Glossary for Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level
for use with Question 8: Unit 5, June 2026
In unit 5, the last question (question 8) is based on a pre-released scientific article a total of 30
marks.
This document consists of a glossary, words that might be unfamiliar to some of you along with
clear definitions organized by paragraph. This document should help clarify complex terms and
concepts encountered in the scientific article.
(The article is provided by Pearson Edexcel Examination: June 2026)
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, WBI15/01– Article Glossary Biology A Level Tutor
Paragraph 1:
Turmoil: a state of great confusion, disorder, or disturbance; here referring to the disruption
caused by the pandemic period.
Bone-weary: an informal expression meaning extremely tired, exhausted to the very core of
one's body.
Paragraph 2
Fatigue: a state of extreme physical or mental tiredness that cannot be easily relieved by rest; a
key biological and medical term used throughout this article.
Pandemic: an infectious disease outbreak that has spread across a large region, multiple
countries, or worldwide; here referring to COVID-19.
Symptom: a physical or mental sign that indicates the presence of a disease or condition, as
reported by the patient (e.g. tiredness, pain).
Burnout: a state of chronic stress that leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, detachment,
and reduced performance; recognised as a medical condition.
Depression: a serious mental health disorder characterised by persistent low mood, loss of
interest, fatigue, and reduced ability to function.
Phenomenon: an observable event or occurrence, especially one that is remarkable or has
been scientifically recognised.
Zoom fatigue: exhaustion specifically caused by prolonged use of video-conferencing platforms;
a newly recognised form of mental fatigue.
Paragraph 3
Silver lining: an idiom meaning a positive aspect within an otherwise negative situation.
Persistent: continuing for a long time without stopping or being easily resolved; used here to
describe fatigue that does not go away.
Forefront: the leading or most important position; here meaning fatigue has become a top
priority in scientific research.
Dismissed: rejected or disregarded without proper consideration.
Fuzzy: vague, unclear, or not well-defined; here meaning fatigue was not well understood
scientifically.
Biological origin: the underlying physical or chemical cause of a condition within living
organisms.
Paragraph 4
Cellular energy: the energy produced and used within individual cells, primarily in the form of
ATP (adenosine triphosphate), generated through processes such as respiration.
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