Preclinical testing
What Preclinical testing means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Preclinical testing
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Preclinical testing in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Takes place in laboratory settings, assessing the chemical on isolated human cells, cultured tissues, and live animals to determine basic efficacy, toxicity, and safe dosage ranges.
The drug is tested on cells, tissues and live animals to assess toxicity, safety and effective dose before human trials.
Laboratory work using cells, tissues and live animals to look for toxicity and biological activity.
Topics that use Preclinical testing
- Discovery and development of drugs (AQA GCSE)
- Monitoring and maintaining health (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- AIDS
- airborne droplets
- antibiotics versus antivirals
- antibodies
- antigen detection with antibodies
- antiseptic chemicals
- bar charts
- bioethics and germline editing
Using Preclinical testing in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge