Resolution: ability to distinctly see two objects that are very close together; the higher the image resolution, the more visible detail
Magnification: the number of times bigger an image is compared to the object itself
Macromolecule: large biological molecules like proteins, polysaccharides or nucleic acids
Monomer: the beginning of the synthesis of a polymer; a lot of monomers join up to make a polymer through (mainly) condensation reactions; monosaccharides, amino acids and nucleotides are all monomers
Polymer: molecule made from a chain of repeating similar subunits; polymers include proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids
Monosaccharide: a single sugar molecule with the general formula of (CH2O)n
Polysaccharide: a selection of monosaccharides that join together by glycosidic bonds
Disaccharide: two monosaccharides connected by glycosidic bonds to make a sugar molecule
Primary structure: the amino acid sequence of a protein or polypeptide
Secondary structure: the coiling or folding of an amino acid chain to give a protein molecule its structure
Tertiary structure: the three-dimensional coiling of an amino acid chain in a protein
Quaternary structure: the three-dimensional grouping of two or more polypeptide chains (or a polypeptide and a non-protein substance) within a protein molecule
Diffusion: the random movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration
Facilitated diffusion: diffusion that takes place through the transport proteins in a cell surface membrane; these hydrophilic areas allow ions and molecules usually impermeable to pass through easily
Osmosis: water molecules moving from a place of high water potential to a place of low water potential through a partially permeable membrane
Active transport: movement of molecules and ions across a cell membrane through transport proteins against a concentration gradient; energy from ATP is used
Endocytosis: the mass movement of solids (phagocytosis) or liquids (pinocytosis) into a cell; the membrane folds around the substance and forms vesicles; the process needs ATP
Exocytosis: mass movement of solids or liquids out of a cell by fusing vesicles with the cell surface membrane; needs ATP
Transpiration: loss of water vapour from a plant as it diffuses down its water potential gradient; mostly happens through open stomata
Disease: illness or disorder of either body or mind that ends in loss of health; each disease has its own specific signs and symptoms
Vector: an organism that transports a disease to other organisms
Antigen: a foreign substance in the body that signals and immune response
Antibody: glycoprotein made from B-lymphocyte plasma cells released to respond to an antigen; variable region of the antibody is complimentary to a specific antigen
Immune response: how the body responds to the presence of an antigen; activates lymphocytes and phagocytes
Non-self: substance recognised as foreign by the immune system that starts an immune response
Self: substances made by, and therefore, part of the body
Active immunity: immunity given after an immune response on an antigen and thus antibodies are made by plasma cells
Passive immunity: immunity without an immune response; antibodies injected or passed from mother to child
Natural immunity: immunity from infection (active) or across a placenta to foetus or in breast milk (passive)
Artificial immunity: immunity from vaccination (active) or from the injection of antibodies (passive)
Vaccination: injecting antigens for a specific disease into a patient to stimulate an immune response and the creation of antibodies
