1Topic 1
Unity & Diversity
Water, nucleic acids, cells, evolution and biodiversity
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Topic 1
Unity & Diversity
Water, nucleic acids, cells, evolution and biodiversity
Water
Hydrogen bonding and the key physical and chemical properties of water.
Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA structure, the genetic code, and the role of nucleic acids in living organisms.
Cell Structure
Cell theory, microscopy, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cell functions, specialised cell structures, and biological drawing skills.
Diversity of Organisms
Species concepts, chromosome number, karyograms, genomes, genome comparison, and the uses of genome sequencing.
Evolution & Speciation
Evidence for evolution, convergent evolution, natural change over time, and the formation of new species.
Biodiversity & Conservation
Biodiversity, the causes of extinction, habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and conservation strategies.
2Topic 2
Form & Function
Biomolecules, membranes, organelles, exchange and ecology
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Topic 2
Form & Function
Biomolecules, membranes, organelles, exchange and ecology
Carbohydrates & Lipids
Carbon chemistry, macromolecules, carbohydrates, glycoproteins, lipids, fatty acids, and phospholipids.
Proteins
Protein formation, protein diversity, protein structure, and the effects of pH and temperature.
Membranes & Transport
Lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, transport across membranes, glycolipids, glycoproteins, and the fluid mosaic model.
Organelles & Cell Specialisation
Cell organelles, compartmentalisation, stem cells, and specialised cell functions.
Gas Exchange
Gas exchange in animals and plants, lung adaptations, ventilation, lung volume measurements, leaf structure, and stomatal density.
Transport Systems
Blood vessels, pulse rate, coronary heart disease, transpiration, xylem adaptations, and root and stem structure.
Adaptation & Environment
Habitats, abiotic factors, species distribution, marine and terrestrial environments, and biomes.
Ecological Niches
Niches, nutrition methods, adaptations for feeding, and competition between species.
3Topic 3
Interaction & Interdependence
Enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis, control and ecosystems
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Topic 3
Interaction & Interdependence
Enzymes, respiration, photosynthesis, control and ecosystems
Enzymes & Metabolism
Metabolic reactions, enzyme action, enzyme activity, reaction rates, and activation energy.
Cell Respiration
ATP, cellular respiration, and experimental skills linked to respiration.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis, pigment separation, absorption spectra, action spectra, limiting factors, and carbon dioxide enrichment experiments.
Neural Signalling
Neuron structure, nerve impulses, impulse transmission, and synapses.
Body Systems & Control
Coordination between body systems, nervous control, reflexes, movement control, hormones, and feedback mechanisms.
Defence Against Disease
Pathogens, barriers to infection, blood clotting, immune responses, white blood cells, HIV and AIDS, antibiotics, resistance, zoonoses, vaccines, and immunity.
Populations & Communities
Population size, limiting factors, growth curves, relationships within and between species, competition, and chi-squared testing.
Energy & Matter in Ecosystems
Energy flow, carbon compounds, trophic levels, energy pyramids, energy loss, productivity, the carbon cycle, and nutrient cycling.
4Topic 4
Continuity & Change
Replication, genetics, division, reproduction and ecological change
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Topic 4
Continuity & Change
Replication, genetics, division, reproduction and ecological change
DNA Replication & Biotechnology
DNA replication, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and their biological applications.
Protein Synthesis
Transcription, translation, the genetic code, protein structure, and mutations.
Mutations & Variation
Gene mutations, the effects of mutations, genetic variation, and gene editing concepts.
Cell & Nuclear Division
Cell division, mitosis, meiosis, and related practical skills.
Water Potential & Osmosis
Osmosis, water movement in cells, and practical osmosis investigations.
Reproduction
Asexual and sexual reproduction, the menstrual cycle, fertilisation, plant reproduction, pollination, seed dispersal, and germination.
Inheritance
Genetic crosses, inheritance terminology, alleles, sex determination, pedigree charts, and continuous variation.
Homeostasis
Internal regulation, blood glucose control, and thermoregulation.
Natural Selection
Natural selection, evolution, selection pressures, and related data interpretation.
Stability & Environmental Change
Ecosystem stability, keystone species, sustainability, eutrophication, pollution, and ecosystem restoration.
Climate Change
The causes and impacts of climate change, plus carbon sequestration.
5Topic 5
Biology Tools
Practical, data-handling and maths skills for biology
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Topic 5
Biology Tools
Practical, data-handling and maths skills for biology
Experimental Skills
Safety, ethical and environmental considerations, variable measurement, and biological techniques.
Technology & Data Handling
Using technology to collect and process biological data.
Mathematical Skills for Biology
Units, symbols, numerical values, calculations, and the general mathematical methods used in biology.
Need theory or method first?
Read the Revision Notes before tackling exam questions.