Biology GCSE
Risk factor
What Risk factor means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of Risk factor
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 Risk factor in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
Something linked to an increased rate or chance of developing a disease, but which does not guarantee disease.
Something that raises the chance that a condition develops; it is not a guaranteed cause.
Topics that use Risk factor
- Control of blood glucose concentration (AQA GCSE)
- The effect of lifestyle on some non-communicable diseases (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- antagonistic hormones
- blood glucose regulation
- Carbohydrate controlled diet
- Cardiovascular health
- Causal mechanism
- Comparative analysis
- Correlation and causation
- Evidence and uncertainty in science
Using Risk factor 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.
Start free
All Biology GCSE termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge