Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · 1BI0
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BI0)
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 GCSE Biology (1BI0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0)
Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BI0)
Aligned to Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology 1BI0 covering key concepts in biology, cells and control, genetics, natural selection, health and disease, plant structures, animal coordination, exchange and transport, and ecosystems.
Mark schemes: Pearson Edexcel biology mark schemes reward precise terminology and linked reasoning that joins structure to function using discriminator words. Practical and data questions need quoted values with units and explicit cause-and-effect chains.
Active recall: 0 / 26 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Key concepts & cells | Essential | Cell | Basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. | |
| 1. Key concepts & cells | Core | Magnification | Image size ÷ actual size; used in microscopy calculations. | |
| 1. Key concepts & cells | Core | Enzyme | Biological catalyst, usually a protein, that speeds up reactions in living cells. | |
| 1. Key concepts & cells | Core | Diffusion | Net movement of particles from a region of higher to lower concentration. | |
| 1. Key concepts & cells | Advanced | Osmosis | Net movement of water across a partially permeable membrane down a water potential gradient. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Essential | Mitosis | Nuclear division producing two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Essential | Meiosis | Cell division producing four genetically different gametes with half the chromosome number. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Core | Gene | A length of DNA that codes for a specific protein or characteristic. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Core | Allele | An alternative form of a gene at the same locus on a chromosome. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Advanced | Dominant allele | An allele expressed in the phenotype when only one copy is present. | |
| 2. Cells, control & genetics | Advanced | Recessive allele | An allele only expressed when two copies are present (homozygous). | |
| 3. Natural selection & genetic modification | Essential | Natural selection | Process where organisms best adapted to their environment survive and reproduce. | |
| 3. Natural selection & genetic modification | Core | Variation | Differences between individuals caused by genetic and environmental factors. | |
| 3. Natural selection & genetic modification | Core | Selective breeding | Choosing parents with desired traits to breed offspring with those traits. | |
| 3. Natural selection & genetic modification | Core | Genetic engineering | Modifying an organism's genome by inserting a gene from another organism. | |
| 3. Natural selection & genetic modification | Advanced | Evolution | Change in inherited characteristics of a population over many generations. | |
| 4. Plant & animal processes | Essential | Photosynthesis | Process where plants make glucose from CO₂ and water using light energy. | |
| 4. Plant & animal processes | Essential | Respiration | Release of energy from glucose in cells; aerobic respiration uses oxygen. | |
| 4. Plant & animal processes | Core | Transpiration | Loss of water vapour from plant leaves through stomata. | |
| 4. Plant & animal processes | Core | Hormone | Chemical messenger transported in the blood to a target organ. | |
| 4. Plant & animal processes | Advanced | Gas exchange surface | Adapted with large surface area, thin walls and good blood supply for efficient diffusion. | |
| 5. Ecosystems & material cycles | Essential | Food chain | Sequence showing energy transfer from a producer through consumers. | |
| 5. Ecosystems & material cycles | Core | Energy transfer efficiency | Approximately 10% of energy is passed between trophic levels. | |
| 5. Ecosystems & material cycles | Core | Biodiversity | Variety of living organisms in an ecosystem, including species and genetic diversity. | |
| 5. Ecosystems & material cycles | Core | Carbon cycle | Movement of carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition and combustion. | |
| 5. Ecosystems & material cycles | Advanced | Eutrophication | Excess nutrients in water cause algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill aquatic life. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Biology (1BI0) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel GCSE 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 GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BI0) (1BI0). 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 (1BI0) 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 1BI0 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Biology (1BI0) for Pearson Edexcel 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.