SPECIFICATION POINTS
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KS4 · International GCSE Biology (Modular, 4XBI1)
Codes ending in B are Biology-only statements. Practicals are marked.
Biology Unit 1
Topic 1 · The nature and variety of living organisms
Topic 2 · Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 1
- 2.1Levels of organisation
- 2.2Cell structures
- 2.3Functions of cell structures
- 2.4Plant and animal cells compared
- 2.5BCell differentiation
- 2.6BStem cells in medicine
- 2.7Elements in carbohydrates, proteins and lipids
- 2.8Large molecules and their basic units
- 2.9Food testsPractical
- 2.10Enzymes as biological catalysts
- 2.11Temperature and enzyme function
- 2.12Temperature and enzyme activityPractical
- 2.13pH and enzyme function
- 2.14BpH and enzyme activityPractical
- 2.15Diffusion, osmosis and active transport
- 2.16Factors affecting movement into and out of cells
- 2.17Diffusion and osmosis investigationsPractical
- 2.18Photosynthesis and energy conversion
- 2.19Photosynthesis equations
- 2.20Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
- 2.21Leaf structure and photosynthesis
- 2.22Mineral ions for plant growth
- 2.23Photosynthesis investigationsPractical
- 2.24A balanced diet
- 2.25Sources and functions of dietary components
- 2.26Energy requirements
- 2.27The human alimentary canal
- 2.28Peristalsis
- 2.29Digestive enzymes
- 2.30Bile production and storage
- 2.31Roles of bile
- 2.32Absorption in the small intestine
- 2.33BEnergy content of a food samplePractical
- 2.34Respiration and ATP
- 2.35ATP as an energy source for cells
- 2.36Aerobic and anaerobic respiration
- 2.37Aerobic respiration equations
- 2.38Anaerobic respiration word equations
- 2.39Carbon dioxide and heat from respiring organismsPractical
- 2.40BDiffusion in plant gas exchange
- 2.41BGas exchange, respiration and photosynthesis
- 2.42BLeaf adaptations for gas exchange
- 2.43BStomata and gas exchange
- 2.44BNet gas exchange in light and dark
- 2.45BLight and net gas exchangePractical
- 2.46Structure of the thorax
- 2.47Ventilation
- 2.48Alveoli and gas exchange
- 2.49Biological consequences of smoking
- 2.50Breathing in humansPractical
Biology Unit 2
Topic 3 · Structure and functions in living organisms: Part 2
- 3.1Diffusion in unicellular organisms
- 3.2Need for a transport system
- 3.3Phloem
- 3.4Xylem
- 3.5BWater absorption by root hair cells
- 3.6BTranspiration
- 3.7BFactors affecting the transpiration rate
- 3.8BEnvironmental factors and transpirationPractical
- 3.9Composition of the blood
- 3.10Role of plasma
- 3.11Red blood cells and oxygen transport
- 3.12White blood cells and the immune response
- 3.13BVaccination and memory cells
- 3.14BPlatelets and blood clotting
- 3.15Structure and function of the heart
- 3.16Heart rate, exercise and adrenaline
- 3.17Risk factors for coronary heart disease
- 3.18Arteries, veins and capillaries
- 3.19The circulation system
- 3.20Carbon dioxide and oxygen lost from a leaf
- 3.21Excretory products of the lungs, kidneys and skin
- 3.22BExcretion and osmoregulation by the kidney
- 3.23BStructure of the urinary system
- 3.24BStructure of a nephron
- 3.25BUltrafiltration
- 3.26BReabsorption of water from the collecting duct
- 3.27BSelective reabsorption of glucose
- 3.28BADH and the water content of the blood
- 3.29BComposition of urine
- 3.30Responding to the environment
- 3.31Homeostasis
- 3.32Stimulus, receptor and effector
- 3.33Plant responses to stimuli
- 3.34Geotropic and phototropic responses
- 3.35Auxin and phototropism in stems
- 3.36Nervous and hormonal communication
- 3.37The central nervous system
- 3.38Impulses and rapid responses
- 3.39Neurotransmitters at synapses
- 3.40A simple reflex arc
- 3.41Structure and function of the eye
- 3.42Focusing and responding to light
- 3.43Skin and temperature regulation
- 3.44Adrenaline, insulin, testosterone, progesterone and oestrogen
- 3.45BADH, FSH and LH
Topic 4 · Reproduction and inheritance
- 4.1Sexual and asexual reproduction
- 4.2Fertilisation and the zygote
- 4.3Insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers
- 4.4Pollen tube, seed and fruit
- 4.5Conditions for seed germinationPractical
- 4.6Food reserves in germinating seeds
- 4.7Asexual reproduction in plants
- 4.8Male and female reproductive systems
- 4.9Oestrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle
- 4.10BFSH and LH in the menstrual cycle
- 4.11The placenta
- 4.12Amniotic fluid
- 4.13Secondary sexual characteristics
- 4.14Genome and gene
- 4.15Chromosomes and genes
- 4.16BDNA structure
- 4.17BRNA
- 4.18BProtein synthesis
- 4.19Alleles
- 4.20Genetic terms
- 4.21BCodominance
- 4.22Polygenic inheritance
- 4.23Monohybrid inheritance diagrams
- 4.24Family pedigrees
- 4.25Probabilities from monohybrid crosses
- 4.26Sex chromosomes
- 4.27Sex determination
- 4.28Mitosis
- 4.29Where mitosis occurs
- 4.30Meiosis and haploid gametes
- 4.31Random fertilisation and variation
- 4.32Human diploid and haploid numbers
- 4.33Genetic and environmental variation
- 4.34Mutation
- 4.35BA DNA change and the phenotype
- 4.36BHow often a mutation affects the phenotype
- 4.37BIonising radiation and chemical mutagens
- 4.38Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection
- 4.39Antibiotic resistance in bacteria
Topic 5 · Ecology and the environment
- 5.1Population, community, habitat and ecosystem
- 5.2Population size using quadratsPractical
- 5.3BBiodiversity
- 5.4BDistribution and biodiversity using quadratsPractical
- 5.5Abiotic and biotic factors
- 5.6Trophic levels
- 5.7Food chains, webs and pyramids
- 5.8Transfer along a food chain
- 5.9Energy transfer between trophic levels
- 5.10The carbon cycle
- 5.11BThe nitrogen cycle
- 5.12Air pollution by sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide
- 5.13Greenhouse gases
- 5.14Human activities and greenhouse gases
- 5.15Enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming
- 5.16Water pollution by sewage
- 5.17Eutrophication
- 5.18BDeforestation
Topic 6 · Use of biological resources
- 6.1Glasshouses and polythene tunnels
- 6.2Carbon dioxide, temperature and crop yield
- 6.3Fertiliser and crop yield
- 6.4Pest control
- 6.5Yeast and bread
- 6.6Anaerobic respiration by yeastPractical
- 6.7Lactobacillus and yoghurt
- 6.8Industrial fermenters
- 6.9BFish farming
- 6.10Selective breeding of plants
- 6.11Selective breeding of animals
- 6.12Restriction enzymes and ligase
- 6.13Plasmids and viruses as vectors
- 6.14Human insulin from genetically modified bacteria
- 6.15Genetically modified plants and food production
- 6.16Transgenic organisms
- 6.17BMicropropagation
- 6.18BCommercial use of micropropagation
- 6.19BCloning mammals
- 6.20BCloned transgenic animals and human proteins
KS5 · International A Level Biology (XBI11 / YBI11)
Each point links to the section that teaches it. “Practise” opens its question block.
Topic 1 · Molecules, transport and health
- 1.1Water as a transport solvent1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 1.2Saccharides and energy stores1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 1.3Estimating reducing sugar and starch1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 1.4Glycosidic bonds: condensation and hydrolysis1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 1.5Triglycerides and saturation1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 1.6Why mass transport is needed1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.7Arteries, veins and capillaries1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.8Cardiac cycle and heart structure1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.9Haemoglobin, dissociation and the Bohr effect1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.10Atherosclerosis sequence1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.11Clotting cascade in CVD1B Mammalian Transport SystemsPractise
- 1.12CVD risk factors1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.13Dietary antioxidants and CVD1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.14Vitamin C in food and drink1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.15Illness data: correlation and causation1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.16Evaluating health-risk studies1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.17Perceived risk versus actual risk1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.18Cholesterol, HDL and LDL1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.19Using evidence to cut CHD risk1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
- 1.20CVD treatments: benefit and risk1C Cardiovascular Health and RiskPractise
Topic 2 · Membranes, proteins, DNA and gene expression
- 2.1Gas exchange surfaces and Fick’s law2A Membranes and TransportPractise
- 2.2Membrane structure and models2A Membranes and TransportPractise
- 2.3Membrane permeability practical2A Membranes and TransportPractise
- 2.4Osmosis and water potential2A Membranes and TransportPractise
- 2.5Passive, active and bulk transport2A Membranes and TransportPractise
- 2.6Amino acids to protein structure1A Chemistry for BiologistsPractise
- 2.7Enzyme action and location2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.8Initial rate of enzyme reactions2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.9Nucleotides, DNA and RNA2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.10Semi-conservative replication2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.11The genetic code2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.12What a gene is2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.13Transcription and translation2B Proteins and DNAPractise
- 2.14Mutations and their effects2C Gene Expression and GeneticsPractise
- 2.15Monohybrid inheritance and sex linkage2C Gene Expression and GeneticsPractise
- 2.16Cystic fibrosis as a gene-expression problem2C Gene Expression and GeneticsPractise
- 2.17Genetic screening uses2C Gene Expression and GeneticsPractise
- 2.18Ethics of genetic screening2C Gene Expression and GeneticsPractise
Topic 3 · Cell structure, reproduction and development
- 3.1Cells as a shared organisation3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.2Tissues, organs, systems3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.3Eukaryotic ultrastructure3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.4rER and Golgi in protein export3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.5Prokaryotic ultrastructure3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.6Recognising organelles on EM3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.7Magnification, resolution and staining3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.8Light microscopy and scale3A Cell StructurePractise
- 3.9Locus and linkage3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.10Meiosis and variation3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.11Mammalian gamete specialisation3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.12Mammalian fertilisation sequence3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.13Flowering-plant fertilisation3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.14Mitosis and the cell cycle3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.15Root-tip squash for mitosis3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.16Mitotic index3B Mitosis, Meiosis and ReproductionPractise
- 3.17Stem cells and therapies3C Development of OrganismsPractise
- 3.18Differential gene expression3C Development of OrganismsPractise
- 3.19One gene, more than one protein3C Development of OrganismsPractise
- 3.20Genotype, environment and epigenetics3C Development of OrganismsPractise
- 3.21Multiple alleles, polygenes and continuous variation3C Development of OrganismsPractise
Topic 4 · Plant structure, biodiversity and conservation
- 4.1Plant cell ultrastructure4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.2Plant organelles on EM4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.3Starch and cellulose4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.4Cell walls, xylem and fibres4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.5Xylem, phloem and sclerenchyma4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.6Plan diagrams of plant organs4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.7Plant fibres and starch for sustainability4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.8Water and mineral ions in plants4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.9Tensile strength of plant fibres4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.10Conditions for bacterial growth4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.11Plant antimicrobials4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.12Antimicrobial properties of plants4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.13How drug testing developed4A Plant Structure and FunctionPractise
- 4.14Classification and three domains4B ClassificationPractise
- 4.15Variety of life under threat4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.16Biodiversity and endemism4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.17Species richness and heterozygosity4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.18Index of diversity D4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.19Niche and adaptations4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.20Hardy–Weinberg, selection and isolation4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
- 4.21Zoos and seed banks4C Biodiversity and ConservationPractise
Topic 5 · Energy flow, ecosystems and the environment
- 5.1Overall reaction of photosynthesis5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.2ATP: photophosphorylation and hydrolysis5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.3Light-dependent reactions5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.4Light-independent reactions and the Calvin cycle5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.5Chloroplast structure and photosynthesis5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.6Absorption and action spectra5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.7Chloroplast pigment chromatography and Rf5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.8Core practical 10: rate of photosynthesis5A PhotosynthesisPractise
- 5.9GPP, NPP and plant respiration5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.10Efficiency of trophic transfers5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.11Population, community, habitat and ecosystem5B EcologyPractise
- 5.12Biotic and abiotic control of distribution5B EcologyPractise
- 5.13Niche, distribution and abundance5B EcologyPractise
- 5.14Quadrat and transect study5B EcologyPractise
- 5.15Succession to climax5B EcologyPractise
- 5.16Evidence for climate change5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.17Anthropogenic greenhouse effect5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.18Carbon cycle and reducing CO₂5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.19Climate models and their limits5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.20Climate change and organisms5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.21Temperature, enzymes and Q105C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.22Temperature and development5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.23Evolution by mutation and selection5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.24Isolation and speciation5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.25Who draws the climate conclusion5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
- 5.26Reforestation, biofuels and conflict of needs5C Environment and Climate ChangePractise
Topic 6 · Microbiology, immunity and forensics
- 6.1Aseptic culture of microorganisms6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.2Measuring microbial growth6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.3Bacterial growth curve6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.4Growth rate in liquid culture6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.5Bacteria vs viruses6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.6TB and HIV infection6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.7Entry routes and barriers6A MicrobiologyPractise
- 6.8Non-specific responses6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.9Antigens and antibodies6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.10B cells and T cells6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.11Types of immunity6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.12Evolutionary race6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.13Bacteriostatic vs bactericidal6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.14Antibiotic effect on bacteria6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.15Hospital-acquired infection codes6B ImmunityPractise
- 6.16Microbes, decay and carbon6C Decomposition and ForensicsPractise
- 6.17PCR amplification6C Decomposition and ForensicsPractise
- 6.18Gel electrophoresis6C Decomposition and ForensicsPractise
- 6.19DNA profiling6C Decomposition and ForensicsPractise
- 6.20Time of death6C Decomposition and ForensicsPractise
Topic 7 · Respiration, muscles and the internal environment
- 7.1Aerobic respiration overview7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.2Glycolysis7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.3Link reaction and Krebs7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.4Oxidative phosphorylation7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.5Fate of lactate7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.6Respiratory quotient7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.7Redox indicator in yeast7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.8Respirometer rate and RQ7A Cellular RespirationPractise
- 7.9Muscles, tendons, ligaments, skeleton7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.10Skeletal muscle fibre types7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.11Sliding filament theory7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.12Myogenic heart and Purkyne pathway7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.13Cardiac output and ventilation control7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.14Adrenaline in fight or flight7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.15Exercise and spirometer traces7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.16Negative and positive feedback7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.17Homeostasis in exercise7B Muscles, Movement and the HeartPractise
- 7.18Kidney structure7C Control of the Internal EnvironmentPractise
- 7.19Urea and ultrafiltration7C Control of the Internal EnvironmentPractise
- 7.20Selective reabsorption and countercurrent7C Control of the Internal EnvironmentPractise
- 7.21ADH and osmoregulation7C Control of the Internal EnvironmentPractise
- 7.22Transcription factors and hormones7C Control of the Internal EnvironmentPractise
Topic 8 · Coordination, response and gene technology
- 8.1Neurone types and myelin8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.2From stimulus to effector8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.3Spinal reflex arc8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.4Action potential along an axon8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.5Saltatory conduction8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.6Synapses and the pupil8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.7Drugs on synapses8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.8Rod cells and rhodopsin8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.9Habituation8A The Nervous System and NeuronesPractise
- 8.10CNS and PNS8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.11Plant growth regulators8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.12Amylase in germinating grains8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.13Nervous vs hormonal coordination8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.14Main brain regions8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.15Imaging the brain8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.16Brain chemicals and illness8B Coordination in Animals and PlantsPractise
- 8.17Drugs from GM organisms8C Gene TechnologyPractise
- 8.18Making recombinant DNA8C Gene TechnologyPractise
- 8.19Inserting recombinant DNA8C Gene TechnologyPractise
- 8.20Microarrays and active genes8C Gene TechnologyPractise
- 8.21Bioinformatics8C Gene TechnologyPractise
- 8.22Risks and benefits of GMOs8C Gene TechnologyPractise
Practicals · Core practicals and practical skills
- 3IUnit 3 implementation and measurementsUnit 3Practise
- 3PUnit 3 planningUnit 3Practise
- 3RUnit 3 processing resultsUnit 3Practise
- 6AUnit 6 analysisUnit 6Practise
- 6IUnit 6 implementation and measurementsUnit 6Practise
- 6PUnit 6 planningUnit 6Practise
- CP1Core practical 1: reducing sugar and starchUnit 3Practise
- CP2Core practical 2: vitamin C in food and drinkUnit 3Practise
- CP3Core practical 3: membrane permeabilityUnit 3Practise
- CP4Core practical 4: initial rate of enzyme reactionsUnit 3Practise
- CP5Core practical 5: light microscopy and scaleUnit 3Practise
- CP6Core practical 6: root-tip squash for mitosisUnit 3Practise
- CP7Core practical 7: plan diagrams of plant organsUnit 3Practise
- CP8Core practical 8: tensile strength of plant fibresUnit 3Practise
- CP9Core practical 9: antimicrobial properties of plantsUnit 3Practise
- CP10Core practical 10: rate of photosynthesisUnit 6Practise
- CP11Core practical 11: quadrat and transect studyUnit 6Practise
- CP12Core practical 12: temperature and developmentUnit 6Practise
- CP13Core practical 13: growth rate in liquid cultureUnit 6Practise
- CP14Core practical 14: antibiotic effect on bacteriaUnit 6Practise
- CP15Core practical 15: redox indicator in yeastUnit 6Practise
- CP16Core practical 16: respirometer rate and RQUnit 6Practise
- CP17Core practical 17: exercise and spirometer tracesUnit 6Practise
- CP18Core practical 18: amylase in germinating grainsUnit 6Practise