Year 11 Revision booklet

Biology
Easter holidays Revision
Instructions:
Use the knowledge organizer to help you answer the
questions on the revision sheets.
 Cells & Organelles. Using microscopes
Organelle Function 1. Cut open an onion
Cytoplasm Where chemical reactions take place 2. Use forceps to peel a thin layer of epidermis from the inside
Contains genetic material (genes & chromosomes) 3. Lay the layer of epidermis on a microscope slide
Nucleus 4. Add a drop of iodine solution to the layer
& controls cell activity.
5. Carefully place a cover slip over the layer
Cell membrane Controls what enters & leaves the cell 6. Examine the slide under a microscope
Organelles that contain the enzymes for 7. Draw what you can see
Mitochondria respiration, and where most energy is released in
respiration.
Ribosomes Tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs.
Chloroplast Site of photosynthesis in plants
Cell wall Strengthen plant cells
Vacuole Store of water & nutrients in plant cells
Diffusion Osmosis Active transport
Diffusion is the movement of a Osmosis is the movement active transport is the
substance from an area of high of water or other solvent movement of molecules across
concentration to an area of low through a plasma a membrane from a region of
concentration. Diffusion happens membrane from a region of their lower concentration to a
in liquids and gases because
low solute concentration to region of their higher
their particles move randomly
a region of high solute concentration—against the
from place to place. Diffusion is
an important process for living concentration. Osmosis is concentration gradient. Active
things; it is how substances passive transport, meaning transport requires cellular
move in and out of cells. it does not require energy energy to achieve this
to be applied. movement.
Mitosis Stem cells

Stage 1: The cell spends most of its life in the Stem cells from a recently dead embryo can be grown in special
interphase. During this phase the cell grows to its solutions.
maximum size and performs its normal functions. • Stem cells from an embryo can grow into any type of tissue.
Stage 2: The DNA condenses into chromosomes • Stem cells may grow out of control, to form cancers.
(human cells have 46 chromosomes – 23 from your • Large numbers of stem cells can be grown in the laboratory.
father and 23 from your mother). Each chromosome • Stem cells may be used in medical research or to treat some
eventually can be seen to consist of two strands or human diseases.
chromatids joined at a central centromere in an X • Patients treated with stem cells need to take drugs for the rest
shape. of their life to prevent rejection.
Stage 3: The nuclear membrane disappears. Spindle • Collecting and growing stem cells is expensive
threads form between the poles.
Stage 4: Chromosomes lie on the equator of the cell.
Each chromosome is attached to the spindle Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells
microfibers by its centre. The chromosomes appear in a
Cell cycle
straight line across the middle of the cell. Eukaryotic cells contain membrane-bound organelles,
In cells with a nucleus, as in including a nucleus. Eukaryotes can be single-celled
Stage 5: The centre of the chromosome splits. Each
eukaryotes, the cell cycle is also or multi-celled, such as you, me, plants, fungi, and
chromosome divides into two sister chromatids. Each
divided into two main stages: insects. Bacteria are an example of prokaryotes.
chromatid is moved to opposite poles of the cell by the
interphase and the mitotic (M) phase Prokaryotic cells do not contain a nucleus or any
shortening of the spindle fibres. Chromatids (now called
daughter chromosomes) gather at opposite poles of the (including mitosis and cytokinesis). other membrane-bound organelle.
During interphase, the cell grows,
cell.
accumulating nutrients needed for
Stage 6: A nuclear membrane forms around each of
mitosis, and undergoes DNA
the daughter chromosomes that have gathered at the
replication preparing it for cell division.
poles. The daughter chromosomes uncoil.
Osmosis required practical Specialised cells in plants Electron microscopes
Specialised to... Electron microscopes use a beam of electrons instead of light rays. There
Cells of the...
are two types of electron microscope:
Palisade • The scanning electron microscope (SEM) has a large field of view so can
Leaf Carry out photosynthesis
mesophyll
be used to examine the surface structure of specimens. SEMs are often
Allow gases to circulate for the exchange of
Spongy used at lower magnifications.
gases between the leaf and the environment,
mesophyll • The transmission electron microscope (TEM) is used to examine thin
carry out some photosynthesis
slices or sections of cells or tissues.
Open and close to control the exchange of gases
Guard cells TEMs have a maximum magnification of around ×1 000 000, but images
– carbon dioxide, water vapour and oxygen
Transport products of photosynthesis, including can be enlarged beyond that photographically. The limit of resolution of
Phloem Sieve tubes sugars and amino acids, from the leaf to where the transmission electron microscope is now less than 1 nm.
• Prepare a range of sucrose (sugar) solutions. The they are needed The TEM has revealed structures in cells that are not visible with the light
concentration of a solution is measured in moles Companion Provide the energy required for transporting microscope.
per cubic decimetre written as mol dm-³. For cells substances in sieve tubes
example, in this experiment your range could be Growing bacteria
Transport water and dissolved minerals from
from 0.2 mol dm-³ to 1.0 mol dm-³. A 1.0 mol dm-³ Xylem Xylem vessels
the roots, up the plant
solution of sucrose will contain up to 342 g of
Growing • An inoculating loop can be used to
sucrose per dm-³. A 1.0 mol dm-³ solution of a Meristem Produce new cells as they divide
points transfer bacteria. It is sterilised by
substance contains one mole of the substance per
dm³ of a solution, or one mole per litre of solution. heating it to red hot in a Bunsen flame,
• Set up a series of boiling tubes with each of these Specialised cells in animals before and after use.
solutions. Also, set up one containing distilled • To inoculate the agar, lift the lid of the
water. This will have a concentration of sucrose of Cells of the… Specialised to… Petri dish and tilt. Do not fully remove
0.0 mol dm-³ and will act as the control in the Circulatory Transport substances, defend the body, regulate or place on the desk as the lid prevents
experiment. system temperature micro-organisms from the air
• Make sure each tube is labelled with the Excretory Remove waste products and unwanted substances, contaminating the culture, and vice
concentration. system regulate the water content of the body versa
• Carry out the investigation. Prepare a blank results
Muscular • Following inoculation, the lid of the
table before you begin. Make sure when weighing Bring about movement
system Petri dish should be secured in place by
the potato cylinders, that their masses are not
mixed up when recording them. Each cylinder will Nervous Respond to internal and external stimuli and conditions, strips of adhesive tape for safety
have a different mass before and after the system carry messages for the body work as a coordinated whole reasons. The dish should be labelled
investigation. Respiratory and dated.
Deliver oxygen for respiration and remove waste
• For each sucrose concentration, repeat the system • Inoculated agar plates are incubated at
investigation for several potato cylinders. This Reproductive 25°C in school laboratories for no more
allows you to make the experiment more Bring about fertilisation to produce new offspring
system than 24–48 hours. This encourages
repeatable – not all potato cylinders might behave To bring about movement, support and protect internal growth of the culture without growing
in the same way. Making a series of repeat Skeletal system human pathogens which thrive at body
structures, produce blood cells, store and release calcium
experiments means that any anomalous results temperature (37°C).
can be identified and ignored when a mean is
calculated.
Chromosomes Therapeutic cloning of stem cells
• Chromosomes carry genetic information in Therapeutic cloning involves the replication of
a molecule called DNA. human embryos to harvest stem cells for medical
• A type of cell division called mitosis uses. Most clones are created through a process
ensures that when a cell divides each new called "somatic cell nuclear transfer." Essentially,
cell produced has the same genetic a scientist uses a tiny needle to pull DNA material
information. from the nucleus of a donor cell and transfer it
• DNA exists in a cell's nucleus within into a hollow egg.
structures called chromosomes. Each Therapeutic cloning could allow an individual's
section of a chromosome that contains the own cells to be used to treat or cure that person's
code for the production of a particular disease, without risk of introducing foreign cells
protein is called a gene. that may be rejected.
 Give three differences between Write the equation used to work out Calculate the magnification if you have a
prokaryotes and eukaryotes magnification. magnified image that’s 5mm wide and an
object that is 0.05mm wide.
•
B1 Cell Biology
• Calculate the image size if your specimen is
AQA Trilogy 0.1mm wide and the magnification is x20.
•

Label the animal cell below In animals, how are the following cells Describe the following stages of the cell RPA 1 – Using a light microscope
specialised: cycle Give 3 features of a good scientific
drawing
• Sperm cell • Interphase •
•
• Mitosis •
• Nerve cell
• Cytoplasmic division Name a piece of apparatus that you can
• Muscle cell use to help measure a specimen
Why is mitosis important?

Label the plant cell below In plants, how are the following cells What is a stem cell?
specialised:
Give a difference between adult human
• Root hair cell stem cells and plant stem cells
(meristem)
• Xylem cell
Name 2 medical conditions that stem
• Phloem cell cells could help to treat

What is the function of: Define the following terms: What is therapeutic cloning? Advantages of producing clones using
a) Mitochondria Resolution plant stem cells

b) Ribosome Magnification
c) Nucleus
How has electron microscopy has
d) Permanent vacuole increased our understanding of cells?
Disadvantages of producing clones using
What is a plant cell wall made of? plant stem cells
 Give a feature of single-celled organisms Amoeba (single-celled organism) Calculate the surface area: volume ratio
like amoeba that mean they have of the cube
sufficient diffusion across the cell
membrane to meet the needs of the 2 cm
B1 Cell Biology organism.
AQA Trilogy 2cm

2cm

Define the term diffusion Explain why the following features are Define the term osmosis Define the term active transport
useful for an exchange surface:

• Thin

• Large surface area

• Good blood supply

Give examples of diffusion Alveoli in the lungs Give examples of osmosis Give examples of active transport

Name 3 factors that affect the rate of Villi in the small intestine Write the formula for calculating RPA 2 – Osmosis potatoes
diffusion percentage change. Potato chips were put into different
concentrations of salt solution and their
• change in mass measured.

• The start mass of a potato chip was 53.2g

and its finish mass was 55.6g.
Calculate the percentage change
•
Animal Tissues Gaseous Exchange Surfaces Testing for Proteins
In animals, cells are grouped Key Features • Use a pestle and mortar to grind up a
together to form tissues. These • Good ventilation
small sample of food.
tissues vary in their structure, • Good circulation
function, and origin. The four • A large surface area • Transfer the ground up food into a
important tissues in an animal body • Moist surface small beaker. Then add distilled
are epithelial, connective, muscular • Short diffusion distance water.
and nervous tissues. • Concentration gradient • Stir the mixture so that some of the
• Movement of gases food dissolves in the water.
Exchange Surfaces
• Filter using a funnel with filter paper
Testing For Sugars to obtain as clear a solution as
Organisms must take in food,
possible.
oxygen and water, and other
essential substances, from the • The solution should be collected in a
environment. Plants also need conical flask.
carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. • Put 2 cm3 of this solution into a test
Organisms also need to remove tube
waste substances. • Add 2 cm3 of Biuret solution to the
Small organisms exchange these
solution in the test tube. Shake
essential and waste substances
gently to mix
between themselves and the
environment. They do this over their • Note any colour change. Proteins will
body surface. Simple chemical turn the solution pink or purple.
substances can diffuse in and out of
their bodies.
Inside their bodies, in small
Sugars classed as reducing sugars will react with Benedict's solution on heating
organisms, substances don’t have to
for a few minutes. Glucose is an example of a reducing sugar.
move far.
Plant Tissues
The size of their surface, or surface
Reducing sugars give a red-brown precipitate with Benedict's solution. The
area, defines how quickly they can
Plant tissues come in several forms: precipitate takes a while to settle in the tube – you're more likely to see simply a
absorb substances. The size of their
vascular, epidermal, ground, and red or brown colour. If there's not much glucose present, the final colour may be
volume defines how much of these
meristematic. Each type of tissue green or yellow, or orange if there's a little more.
substances they need.
consists of different types of cells,
has different functions, and is
located in different places. Testing for Starch

In the presence of starch, iodine turns a blue/black

colour. It is possible to distinguish starch from glucose
(and other carbohydrates) using this iodine solution test.
For example, if iodine is added to a peeled potato then it
will turn black. Benedict's reagent can be used to test for
glucose.

Digestion

The GI tract is a series of hollow organs

joined in a long, twisting tube from the
mouth to the anus. The hollow organs that
make up the GI tract are the mouth,
oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large
intestine, and anus. The liver, pancreas, and
gallbladder are the solid organs of the
digestive system.
Villi

Villi (singular is villus) are small, finger-like structures in

the small intestine. They help to absorb digested food.
Each villus has micro-villi which increase the surface area
of the intestinal walls. A larger surface area allows
nutrients to be taken in more quickly.

Digestive Enzymes

Digestive enzymes are released, or secreted, by the organs of the digestive system. These
enzymes include proteases that digest proteins, and nucleases that digest nucleic acids.
Examples of digestive enzymes are: Amylase, produced in the mouth.

Enzymes
The Heart
Enzymes are protein molecules in cells which work as
catalysts. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in the Blood enters the heart through the atria. Blood from two
body, but do not get used up in the process. Almost all vena cavae enters the right atrium. Blood from the
biochemical reactions in living things need enzymes. With pulmonary veins enters the left atrium. The atria fill,
an enzyme, chemical reactions go much faster than they followed by the ventricles. Blood is prevented from
would without the enzyme. flowing back into the atria by heart valves.
Blood leaves the heart in the body's main artery - the
aorta - from the left side, and the pulmonary artery, from
Investigating Enzymes the right.

1. You will investigate the breakdown of starch by Artery

amylase at different pHs.
2. The different pHs under investigation will be
produced using buffer solutions. Buffer • The arteries are the blood vessels that deliver oxygen-
solutions produce a particular pH, and will rich blood from the heart to the tissues of the body.
maintain it if other substances are added. • Each artery is a muscular tube lined by smooth tissue
Capillary and has three layers:
3. The amylase will break down the starch. Circulation • The intima, the inner layer lined by a smooth tissue
4. A series of test tubes containing a mixture of
starch and amylase is set up at different pHs. called endothelium.
• Capillaries are very thin,
5. A sample is removed from the test tubes every approximately 5
10 seconds to test for the presence of micrometers in
starch. Iodine solution will turn a blue/black Veins
diameter, and are
colour when starch is present, so when all the composed of only two
starch is broken down, a blue-black colour is no layers of cells; an inner • A vein is an elastic blood vessel that transports blood
longer produced. The iodine solution will remain layer of endothelial cells from various regions of the body to the heart.
orange-brown. and an outer layer of • Unlike the high pressure arterial system, the venous
6. For each pH investigated, record the time taken epithelial cells. system is a low pressure system that relies on muscle
for the disappearance of starch, ie when the • They are so small that contractions to return blood to the heart.
iodine solution in the spotting tile remains red blood cells need to
orange-brown. flow through them
Blood Coronary Heart Disease

It has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, The heart is a muscular pump.
white blood cells, and platelets. Blood has many different Like all muscles, it needs
functions, including: transporting oxygen and nutrients to oxygen for aerobic respiration
the lungs and tissues. forming blood clots to prevent to contract. The coronary
excess blood loss. arteries supply blood, and
therefore oxygen, to the heart
muscle.
The coronary arteries may
become blocked by a build-up
of fatty material, caused by Stents
certain kinds of 'bad'
cholesterol. As the fatty Coronary arteries that are blocked or have become
material increases, one or more narrow can be stretched open and have a stent
coronary arteries narrow, and inserted to restore and maintain blood flow. The stent
Leaf Structure can become blocked. is inserted into a coronary artery in a catheter. Stents
are made from metal alloys and do not lead to an
Cancer immune response in the patient.

Cancers occur when cell division goes wrong. This causes Phloem
cells to grow out of control, which form a tumour . There
are two types of tumour: malignant - these tumours are
Phloem, also called bast, tissues in plants that
cancerous and can break apart, move around the body
conduct foods made in the leaves to all other parts of
and start new instances of the same cancers in a process
the plant. Phloem is composed of various specialized
called metastasis.
cells called sieve tubes, companion cells

Xylem

Xylem is one of the two types of transport tissue in

vascular plants, phloem being the other. The basic
Plants make food in their leaves. The leaves contain a function of xylem is to transport water from roots to
pigment called chlorophyll, which colors the leaves stems and leaves, but it also transports nutrients.
green. Chlorophyll can make food the plant can use
from carbon dioxide, water, nutrients, and energy from
sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis.

Transpiration

Transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores
on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere.
Transpiration is essentially evaporation of water from plant leaves.

When the plant opens its stomata to let in carbon dioxide, water on the surface of the cells of the
spongy mesophyll and palisade mesophyll evaporates and diffuses out of the leaf. This process is
called transpiration . ... Water molecules inside the xylem cells are strongly attracted to each other.

The water, warmed by the sun, turns into vapor (evaporates), and passes out through thousands of
tiny pores (stomata) mostly on the underside of the leaf surface. This is transpiration. It has two
main functions: cooling the plant and pumping water and minerals to the leaves for
photosynthesis.
 How do you calculate rate for an Label the heart diagram RPA 3: Test for carbohydrates,
enzyme reaction? lipids and proteins
Describe the test for starch

B2 Organisation At pH6, the time taken for amylase to

break down starch was 90s.
AQA Trilogy Calculate the rate of reaction. Describe the test for reducing sugars

Define the following terms: Use the ‘Lock and key’ mechanism to Where does the right ventricle pump Describe the test for protein
Tissue explain enzyme action blood to?

Organ
Where does the left ventricle pump Describe the test for lipids
blood to?
Organ system
Why does the left side have thicker
muscle than the right side?

Describe how temperature affects How is heart rate controlled? RPA 4: Investigate the effect of pH on
enzyme activity the rate of reaction for amylase
enzyme
Give a brief account of this investigation

How could you control the temperature

during this investigation?

Describe how pH affects enzyme activity Describe the role of bile in the digestive Describe the structure and function of: Write the equation for calculating rate
system of blood flow

1464ml of blood passed through an

artery in 4.5 minutes. Calculate the rate
of blood flow through the artery in
ml/min
 What is Coronary heart disease? State risk factors that can increase the Describe the role of stomata and guard
incidence of non-communicable disease cells

B2 Organisation
AQA Trilogy

Describe the functions of the 4 main For each treatment method of CHD give Give a risk factor for the following: Describe the process of transpiration
components in blood: an advantage and a disadvantage Coronary heart disease
Using a drug (Statins) Type 2 diabetes
Red blood cells
Lung cancer
White blood cells
Liver cirrhosis
Using a stent
Platelets Low birthweight in babies

Plasma Mental health issues in babies

Cancer

How are red blood cells adapted to their What is the importance of valves in the What is cancer? How do the following affect the rate of
function? heart and give two ways in which these transpiration?
can be repaired. Temperature

Explain the difference between a benign Humidity

and malignant tumour
Light intensity

Air movement

Define the following terms: Label the leaf below Adaptations of plant tissues: In plants, how are the following cells
Health Epidermal tissue specialised:

Disease Palisade mesophyll • Root hair cell

Spongy mesophyll
Communicable • Xylem cell
Xylem and phloem
Non-communicable • Phloem cell
Meristem
Communicable diseases Tobacco Mosaic Virus
All types of pathogen have a simple life cycle. They The tobacco mosaic virus infects tobacco and lots of
infect a host, reproduce themselves or replicate if it other closely related species, such as tomatoes and
is a virus, spread from their host and infect other peppers. It is transmitted by contact between
organisms. They also all have structural adaptations plants, either naturally or through the hands of
that make them successful at completing their life farmers. It infects the chloroplasts of plant leaves
cycles, which enable them to cause further disease. and changes their colour from green to yellow or
white in a mosaic pattern. It can also make leaves
crinkle or curl up.
This reduces the plant's ability to photosynthesise
and grow properly, which reduces the crop yield for
farmers.
HIV & Aids
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This
infection is transmitted by body fluids, often during
unprotected sex, but also through cuts and injecting
drugs using shared needles. Immediately after
infection, people often suffer mild flu-like
symptoms. These pass and for a period of time
infected people might not know they are infected.
AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency
syndrome. Months or years after the infection of the
HIV virus, it becomes active and starts to attack the
Pathogens patient's immune system. HIV at this point has
become AIDS.
A pathogen is an organism that causes a disease..
Bacteria are all single-celled. The cells are all Gonorrhoea Measles
prokaryotic . This means they do not have a nucleus
or any other structures which are surrounded by Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) Measles is a very infectious viral disease that is often caught by young children. It is transmitted
membranes. Bacteria can have one or more flagella caused by a bacterium. It is a common infection, through the air in tiny droplets after an infected person sneezes. It causes a fever and skin rash.
A virus is a biological agent that reproduces inside especially amongst people aged 15-24. Many children in developed countries are given vaccines against measles, but sadly this is not the
the cells of living hosts. When infected by a virus, a Gonorrhoea causes a burning pain when urinating case throughout the world. Infection can cause more serious effects like infertility in adults who did
host cell is forced to produce thousands of identical and often forms a thick yellow or green discharge not catch the disease as children.
copies of the original virus at an extraordinary rate from an infected person's penis or vagina. If
Pathogenic fungi have an enormous impact on untreated it can result in infertility. To prevent
human health. Most people are aware of some of infection, people can abstain from having anal, oral
Rose Black Spot Athletes Foot
the superficial infections caused by fungi. These or vaginal sex or use a barrier-type of contraception
include skin and nail infections such as athlete's foot like a condom. Gonorrhoea is treated by antibiotics, Rose black spot is caused by a Athlete's foot is a rash caused by a fungus that is usually found
and ringworm, predominantly caused by though some scientists believe that these antibiotics fungus which infects roses. It between people's toes. It causes dry, red and flaky or white,
dermatophytes may one day stop working. infects leaves and causes wet and cracked skin. It is often found in communal areas like
black or purple spots on the swimming pool changing rooms or gyms. It is transmitted by
leaves. The rest of the leaves touching infected skin or surfaces that have been previous
Salmonella contaminated. It is treated by antifungal medication.
often turn yellow and can
drop off the plant. This
Salmonella is a genus of bacteria that causes food
reduces that plant's ability to
poisoning. This often means abdominal cramps,
photosynthesise and reduces
vomiting and diarrhoea. It is often found in
growth. It can be transmitted
unhygienic kitchens, undercooked foods such as
in air or water, as well as
meat, eggs and poultry, or the same foods that have
through direct contact by
not been reheated properly. To prevent the spread
gardeners. It is treatable
of salmonella in the UK, all poultry are vaccinated
using fungicides and by
against it. Cooking food thoroughly, after preparing
removing and destroying
it in hygienic conditions, is the best way to avoid
infected leaves.
illness.
Investigating Pathogens Immune Response Drug Development

1. Glass Petri dishes and agar gel must be sterilised If pathogens pass the
before use in an autoclave, or pre-sterilised plastic non-specific first line of
Petri dishes can be bought. defence they will cause
2. Pour the sterile agar plates and allow to set fully. an infection. However,
3. Sterilise the inoculating loop, by heating it in the the body has a second
Bunsen burner flame. line of defence to stop or
4. Dip the inoculation loop into the microorganism minimise this infection.
solution and make streaks on the surface of the agar This is called the immune
plate. system. As a part of this
5. Replace the lid as soon as possible, secure with tape. there are two types of
Label and invert the plate, and store upside down. white blood cell called
6. Incubate at a maximum temperature of 25°C in schools phagocytes nd
and colleges. lymphocytes.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Vaccination

Pathogens are microbes that Antibodies bind to specific antigens on pathogens. This means that only
cause diseases. Vaccines allow one type of antibody will bind to a matching antigen. Scientists discovered
a dead or altered form of the that we could make antibodies to bind to antigens on other substances,
disease causing pathogen to be and not just those on pathogens.
introduced into the body, Once bound, the antigens - and the substances they are found on - are
which contain a specific merged tightly together. This makes them easier to identify and deal with
antigen. This causes the
immune system, specifically
the white blood cells, to
produce complementary
antibodies, which target and
attach to the antigen. When a
white blood cell engulfs and
digests a pathogen it is called
phagocytosis.
Malaria
Antibiotics
The symptoms of malaria include a fever, sweats and chills,
headaches, vomiting and diarrhoea. Of the 200 million people
infected each year, up to half die from this disease. There is no Antibiotics are substances that slow down or stop the growth of
vaccination for malaria. Infection can only be prevented by bacteria. They are commonly prescribed medicines, examples
stopping individuals from being bitten. People sleep under include penicillin and amoxicillin. These can be taken to cure the
mosquito nets and wear insect repellent to avoid bites. disease by killing the pathogen, but only cure bacterial diseases
Antimalarial drugs are also taken, which treat the symptoms and not viral ones.
and can prevent infection. GM mosquitos are also being
introduced which are sterile and so can not reproduce.
Physical Barriers to Infection
Antibiotic Resistance
The body is constantly defending against attacks from
pathogens. The first line of defence against infection stops the Bacteria can evolve quickly because they reproduce at a fast rate. Mutations in the
pathogens from entering your body. These first lines are DNA of bacteria can produce new characteristics. A random mutation might cause
general defences, and are not specific to fight against certain some bacteria to become resistant to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin.
types of pathogen. They are called non-specific, and they can Antibiotics usually kill bacteria, but in this case the mutation means the bacteria
be physical or chemical barriers. Examples include: cannot be destroyed by the antibiotic. This evolution of antibiotic resistance in
Skin, lysozyme in tears, Mucus, stomach acid. bacteria is an example of natural selection leading to evolution. The bacteria can
evolve so quickly because they reproduce rapidly.
 TMV (tobacco mosaic virus) Malaria Describe what is in a vaccination and
Which plant does it affect? Pathogen caused by how it works

B3 Infection and Symptoms

Symptoms
response
Spread by
AQA Trilogy Problem it causes to the plant
How can the spread be controlled?

How can the spread of disease be Salmonella Describe how the following non-specific defences What is an antibiotic used for and give
help to prevent the entry of pathogens
reduced or prevented? Pathogen caused by an example
Skin
Symptoms Nose
What can antibiotics not kill?
Trachea and bronchi
Spread by
Stomach What is the role of a painkiller?

Measles Gonorrhoea Describe the process of phagocytosis Where did the following drugs originate
Pathogen c caused by Pathogen caused by from?
Heart drug digitalis
Symptoms Symptoms
Painkiller aspirin
Spread by
Spread by
Penicillin antibiotic
How can the spread be controlled?

HIV Rose black spot Describe the role of: Define the following terms
Pathogen caused by Pathogen caused by Antibodies Toxicity

Symptoms Symptoms
Efficacy

Spread by Spread by Antitoxins

dose

What is AIDs? How can it be treated?

 Photosynthesis Plants produce glucose by a process Leaf structure Waxy cuticle: See through layer which lets light
called photosynthesis. The plant uses through and stops the leaf from becoming water
glucose to grow. The graph shows the logged.
change in concentration of carbon
Palisade layer: Cells have lots of chloroplasts so can
dioxide in a glasshouse full of plants
over 24 hours. carry out lots of photosynthesis.
Describe what the plant needs for Spongy mesosphere layer: Rounded cells which,
photosynthesis, where these things creates large air spaces within the leaf.
come from and why the concentration Guard cells: Open and close the air holes on the
increasing
of carbon dioxide changes over 24 underside of the leaf so control the rate of
concentration
of gas
hours. Describe what the plant needs transpiration.
for photosynthesis, where these things Air spaces: Enable movement of carbon-dioxide into
come from and why the concentration the leaf and oxygen out.
0 6 12 18 24 of carbon dioxide changes over 24 Phloem: Carries away glucose
mid dawn midday dusk mid
night night hours. Xylem: Gives a good supply of water to the leaf so
There are three main factors light. Limiting Factors increases the rate of photosynthesis
intensity carbon dioxide
Method
concentration and also temperature
1. The leaf of is dropped in boiling water to stop Testing leaves for starch
these factors are called limiting
any further reactions occurring.
factors light is essential for
2. The leaf is left for 10 minutes in hot ethanol in
photosynthesis as it. provides the
a boiling tube. This removes the chlorophyll
energy to split the water and 3. The leaf is dipped in boiling water to soften it
therefore enable carbon dioxide and
4. The leaf is spread out in a Petri dish and
water to react no light. no
covered with iodine solution
photosynthesis increasing
Investigating Photosynthesis 5. The areas that had the chlorophyll stain blue-
black. The areas that had no chlorophyll
remain pale

Uses of Glucose
Aerobic Respiration

Anaerobic Respiration

Method
1. Set up a boiling tube containing 45 cm3 of sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (1%). Allow
Metabolism
the tube to stand for a few minutes and shake to disperse any air bubbles that might form.
2. Cut a piece of the pondweed, Cabomba. The pondweed should be 8 cm long.
3. Use forcepts to place the pondweed in the boiling tube carefully. Make sure that you don't
damage the pondweed, or cause the liquid to overflow. Metabolism is the term used for all the chemical
4. Position the boiling tube so that the pondweed is 10 cm away from the light source. Allow reactions that go on inside an organism's body.
the boiling tube to stand for five minutes. Count the number of bubbles emerging from the These reactions build up molecules, and break
cut end of the stems in one minute. Repeat the count five times and record your results. them down. They are controlled by enzymes.
5. Calculate the average number of bubbles produced per minute. Repeat the experiment at
different distances away from the light source.
 How does carbon dioxide concentration Write the word and symbol equations RPA 5: Investigate the effect of
affect the rate of photosynthesis? for aerobic respiration light intensity on the rate of
photosynthesis
State the gas given off by plants during
B4 Bioenergetics photosynthesis

Which piece of apparatus would you use to find

AQA Trilogy the volume of gas given off?

Describe how you could control the effect of heat

from the lamp on the rate of photosynthesis
Is this exothermic or endothermic?

Write the word AND symbol equation What is meant by the term limiting Give three reasons that living organisms Why do heart rate and breathing rate
for photosynthesis factor? need energy increase during exercise?
•

What is meant by the term oxygen

• debt?

Is it exothermic or endothermic?

How does temperature affect the rate of Inverse square law Write the word equation for anaerobic Define the term metabolism
photosynthesis? respiration in muscles

Calculate the light intensity when the

lamp is 10cm from the pondweed in a.u How does the energy given out compare
to aerobic respiration?

How does light intensity affect the rate List 5 uses of the glucose produced Write the word equation for anaerobic What does metabolism include?
of photosynthesis? during photosynthesis respiration in plant and yeast cells •
•
•
•
•
•
•
• In yeast, this is also known as
fermentation. Give 2 uses of this. •
•
Homeostasis Nervous System
Homeostasis is the maintenance of a constant Neurones are nerve cells that carry information as tiny electrical signals.
internal environment. The nervous system and There are three different types of neurones, each with a slightly different
hormones are responsible for this. One example of function:
homeostasis is the concentration of carbon dioxide • sensory neurones carry signals from receptors to the spinal cord and
in the blood being carefully controlled. brain
• relay neurones carry messages from one part of the CNS to another
Controlling Blood Glucose • motor neurones carry signals from the CNS to effectors.

Insulin and glucagon are hormones secreted by islet Reflex arc

cells within the pancreas. They are both secreted in
response to blood sugar levels, but in opposite
fashion! Insulin is normally secreted by the beta cells
(a type of islet cell) of the pancreas

The nerve pathway is called an arc, the receptor

Controlling Blood Water Levels detects a stimulus, sensory neurons send an
impulse to relay neurons. These connect with
Water levels and mineral salts in the blood are motor neurons which send electrical impulses to
controlled to protect animal cells by stopping too an effector. That produces a response such as a
much water from entering or leaving them. The muscle contraction.
concentration of water and salts is the same inside
and outside of the cells. If body cells lose or gain too
The Brain Investigating reaction time
much water by osmosis, they do not function
efficiently. • Work with a partner.
The cerebrum is the large folded area of the • Person A holds out their hand with a gap
brain and is responsible for conscious between their thumb and first finger.
The Synapse thoughts, reasoning, memory and emotions.
Controlling Body Temperature • Person B holds the ruler with the zero at the
The cerebellum is found at the rear of the top of person A's thumb
brain below the cerebrum and controls • Person B drops the ruler without telling Person
The blood vessels, hairs, and sweat glands of the balance and coordinated movement. A and they must catch it.
skin work together to help control body • The number level with the top of person A's
temperature. In addition, tiny muscles attached to thumb is recorded in a suitable table. Repeat
the hair follicles pull the hairs erect, trapping an this ten times.
insulating layer of air next to the skin. • Swap places, and record another ten attempts.
• You can use the conversion table to help
convert your ruler measurements into reaction
time or just record the catch distance in cm.

Negative Feedback (higher)

A negative feedback mechanism is an

1. An electrical impulse travels along an axon. important type of control that is found in
2. This triggers the nerve-ending of a neuron to homeostasis. It responds when conditions
release chemical messengers called change from the ideal or set point and
neurotransmitters. returns conditions to this set point. There is a
3. These chemicals diffuse across the synapse (the continuous cycle of events in negative
gap) and bind with receptor molecules on the feedback.
membrane of the next neuron. • In general this works in the following way:
4. The receptor molecules on the second neuron • if the level of something rises, control
bind only to the specific chemicals released from systems reduce it again
the first neuron. This stimulates the second • if the level of something falls, control
neuron to transmit the electrical impulse systems raise it again
The Mensural Cycle Contraception

Barrier methods, such as condoms, are a

form of contraception that help to protect
against both sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) and pregnancy. You
should use condoms to protect both your
sexual health and that of your partner, no
matter what other contraception you're
using to prevent pregnancy.

1. The pituitary gland releases FSH

2. FSH moves around in the blood
3. FSH travels to the ovaries
4. FSH causes an egg follicle to mature
5. The developing egg releases oestrogen
6. Oestrogen travels around in the blood
7. Oestrogen causes the uterus lining to thicken
8. When Oestrogen reaches the pituitary gland, it
turns off the production of FSH
9. Oestrogen turns on the production of LH
10. LH travels around in the blood

11. LH reaches the ovaries and causes the egg to

be released from the follicle
12. The empty egg follicle realises Progesterone
13. Progesterone travels to the pituitary gland and
turns off LH production
14. Progesterone maintains the uterus lining for 7 Endocrine System
days
15. When the Progesterone runs out the uterus The endocrine system is a chemical messenger
lining breaks down and the women has a system consisting of hormones, the group of glands
of an organism that carry those hormones directly
period
into the circulatory system to be carried towards
Investigating reaction time distant target organs, and the feedback loops of
homeostasis that the hormones drive
• Work with a partner.
• Person A holds out their hand with a gap
between their thumb and first finger.
• Person B holds the ruler with the zero at the top
of person A's thumb
• Person B drops the ruler without telling Person A
and they must catch it.
• The number level with the top of person A's
thumb is recorded in a suitable table. Repeat this
ten times.
• Swap places, and record another ten attempts.
• You can use the conversion table to help convert
your ruler measurements into reaction time or
just record the catch distance in cm.
 Define homeostasis Where is blood glucose monitored? What is meant the term secondary sex
characteristics and what causes these to
occur?
B5 Homeostasis and Describe the two roles of insulin in
lowering blood glucose levels
response List 3 things that need to be kept in •
homeostasis in the human body
AQA Trilogy • •
•
•
Draw a flow chart to show the action of Complete the labels Describe what occurs if blood glucose Where are the following hormones
the reflex arc below. levels are too low produced and what are their functions?
Oestrogen

Testosterone

KW: glucagon, glycogen, pancreas

Why is the reflex arc important? What is the endocrine system and how Explain how glucagon interacts with List the 4 hormones involved in the
does it work? insulin in a negative feedback cycle to menstrual cycle and give their functions
control blood glucose levels •
Name the 3 types of neurone in the
reflex arc •

•
What is a synapse and how does it
work? •

RPA 6: Reaction times Describe the role of the pituitary gland Compare type 1 and type 2 diabetes Describe the effect of insulin on
Explain why using a computer to people with and without diabetes
measure reaction times is better than
the ruler drop method.
 Explain how oral contraceptives work Explain how spermicidal agents work to Explain the roles of Thyroxine
prevent pregnancy

B5 Homeostasis and
response
AQA Trilogy

Explain how hormones interact to Explain how Barrier methods such as Describe the steps involved in IVF Explain the role of Adrenaline
control the menstrual cycle condoms and diaphragms work treatment

What do the following acronyms stand Explain how IUDs prevent pregnancy List three negative impacts of fertility Explain how the following
for treatment on a couple contraceptives work:
IVF • Injection

FSH
•
LH skin patch

What is an implant and how dos it What does abstaining mean? Give examples of surgical methods of Evaluate the methods of contraception.
prevent pregnancy? contraception
Sexual Reproduction Chromosomes
During sexual reproduction the two gametes join together in a
fusion process known as fertilization, to create a zygote, which • The chromosomes of a cell are in the cell
is the precursor to an embryo offspring, taking half of its DNA nucleus.
from each of its parents • They carry the genetic information.
• Each chromosome contains many genes.
• Chromosomes carry genetic information in a
molecule called DNA.
• Each human body cell contains 46
chromosomes.
• These can be arranged into 23 pairs.
• Each chromosome in a pair carries the same
types of genes.
• Chromosomes are important to this process
to ensure the DNA is accurately replicated.
• 1 of each chromosome comes from each
DNA parent
• A double helix
• DNA shown as a double twisted string with interlinking Genetic Inheritance
parts
Asexual Reproduction • Base pairs on a DNA molecule • A dominant allele is always expressed, even if one copy is present.
• Each strand of DNA is made of chemicals called bases. Do Dominant alleles are represented by a capital letter, for example you could
Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction by which not confuse these with the bases you meet when you use a B. The allele for brown eyes, B, is dominant. You only need one copy
offspring arise from a single organism, and inherit the genes of study acids and alkalis in chemistry. There are four of this allele to have brown eyes. Two copies will still give you brown eyes.
that parent only; it does not involve the fusion of gametes, and different types of bases, shown as A, T, C and G in the • A recessive allele is only expressed if the individual has two copies and
almost never changes the number of chromosomes. diagram. does not have the dominant allele of that gene. Recessive alleles are
• In DNA, two strands coil together to form a double helix. represented by a lower case letter, for example, b. The allele for blue eyes,
There are chemical cross-links between the two strands, b, is recessive. You need two copies of this allele to have blue eyes.
formed by pairs of bases.
Protein Synthesis

Cells express their genes by converting the genetic message into protein. This process of
protein synthesis occurs in two stages - transcription and translation.
• Copy of one side of DNA strand is made (called mRNA, messenger RNA)
• mRNA moves to cytoplasm, then ribosome.
• mRNA goes through ribosome 3 bases at a time.
• transfer RNA (tRNA) matches up with the open DNA bases.
Meiosis • tRNA releases the amino acid at the top, which joins the chain of amino acids being
produced.
Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the number of
chromosomes in the parent cell by half and produces four Genetic disorders
gamete cells. This process is required to produce egg and
sperm cells for sexual reproduction. A genetic disorder is a
genetic problem caused
Stage 1: Chromosomes become shorter and thicker by one or more
Stage 2: Homologus chromosomes pair up in the centre of the abnormalities formed in
cell the genome. Genetic
Stage 3: Genetic crossing over disorders may be
Stage 4: Spindle fibres separate the chromosomes hereditary, meaning that
Stage 5: The cell divides into two daughter cells they are passed down
Stage 6: Chromosomes align in the centre of each cell from the parents' genes.
Stage 7: Spindle fibres separate the chromosomes into In other genetic
chromatids disorders, defects may
Stage 8: Each cell divides into two daughter cells be caused by new
Sex Determination Evolution Cloning Plants
• Individuals in a species show a wide range of variation and
• In males the sex chromosomes this variation is because of differences in their genes.
are heterozygous – one X and • Individuals with characteristics most suited to their
one Y chromosome. environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. The
• In females the sex chromosomes genes that allow these individuals to be successful are
are homozygous – two X passed to their offspring.
chromosomes. • Those that are poorly adapted to their environment are less
likely to survive and reproduce. This means that their genes
are less likely to be passed on to the next generation.
• Given time, a species will gradually evolve.

Genetic Engineering
Tissue culture
• The cell that you want to extract the gene out of is Another way of cloning plants is by tissue culture,
identified which works not with cuttings but with tiny pieces
• The chromosome (DNA) is extracted from the nucleus of from the parent plant. Sterile agar jelly with plant
that cell hormones and lots of nutrients is needed. This makes
• The specific gene is identified on the chromosome and cut tissue culture more expensive and difficult to do than
taking cuttings.
out using restriction enzymes
Adult cell cloning • Bacteria is used to produce insulin
• The plasmid from a bacteria cell is extracted
Fusion cell cloning involves replacing the nucleus of an unfertilised egg with the nucleus • The plasmid is cut open using a restriction enzyme
from a different cell. The replacement nucleus can come from an embryo, but if it comes • The gene for insulin is stuck into the plasmid using an
from an adult cell, it is called adult cell cloning. Here’s how she was produced: enzyme
1. An egg cell was removed from the ovary of an adult female sheep, and its nucleus • The plasmid is re-inserted back into the bacteria
removed. • The bacterium now has the gene to produce human insulin
2. The nucleus from an udder cell of a donor sheep was inserted into the empty egg cell.
• The bacterium is grown in a fermenter
3. The fused cell then began to develop normally, using genetic information from the
donated DNA. • At pH7, 35oC & with the correct levels of nutrients and
oxygen Cuttings
4. Before the dividing cells became specialised, the embryo was implanted into the
The simplest way to clone a plant involves taking a
uterus of a foster mother sheep • As the bacteria replicate they produce insulin
cutting. A branch from the parent plant is cut off, its
• The insulin is then extracted & purified lower leaves removed and the stem planted in damp
compost. Plant hormones are often used to encourage
Extinction & Evidence of Evolution
new roots to develop. The cutting is usually covered in
a clear plastic bag at this stage to keep it moist and
Extinction occurs when there are no remaining warm. After a few weeks, new roots develop and a
individuals of a species alive. new plant is produced. The method is easy enough for
most gardeners to do successfully.
Evidence of evolution
Embryo Transplant
Species may share similar physical features
because the feature was present in a common A developing embryo is removed from a pregnant animal
ancestor (homologous structures). at an early stage, before the embryo's cells have had time
• Molecular biology. DNA and the genetic to become specialised. The cells are separated, grown for
code reflect the shared ancestry of life. a while in a laboratory, and then transplanted into host
• Biogeography. mothers.
• Fossils. When the offspring are born, they are identical to each
• Direct observation. other. They are not identical to their host mothers,
because they contain different genetic information (the
offsprings' DNA comes from the original pregnant animal
and the father).
 Define the following terms: Define the following terms: Draw a genetic cross for gender
Gene Gamete
B6 Inheritance Chromosome
variation and Geneotype
Genome
evolution
Allele Phenotype
AQA Trilogy

Describe the difference between sexual Discuss the importance of Give examples of characteristics How many chromosomes are in a
reproduction and asexual reproduction understanding the human genome controlled by a single gene human body cell?

How many chromosomes are in an egg

or sperm cell?

What are the sex chromosomes for:

Male
Female

Describe the process of meiosis and Explain the differences between how Define the following terms: Differences in the characteristics of
explain why it is important for sexual cystic fibrosis and polydactyly are Dominant individuals in a population is called
reproduction passed on to offspring. variation. Describe what causes
Recessive variation.

Homozygous

Heterozygous

Describe the structure of DNA Draw a Punnett square to work out the What are the issues surrounding embryo What is meant by the term mutation
probability that a child will inherit screening?
polydactyly if the parents have the
genotypes Pp and pp
 Describe genetic engineering Describe the process of selective Explain how bacteria can become
breeding (artificial selection) resistant to certain antibiotics
B6 Inheritance
variation and
evolution
AQA Trilogy

Describe what is meant by the terms: Give uses of genetic engineering Give 4 examples of characteristics that How can we reduce the number of
Evolution may be selected for bacteria becoming resistant to certain
• antibiotics

•
Natural selection
•

Describe how a new species can be Outline some of the pros and cons of Give some of the negative impacts of Complete for the organisation of
formed GM crops selective breeding organisms
D
K
P
C
O
F
G
S

Give 3 ways that fossils are formed. Describe factors that may contribute Imagine you are a farmer, describe how Why do scientists use the binomial
to the extinction of a species you would selectively breed cows to naming system?
• produce high volumes of milk

• Give the 3 domains developed by Carl

Woese
• •
•
•
Adaptations Belt transect

• Large, flat feet to spread their weight on the sand. A transect is a line across a habitat or part of a habitat. It can be as simple as a string or
• Thick fur on the top of the body for shade, and thin fur rope placed in a line on the ground. The number of organisms of each species along a
elsewhere to allow easy heat loss. transect can be observed and recorded at regular intervals. The distribution of
• A large surface area to volume ratio to maximise heat organisms in a habitat is affected by the presence of other living organisms
loss.
• The ability to go for a long time without water (they
don't store water in their humps, but they lose very Carbon Cycle
little through urination and sweating).
• The ability to tolerate body temperatures up to 42°C. • (green) plants photosynthesise
• Slit-like nostrils and two rows of eyelashes to help • photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide
keep the sand out. • (green) plants use carbon to make
carbohydrate / protein / fat / organic
compounds / named (e.g. enzymes /
• a white appearance, as camouflage from prey on the cellulose)
snow and ice • animals eat (green) plants (and other
• thick layers of fat and fur, for insulation against the animals)
cold • (green) plants respire
• a small surface area to volume ratio, to minimise • animals respire
heat loss • respiration releases carbon dioxide
• a greasy coat, which sheds water after swimming. • (green) plants and animals die
• microorganisms decay / decompose / rot /
break down / feed on dead organisms
Cacti also have spines (the prickly thorn like
• microorganisms respire
things) in which replace leaves. These spines Water Cycle
minimise the surface area of the cactus
reducing water loss. The cacti's stem is also The water cycle is also known as the hydrological
thick and fleshy allowing it to store a lot of cycle. It describes how water moves on, above,
water. The stem also has a waxy waterproof or just below the surface of our planet. Water
kind of coating to help retain more water. molecules move between various locations - such
as rivers, oceans and the atmosphere - by specific
processes. Water can change state
Biotic & Abiotic Factors
Biotic components are the living things
Decomposition
that shape an ecosystem. Examples of
biotic components include animals, Decay is an essential life process, which helps to
plants, fungi, and bacteria digest food and recycle materials. Bacteria and
Abiotic factors are non-living. They fungi are the main groups of decomposer. They
include light intensity, temperature and release enzymes to break down compounds, so
moisture levels. The abundance and that they can absorb the nutrients. We can
distribution of living organisms in an preserve our food, for example by freezing or
ecosystem are affected by abiotic canning, to remove the conditions needed for
factors.. decay to happen.
Line transects
Using quadrats
A quadrat is usually a square • choose a starting point on the school field in an area where the grass is often cut
made of wire. It may contain • use random numbers to generate a set of coordinates to place your first quadrat
further wires to mark off smaller • count the number of different plant species within this quadrat (the species
areas inside, such as 5 × 5 squares richness)
or 10 × 10 squares. The organisms • return to your starting position and repeat steps two and three a further 14 times
underneath, usually plants, can using different random numbers
be identified and counted. • repeat steps one to four for a part of the school field which the grass is
Quadrats may also be used for infrequently cut
slow-moving animals, eg slugs • compare your results by calculating a mean for each location
Decomposition investigation Acid Rain Global Warming
Global warming is projected to have a number
Combustion of fossil fuels and other fuels releases of effects on the oceans. Ongoing effects
carbon dioxide. This contributes to the include rising sea levels due to thermal
greenhouse effect and leads to global warming. It expansion and melting of glaciers and ice
also releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides sheets, and warming of the ocean surface,
which can cause acid rain. Air pollution can also be leading to increased temperature stratification.
caused by tiny particulates from smoke which can
cause smog.
Tropic Levels
• Place 20 cm3 of fresh milk into three beakers The trophic level of an organism is the position
• Decide the three temperatures you will it occupies in a food chain. A food chain is a
investigate. Write these onto the sides of the succession of organisms that eat other
beakers. They may be 5, 20 and 35°C. organisms and may, in turn, be eaten
• Use universal indicator paper or solution to themselves. The trophic level of an organism is
determine the pH of the milk in the three the number of steps it is from the start of the
beakers chain.
• Cover each beaker in cling film and incubate at
the appropriate temperature
• Use universal indicator paper or solution to Waste Management Biotechnology
determine the pH of the milk in the three
beakers after 24, 48 and 72 hours
A good example of this is the fungus Fusarium
Water Pollution which is used to produce mycoprotein. This is
protein produced from a fungus. The fungus is
grown in large containers called fermenters

• The pH and temperature are maintained at

the optimum
• The temperature is controlled by a water
jacket that surrounds the whole fermenter
• Sterile oxygen is added to make sure that
aerobic respiration occurs
• A food source like glucose syrup is added
• The mixture inside is stirred to make sure all
the oxygen and nutrients are equally Pyramids of Biomass
• Eutrophication - Natural eutrophication is the
distributed
process by which lakes gradually age and
become more productive. A pyramid of biomass is a more accurate
Biodiversity indication of how much energy is passed on at
• Eutrophication is a process whereby water
bodies, such as lakes, estuaries, or slow-moving each trophic level. Biomass is the mass of
streams receive excess nutrients 'Biological diversity' means the variability among living material in each organism multiplied by
• that stimulate excessive plant growth (algae, living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, the total number of organisms in that trophic
periphyton attached algae, and nuisance plants terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and level
weeds). the ecological complexes of which they are a part;
• This enhanced plant growth, often called an this includes diversity within species, between
algal bloom, species and of ecosystems.
• reduces dissolved oxygen in the water when
dead plant material decomposes and can cause Deforestation
other organisms to die.
• Nutrients can come from many sources, such Deforestation has some important consequences:
as fertilizers applied to agricultural fields, golf forest habitats are destroyed. soil erosion increases,
courses, and suburban lawns; deposition of causing barren land , flooding and land slides. air
nitrogen from the atmosphere; erosion of soil pollution is caused when trees are burned after
containing nutrients; and sewage treatment felling.
plant discharges.
 Explain what is meant by a producer in a Give examples of structural adaptations RPA 7: measuring population size
food chain or web with quadrats
Describe how to use a quadrat to
measure the distribution of daisies on
B7 Ecology the school field

AQA Trilogy

Define the terms: Define the terms: Give examples of behavioural RPA 7: measuring population size
Habitat Primary consumer adaptations with transects
Describe how to use a transect and a
Population quadrat to measure the distribution of
Secondary consumer organisms on the seashore.
Community

Ecosystem Tertiary consumer

List abiotic (non-living) factors Describe the relationship between Give examples of functional adaptations Anna counted the number of daisies in 7
• predators and prey quadrats. Her results were: 18, 20,
22,23, 23,23,25.
• Calculate the:
Mean
•
• Mode

• Median
•
List biotic (living) factors Define the terms: Give examples of extremophiles Students used 0.5m2 quadrats to
• Predator randomly sample daisies on the school
field. Their mean number of daisies per
• quadrat was 10.5 and the field has an
Prey area of 800m2. Estimate the population
• of daisies on the field
•
Biomass
 Define the term biodiversity How can pollution occur in the air Describe some of the biological
consequences of global warming

B7 Ecology
AQA Trilogy
Name the two gases that contribute to
global warming

How is carbon removed from the Explain why it is important to maintain How are humans reducing the land Describe positive human interactions in
atmosphere? biodiversity available for animals and plants? an ecosystem

List 3 ways that CO2 is released into the

atmosphere
•
•
•

Define the terms: How can pollution occur in water Why have humans completed large- Describe negative human interactions in
Evaporation scale deforestation? an ecosystem

Condensation

Define the terms How can pollution occur on land Why have humans destroyed peat and Give examples of programmes put in
Transpiration what is a problem associated with place to reduce the negative impacts of
burning peat. humans on ecosystems and biodiversity
•
•
Precipitation •
•
•