Your journey to excellence in
By Revision Genie
Lifestyle, Health and Risk
Unit 1
Why Animals Need a Circulatory System
The Role of Diffusion in Transport
Water as a Solvent in Transport
Dipole Nature of Water
Structure and Function of Capillaries
Structure and Function of Arteries
Structure and Function of Veins
The Cardiac Cycle: Atrial Systole
The Cardiac Cycle: Ventricular Systole
The Cardiac Cycle: Cardiac Diastole
Heart Structure and Function Overview
Investigating Heart Structure Practically
The Process of Atherosclerosis
Stages of Atherosclerosis Development
The Blood-Clotting Process
Thromboplastin and Prothrombin Conversion
Fibrinogen to Fibrin in Clotting
Blood Clots and Cardiovascular Disease
Genetic Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Lifestyle Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease
Quantitative Data on Health Risks
Correlation vs. Causation in Health Studies
Conflicting Evidence in Health Data
Evaluating Health Risk Study Designs
Sample Selection and Sample Size in Studies
Perceptions vs. Actual Risks in Health
Energy Budgets and Diet Analysis
Consequences of Energy Imbalance
Monosaccharides: Structure and Role
Disaccharides: Structure and Role
Polysaccharides: Glycogen and Starch
Condensation Reactions and Glycosidic Bonds
Hydrolysis of Carbohydrates
Triglyceride Synthesis and Ester Bonds
Differences Between Saturated and Unsaturated Lipids
Health Significance of Blood Cholesterol Levels
High-Density vs. Low-Density Lipoproteins
Causal Relationship Between Cholesterol and CVD
Obesity Indicators: BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Using Diet and Exercise to Reduce CVD Risk
Smoking and Coronary Heart Disease Risk
Core Practical: Effect of Caffeine on Daphnia Heart Rate
Ethical Issues in Using Invertebrates in Research
Core Practical: Vitamin C Content in Food and Drink
Benefits of Antihypertensives for CVD
Risks of Antihypertensives for CVD
Statins: Benefits and Risks
Anticoagulants and Platelet Inhibitors in CVD Treatment
Unit 2
Genes and Health
Properties of Gas Exchange Surfaces
Fick's Law of Diffusion
Adaptations of Mammalian Lungs
Structure and Properties of Cell Membranes
The Fluid Mosaic Model
Core Practical: Membrane Permeability
Osmosis and Free Water Molecules
Passive Transport Mechanisms
Active Transport and ATP Role
Endocytosis and Exocytosis
Carrier and Channel Proteins in Transport
Structure of Mononucleotides
DNA and RNA Structures
Complementary Base Pairing in DNA
The DNA Double Helix
Transcription in Protein Synthesis
Translation and Role of tRNA
Start and Stop Codons in Protein Synthesis
The Triplet Code and Degeneracy
Genes and Polypeptide Chains
Structure of Amino Acids
Formation of Peptide Bonds
Protein Primary Structure and 3D Shape
Globular vs Fibrous Proteins
Haemoglobin and Collagen Structures
Enzyme Specificity and 3D Structure
Enzymes as Biological Catalysts
Intracellular vs Extracellular Enzymes
Core Practical: Enzyme Reaction Rates
DNA Replication Process
Role of DNA Polymerase in Replication
Meselson and Stahl's Experiment
DNA Replication Errors and Mutations
Gene Mutations in Cystic Fibrosis
Key Genetic Terms and Definitions
Monohybrid Inheritance Patterns
Interpreting Genetic Pedigree Diagrams
Cystic Fibrosis and System Impairments
Uses of Genetic Screening
Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)
Prenatal Testing Methods
Amniocentesis vs Chorionic Villus Sampling
Implications of Prenatal Screening
Social Issues in Genetic Screening
Ethical Issues in Genetic Screening
Unit 3
Voice of the Genome
The Structure of Eukaryotic Cells
Functions of Eukaryotic Organelles
The Structure of Prokaryotic Cells
Comparison of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells
Recognising Organelles in Electron Micrographs
Specialisation of Mammalian Gametes
The Process of Fertilisation in Mammals
Gene Loci and Chromosome Linkage
Sex Linkage of Genes
Genetic Variation Through Meiosis
Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
Role of Mitosis in Growth and Reproduction
The Cell Cycle and Its Phases
Preparing and Staining Root Tip Squashes
Stem Cells: Definition and Types
Pluripotency vs Totipotency in Stem Cells
Stem Cells in Medical Therapies
Differential Gene Expression in Cell Specialisation
The Lac Operon and Gene Regulation
Organisation of Cells into Tissues and Systems
Genotype and Environment Interaction on Phenotype
Epigenetic Changes: DNA Methylation
Epigenetic Changes: Histone Modification
Inheritance of Epigenetic Changes
Polygenic Inheritance and Continuous Variation
Environmental Effects on Polygenic Traits
Unit 4
Biodiversity and Natural Resources
Definition of Biodiversity
Measuring Species Richness
Genetic Diversity and Heterozygosity Index
Calculating Index of Diversity
Concept of Endemism
Understanding Niches in Ecosystems
Behavioral Adaptations of Organisms
Physiological Adaptations of Organisms
Anatomical Adaptations of Organisms
Natural Selection and Adaptation
Mechanism of Evolution via Natural Selection
Hardy-Weinberg Equation Usage
Reproductive Isolation and Speciation
Classification Based on Phenotypes and Genotypes
Three Domains of Life and Molecular Phylogeny
Plant Cell Ultrastructure
Comparison of Plant and Animal Cells
Structure and Function of Starch
Structure and Function of Cellulose
Cellulose Microfibrils and Hydrogen Bonds
Secondary Thickening in Plant Cell Walls
Xylem Vessels and Their Properties
Sclerenchyma Fibres and Their Properties
Phloem Sieve Tubes and Their Function
Importance of Water in Plants
Role of Nitrate Ions in Plants
Role of Calcium Ions in Plants
Role of Magnesium Ions in Plants
Drug Testing Protocols: Historical and Modern
Conditions for Bacterial Growth
Antimicrobial Properties of Plants
Sustainability of Plant Fibres and Starch
Oil-Based Plastics vs Plant-Based Alternatives
Role of Zoos in Conservation
Role of Seed Banks in Conservation
Scientific Research in Conservation Efforts
Captive Breeding Programmes
Reintroduction Programmes for Endangered Species
Educational Outreach by Zoos and Seed Banks
Unit 5
On the Wild Side
Defining Ecosystem, Community, Population, Habitat
Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Habitats
The Concept of Niche in Ecology
Using Quadrats and Transects in Ecology
Abiotic Factor Measurements in Fieldwork
Stages of Succession in Ecosystems
Photosynthesis Overview and Energy Storage
Phosphorylation and Hydrolysis of ATP
Light-Dependent Reactions in Photosynthesis
Role of Chlorophyll in Electron Excitation
Photophosphorylation and NADP Reduction
Photolysis of Water and Oxygen Production
Light-Independent Reactions and Carbon Fixation
Calvin Cycle: GP, GALP, RuBP, RUBISCO
Biological Molecules Produced by Photosynthesis
Structure of Chloroplasts in Photosynthesis
Investigating Photosynthesis: The Hill Reaction
Gross and Net Primary Productivity Calculations
Efficiency of Energy Transfers Between Trophic Levels
Evidence for Climate Change: Carbon Dioxide Levels
Temperature Records and Climate Change
Pollen in Peat Bogs and Dendrochronology Evidence
Greenhouse Gases and Anthropogenic Climate Change
Extrapolating Data for Climate Predictions
Limitations in Climate Change Models
Effects of Climate Change on Plants and Animals
Temperature and Enzyme Activity in Organisms
Gene Mutation and Natural Selection in Evolution
Proteomics and Genomics Supporting Evolution Theory
Peer Review and Scientific Journals in Evolution Evidence
Isolation and Gene Flow in Speciation
Allopatric and Sympatric Speciation Mechanisms
Temperature Effects on Enzyme-Catalysed Reactions
Investigating Temperature Effects on Organism Development
Controversies in Climate Change Conclusions
Understanding the Carbon Cycle
Reforestation to Reduce Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Sustainable Resource Use and Biofuels
Balancing Human Needs and Conservation
Unit 6
Immunity, Infection and Forensics
Determining Time of Death
Stages of Decomposition
Role of Microorganisms in Decay
Forensic Entomology
Muscle Contraction After Death
DNA Profiling Techniques
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Gel Electrophoresis for DNA Analysis
Structure of Bacteria
Structure of Viruses
How TB Infects Human Cells
How HIV Infects Human Cells
Non-Specific Immune Responses
Inflammation and Lysozyme Action
Role of Interferons in Immunity
Phagocytosis Mechanism
Antigens and Antibodies
Plasma Cells and Macrophages
Antigen-Presenting Cells
Role of B Cells in Immunity
Role of T Cells in Immunity
Post-Transcriptional Changes to mRNA
Pathogen Entry Routes
Body Barriers to Infection
Gut and Skin Flora Protection
Types of Immunity
Natural and Artificial Immunity
Active and Passive Immunity
Evolutionary Race Between Pathogens and Hosts
Pathogen Evasion Mechanisms
Bacteriostatic vs Bactericidal Antibiotics
Hospital Acquired Infections
Antibiotic Prescription Practices
Infection Prevention in Hospitals
Investigating Antibiotic Effects on Bacteria
Ethical Use of DNA Profiling
Scientific Validation of Forensic Techniques
Unit 7
Run for Your Life
Muscles and Movement Basics
Antagonistic Muscle Pairs
The Sliding Filament Theory
Role of Calcium Ions in Muscle Contraction
ATP and ATPase in Muscle Contraction
Aerobic Respiration Overview
Enzymes in Respiration
Glycolysis Process
Anaerobic Respiration and Lactate
Link Reaction and Krebs Cycle
Oxidative Phosphorylation and Chemiosmosis
ATP Synthase Function
Fate of Lactate Post-Anaerobic Respiration
Cardiac Muscle Myogenic Nature
Electrical Activity of the Heart
Sinoatrial Node and Atrioventricular Node
Bundle of His and Purkyne Fibres
Electrocardiograms (ECGs) in Heart Diagnosis
Calculating Cardiac Output
Ventilation and Cardiac Output in Exercise
Control of Heart and Ventilation Rates
Medulla Oblongata in Cardiovascular Control
Spirometer Traces and Respiratory Metrics
Structure of Muscle Fibres
Fast Twitch vs Slow Twitch Muscle Fibres
Negative Feedback Mechanisms
Positive Feedback Mechanisms
Dynamic Equilibrium in Exercise
Role of Hypothalamus in Homeostasis
Mechanisms of Thermoregulation
Exercise and Joint Wear and Tear
Exercise and Immune System Effects
Exercise and Obesity Risk
Exercise and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Exercise and Diabetes Risk
Keyhole Surgery in Sports Medicine
Prostheses for Sports Participation
Ethics of Performance-Enhancing Substances
DNA Transcription Factors and Hormones
Unit 8
Grey Matter
Structure and Function of Sensory Neurones
Structure and Function of Relay Neurones
Structure and Function of Motor Neurones
Role of Schwann Cells and Myelination
Stimulus Response in Nervous Systems
Pupil Dilation and Contraction Mechanism
Action Potential Conduction in Axons
Membrane Permeability to Ions in Nerve Impulses
Role of Myelination in Saltatory Conduction
Structure and Function of Synapses
Role of Neurotransmitters in Synaptic Transmission
Acetylcholine in Synaptic Transmission
Detection of Stimuli by Rod Cells in Mammals
Role of Rhodopsin in Vision
Opsin and Retinal in Light Detection
Hyperpolarisation of Rod Cells
Action Potentials in Optic Neurones
Phytochrome in Plant Responses to Light
IAA in Plant Growth and Development
Nervous and Hormonal Coordination in Animals
Cerebral Hemispheres: Location and Function
Hypothalamus: Location and Function
Cerebellum: Location and Function
Medulla Oblongata: Location and Function
MRI in Brain Structure Investigation
fMRI in Brain Function Investigation
PET Scans in Medical Diagnosis
CT Scans in Brain Imaging
Critical Period in Visual Development
Animal Models in Brain Development Research
Hubel and Wiesel’s Experiments
Ethical Issues in Animal Research
Learning by Habituation in Animals
Investigating Habituation to Stimuli
Role of Dopamine in Parkinson’s Disease
Role of Serotonin in Depression
Development of Drugs for Brain Chemical Imbalances
Effects of Drugs on Synaptic Transmission
Use of L-Dopa in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
Action of MDMA in Ecstasy
Genome Sequencing in Personalised Medicine
Ethical Issues in Genome Sequencing
Producing Drugs Using GM Organisms
Risks of Using Genetically Modified Organisms
Benefits of Using Genetically Modified Organisms
Nature vs. Nurture in Brain Development
Evidence from Newborn Abilities in Brain Studies
Animal Experiments in Brain Development Research
Studies of Individuals with Brain Damage
Twin Studies in Brain Development Research
Cross-Cultural Studies in Brain Development
Unit 9
Science Practical Endorsement
Introduction to Practical Endorsement
Purpose of Practical Skills Assessment
Overview of the 18 Core Practicals
Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC)
Keeping Accurate Practical Records
Authenticity in Practical Work
Collaboration in Practical Activities
Safety in Practical Work
Risk Assessment in Practical Activities
Using Apparatus and Instruments Safely
Making Accurate Observations
Recording and Reporting Findings
Researching and Referencing in Practical Work
Planning Practical Investigations
Controlling Variables in Experiments
Using ICT in Practical Work
Developing Investigative Approaches
Appendix 5b: Practical Skills for Direct Assessment
Appendix 5c: Use of Apparatus and Techniques
Mapping Core Practicals to Appendix 5c Requirements
Monitoring Practical Competency
Teacher Assessments for Practical Competency
Minimum Practical Activities Requirement
Evidence of Practical Competency
Practical Competency Authentication Sheet
Assessment of Practical Skills in Written Exams
Exam Questions Assessing Practical Skills
Role of Teachers in Practical Skill Development
Practical Skills and Scientific Methods
Ethical Considerations in Practical Work
Evaluating Practical Methodologies
Measurement Uncertainty and Errors
Graphing and Data Analysis in Practical Work
Significant Figures in Practical Data
Understanding Experimental Methods in Exams
Designing Additional Practical Activities
Role of Practical Work in Scientific Decision Making
Role of Practical Work in Validating New Knowledge
Practical Work and Ethical Use of Live Subjects
Practical Work and Safe Disposal of Materials
Practical Work and Communication Skills
Practical Work and ICT Applications
Teacher Monitoring Visits
Malpractice in Practical Assessments
Teacher Feedback on Practical Competency
Role of JCQ in Monitoring Practical Assessments
Pass/Fail Criteria for Practical Endorsement
Practical Competency and Overall Qualification Grade
Importance of Practical Work in Biology
Developing Confidence with Practical Techniques
Scientific Questions in Experimental Activities
Unit 10
Archive
The Heart and Blood Vessels
Gas Exchange Surfaces and Fick’s Law
Cell Structure, Organelles and Microscopy Skills
Measuring Biodiversity and Genetic Diversity
Ecosystems, Communities and Food Webs
Forensics: Time of Death and Decomposition
ATP Demand, Muscle Contraction and Performance
Neurones and Action Potentials
Cardiac Cycle, Cardiac Output and Blood Pressure
The Mammalian Lung: Ventilation and Gas Exchange
The Cell Cycle and Mitosis
Niche, Adaptation and Natural Selection
Factors Affecting Distribution and Abundance
Microorganisms, Decomposition and Carbon Recycling
Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration in Muscle
Synapses, Neurotransmitters and Drugs
Blood Clotting and Cardiovascular Disease
Cell Membranes and the Fluid Mosaic Model
Meiosis and Sources of Genetic Variation
Evolution, Speciation and Hardy–Weinberg
Core Practical 10: Ecology Fieldwork (Quadrats, Transects, Abiotic Factors)
DNA Profiling and Genetic Relationships
Core Practical 16: Measuring Respiration Rate
The Eye and Vision: Retina to Visual Cortex
Carbohydrates and Lipids in Diet and Health
Transport Across Membranes: Diffusion to Active Transport
Fertilisation, IVF and Stem Cells
Classification and Molecular Phylogeny (Three Domains)
Succession and Climax Communities
PCR and DNA Analysis
Gas Exchange and Oxygen Transport During Exercise
Brain Regions and Brain Imaging
Proteins, Enzymes and Biological Roles
Osmosis and Water Potential
Cell Differentiation and Tissue Organisation
Plant Cells: Ultrastructure, Starch and Cellulose
Photosynthesis: Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions
Core Practical 14: Gel Electrophoresis of DNA Fragments
Control of Heart Rate and Ventilation (Negative Feedback)
Coordinating Responses: Sensory Processing and Reflexes
Energy Budgets, BMI and Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Enzymes in Living Systems (Factors Affecting Rate)
Gene Expression and Cell Specialisation
Plant Transport Tissues and Structural Support
Core Practical 11: Hill Reaction and Photosynthesis Rate
Pathogens: Bacteria, Viruses and Transmission
ECGs and the Heart’s Electrical System
Brain Development: Nature vs Nurture Evidence
Interpreting Risk: Correlation, Causation and Health Data
Core Practical 3: Membrane Permeability
Epigenetics: Environment, Gene Switching and Phenotype
Core Practical 6: Plant Stem Tissues Under the Microscope
Energy Transfers: NPP, Biomass and Trophic Efficiency
Barriers, Inflammation and Phagocytosis
Cardiac Output, Blood Pressure and Athletic Performance
Learning, Memory and Plasticity
Core Practical 1: Caffeine and Daphnia Heart Rate
Core Practical 4: Enzyme and Substrate Concentration
Core Practical 7: Mineral Deficiencies in Plants
Climate Change Evidence and Anthropogenic Causes
Adaptive Immunity: Antibodies, Memory Cells and Vaccines
Thermoregulation and Homeostasis in Exercise
Core Practical 18: Investigating Habituation
Core Practical 2: Vitamin C in Food and Drink
Nucleic Acids: DNA/RNA Structure and Function
Core Practical 5: Root Tip Squash to Observe Mitosis
Core Practical 8: Investigating Fibre Strength
Climate Change Impacts, Models and Mitigation (Carbon Cycle Links)
Antibiotics, Resistance and Infection Control
Core Practical 17: Spirometer Data and Exercise Responses
Brain Chemistry and Parkinson’s Disease
DNA Replication, Mutations and Cystic Fibrosis
Core Practical 9: Antimicrobials and Aseptic Technique
Core Practical 12: Temperature and Enzyme Activity
Core Practical 15: Testing Antibiotics on Bacteria
Sports Science: Training, Recovery, Technology and Doping
Human Genome Project, Genetic Engineering and Bioethics
Inheritance, Genetic Screening and Ethics
Using Biology to Manage Resources: Drug Testing, Zoos and Seed Banks
Core Practical 13: Temperature and Development