Pearson Edexcel · IGCSE · 4BI1
Biology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)
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 IGCSE Biology (4BI1)
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology (4BI1)
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)
Aligned to Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) themes: cell biology, organisation, infection, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance, ecology.
Mark schemes: Use specification terminology consistently. Sequenced processes (e.g. reflex arc, nitrogen cycle) must be in correct order. Data questions: read values from graphs with care.
Active recall: 0 / 59 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Movement | Living organisms move or move parts of themselves. | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Respiration | Release energy from nutrients — cellular process, not just breathing. | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Sensitivity | Detect and respond to changes (stimuli). | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Growth | Increase in size or cell number. | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Reproduction | Produce offspring of the same species. | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Excretion | Remove waste products of metabolism. | |
| Characteristics of living organisms | Essential | Nutrition | Obtain and use food for energy and materials. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Essential | Cell | Basic unit of all living organisms. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Prokaryote | Organism with no nucleus — DNA in a loop (e.g. bacteria). | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Eukaryote | Organism with nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Cytoplasm | Gel-like substance where chemical reactions occur. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Cell membrane | Controls what enters and leaves. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Cell wall (plants) | Made of cellulose — strength and support. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Nucleus | Contains chromosomes — DNA controlling activities. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Mitochondria | Site of aerobic respiration. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Chloroplast | Photosynthesis in plant cells. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Ribosome | Protein synthesis. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Vacuole (plant) | Large permanent vacuole with cell sap. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Stem cell | Undifferentiated cell that can divide and specialise. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Advanced | Differentiation | Cells become specialised in structure to match function. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Tissue | Group of similar cells working together. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Organ | Different tissues working together. | |
| Cell biology & organisation | Core | Organ system | Organs working together for a life process. | |
| Transport across membranes | Core | Diffusion | Net movement of particles from high to low concentration. | |
| Transport across membranes | Core | Osmosis | Diffusion of water through a partially permeable membrane. | |
| Transport across membranes | Core | Active transport | Movement against a concentration gradient using energy. | |
| Transport across membranes | Core | Partially permeable membrane | Allows some substances through but not others. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Essential | Enzyme | Biological catalyst — usually protein. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Active site | Where substrate binds. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Substrate | Molecule enzyme acts on. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Denatured | Active site shape destroyed — stops working. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Carbohydrate | Energy source — e.g. glucose, starch. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Protein | Amino acid chains — enzymes, structural, transport. | |
| Enzymes & biological molecules | Core | Lipid | Fats and oils — energy store, membranes. | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Essential | Pathogen | Microorganism causing disease. | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Core | Immune response | White blood cells, antibodies, memory cells. | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Core | Vaccination | Stimulates active immunity without causing full disease. | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Core | Photosynthesis | Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen (light + chlorophyll). | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Core | Aerobic respiration | Glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water (+ energy). | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Core | Anaerobic respiration | Without oxygen — e.g. lactic acid in animals; ethanol + CO₂ in yeast. | |
| Infection, bioenergetics & homeostasis | Advanced | Homeostasis | Maintain stable internal environment (e.g. temperature, blood glucose). | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Essential | DNA | Double helix carrying genetic code. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Essential | Chromosome | Structure made of DNA and protein. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Essential | Gene | Length of DNA coding for a protein. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Essential | Allele | Alternative form of a gene. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Core | Dominant / recessive | How alleles affect phenotype. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Core | Mitosis vs meiosis | Growth/repair (identical cells) vs gametes (half chromosomes). | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Core | Mutation | Change in DNA — may be inherited or cause variation. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Advanced | Natural selection | Advantageous traits become more common over generations. | |
| Inheritance & evolution | Core | Evolution | Change in inherited characteristics over time. | |
| Ecology | Essential | Ecosystem | Biotic and abiotic components interacting. | |
| Ecology | Core | Food chain | Linear sequence of feeding. | |
| Ecology | Core | Food web | Multiple linked food chains. | |
| Ecology | Core | Trophic level | Position in a food chain. | |
| Ecology | Core | Biomass pyramid | Biomass at each trophic level. | |
| Ecology | Core | Carbon cycle | Carbon through photosynthesis, respiration, combustion, decomposition. | |
| Ecology | Core | Nitrogen cycle | Fixation, nitrification, denitrification, uptake. | |
| Ecology | Advanced | Human impact | Habitat loss, pollution, climate change — management strategies. | |
| Ecology | Core | Biodiversity | Variety of species and habitats. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
Biology (4BI1) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Pearson Edexcel IGCSE 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 GCSE Biology (4BI1) (4BI1). 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 IGCSE Biology (4BI1) 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 4BI1 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) for Pearson Edexcel IGCSE. 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 IGCSE, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.