | |
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Cofactor / coenzyme | Non-protein helpers for enzyme activity. | |
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Fluid mosaic model | Membrane proteins and phospholipid bilayer dynamics. | |
| Biological molecules & cell ultrastructure | Core | Cell compartmentalisation | Organelles separate incompatible processes. | |
| Membranes, transport & signalling | Core | Facilitated diffusion | Channel/carrier proteins — down gradient. | |
| Membranes, transport & signalling | Core | Active transport | ATP or ion gradients — against gradient. | |
| Membranes, transport & signalling | Core | Cotransport | Secondary active transport. | |
| Membranes, transport & signalling | Core | Receptor-mediated endocytosis | Specific uptake. | |
| Membranes, transport & signalling | Core | Signal transduction | Receptor → transduction → response — amplification. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Semi-conservative replication | Each strand as template. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Transcription factors | Regulate initiation of transcription in eukaryotes. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | RNA processing | 5’ cap, poly-A tail, splicing. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Translation | Ribosome, tRNA, codon–anticodon. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Mutation types | Substitution, frameshift — effects on protein. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | PCR | Primers, Taq polymerase, thermal cycling. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Recombinant DNA | Plasmid vectors, restriction, ligation, transformation. | |
| DNA, gene expression & biotechnology | Core | Gel electrophoresis | Separate DNA by size. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Hardy–Weinberg | Predicts allele frequencies in ideal population — assumptions. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Selection | Directional, stabilising, disruptive. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Genetic drift | Random allele frequency change — founder/bottleneck. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Gene flow | Migration introduces alleles. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Speciation | Allopatric vs sympatric — reproductive isolation. | |
| Genetics, evolution & populations | Core | Phylogeny | Tree of life from molecular and morphological data. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Gross primary productivity | Total energy fixed by photosynthesis. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Net primary productivity | GPP − plant respiration. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Trophic levels | Energy transfer efficiency ~10% between levels. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Biogeochemical cycles | Carbon and nitrogen — key reservoirs and processes. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Population growth | Exponential vs logistic; carrying capacity. | |
| Ecosystems & energy | Core | Conservation | In situ vs ex situ; biodiversity hotspots. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Core | Haemoglobin | Cooperative binding — oxygen dissociation curve. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Core | Action potential | Voltage-gated Na⁺ and K⁺ channels; refractory period. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Core | Synapse | Neurotransmitter release; excitatory vs inhibitory. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Core | Endocrine system | Hormones in blood — slow, widespread, long-lasting. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Core | Homeostasis | Negative feedback — e.g. blood glucose regulation. | |
| Physiology & coordination | Advanced | Kidney nephron | Filtration, selective reabsorption, secretion — urine concentration. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Biology (WBI01–WBI04) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel 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 Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology (WBI01–WBI04). 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 (WBI01–WBI04) 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 WBI01–WBI04 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International A Level Biology for Pearson Edexcel 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.