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Cells Exam Content
What's included
The Cell Structure section of Biology specifications covers the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including their structural and functional differences. It includes the study of cell organelles, such as the nucleus, nucleolus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (RER and SER), Golgi apparatus, mitochondria, lysosomes, vesicles, chloroplasts (in plants), and the plasma membrane. The cytoskeleton is also covered, including its role in maintaining cell shape, intracellular transport, and cell movement. The specification requires students to understand the differences between animal, plant, and bacterial cells, including their unique structures such as plant cell walls and bacterial flagella. Additionally, the use of microscopy is explored, comparing light microscopes, transmission electron microscopes (TEM), and scanning electron microscopes (SEM), as well as learning how to use an eyepiece graticule and stage micrometer for cell measurements.
Nucleic Acid Exam Content
What's included
The Nucleic Acids section of the Biology specifications covers the structure and function of DNA and RNA, including their roles in storing and transferring genetic information. It includes the structure of nucleotides, the formation of polynucleotides through phosphodiester bonds, and the complementary base pairing in DNA. Students also learn about DNA replication, the semi-conservative replication process, and the roles of enzymes like DNA polymerase and helicase. The section also covers the differences between DNA and RNA, the structure and function of ATP, and the importance of transcription and translation in protein synthesis.
Biological Molecules Exam Content
What's included
The Biological Molecules section of the Biology specifications covers the structure and functions of key molecules essential for life. This includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, along with their monomers and polymers. Students learn about the formation of glycosidic, ester, and peptide bonds, as well as the properties of water and its importance as a solvent.
Cell Division Exam Content
What's included
The Cell Division section of Biology specifications covers the stages of the cell cycle, including interphase, mitosis, and cytokinesis. It explores the importance of mitosis in growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. Students also learn about meiosis, its role in producing genetically varied gametes, and how it leads to genetic diversity. The section includes the significance of stem cells, their potential uses in medicine, and ethical considerations surrounding their use.
Cell Membrane Exam Content
What's included
The Cell Membrane section of the Biology specification covers the structure and function of membranes both within cells and at the surface. Students learn about the fluid mosaic model, the roles of phospholipids, proteins, cholesterol, glycolipids, and glycoproteins, and how membranes control the movement of substances. The specification also includes passive and active transport, osmosis, and endocytosis/exocytosis, along with practical investigations into membrane permeability (e.g. the effect of temperature or solvents).
Enzymes Exam Content
What's included
The Enzymes section of Biology specification focuses on the structure, properties, and mode of action of enzymes. It includes the lock-and-key and induced fit models, the role of intracellular and extracellular enzymes, and factors affecting enzyme activity such as temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. Students also explore enzyme inhibition (competitive and non-competitive), and are required to carry out practical investigations to study enzyme-catalysed reactions and analyse the results quantitatively.
