Intercept - GCSE Biology Definition

In GCSE Biology, the term 'intercept' often refers to the point where a line or curve meets the y-axis on a graph. In experiments, when plotting data such as the rate of an enzyme reaction, the y-intercept can show the initial value before any changes happen or when the time is zero. It helps in understanding starting conditions or baseline levels before variable changes affect the results. For example, if you have a graph showing the growth of a plant over time, the intercept might show the initial height of the plant when time equals zero. Understanding intercepts can help you interpret data more accurately in scientific investigations.