GCSE Biology Summary for Years 9-11
Cell Biology
Cell Structure: Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic cells, organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes,
etc.), plant cells (cell wall, chloroplasts). Cell Division: Mitosis and meiosis, importance in
growth and reproduction. Transport Across Membranes: Diffusion, osmosis, active transport.
Organisation
Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA. Enzymes: Function, factors
affecting activity (temperature, pH). Digestion: Digestive system, enzymes in digestion.
Respiration: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration, energy release. Circulatory System: Heart,
blood vessels, blood components. Lungs and Gas Exchange: Alveoli, function of lungs. Plant
Tissues: Xylem and phloem, transpiration. Nervous System: Neurons, synapses, reflexes.
Endocrine System: Hormones, glands (e.g., pancreas, thyroid).
Infection and Response
Communicable Diseases: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists; transmission and prevention.
Defences Against Disease: White blood cells, antibodies, vaccination. Drug Discovery:
Antibiotics, painkillers, preclinical and clinical trials. Plant Diseases: Detection and treatment.
Bioenergetics
Photosynthesis: Process, requirements (light, CO2, water), products. Respiration: Aerobic and
anaerobic, energy production.
Homeostasis and Response
Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, blood glucose).
Nervous System: Structure and function of neurons, CNS, reflexes. Endocrine System:
Hormones and their functions (e.g., insulin, adrenaline, ADH).
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
Reproduction: Sexual and asexual reproduction. Meiosis: Genetic variation. DNA and the
Genome: Structure, genes, inheritance patterns (dominant, recessive), genetic diagrams.
Variation: Causes of variation (genetic and environmental). Evolution: Natural selection,
evidence for evolution. Classification of Living Organisms: Binomial system, classification
keys.
Ecology
Cell Biology
Cell Structure: Eukaryotic vs. Prokaryotic cells, organelles (nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes,
etc.), plant cells (cell wall, chloroplasts). Cell Division: Mitosis and meiosis, importance in
growth and reproduction. Transport Across Membranes: Diffusion, osmosis, active transport.
Organisation
Biological Molecules: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, DNA. Enzymes: Function, factors
affecting activity (temperature, pH). Digestion: Digestive system, enzymes in digestion.
Respiration: Aerobic and anaerobic respiration, energy release. Circulatory System: Heart,
blood vessels, blood components. Lungs and Gas Exchange: Alveoli, function of lungs. Plant
Tissues: Xylem and phloem, transpiration. Nervous System: Neurons, synapses, reflexes.
Endocrine System: Hormones, glands (e.g., pancreas, thyroid).
Infection and Response
Communicable Diseases: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protists; transmission and prevention.
Defences Against Disease: White blood cells, antibodies, vaccination. Drug Discovery:
Antibiotics, painkillers, preclinical and clinical trials. Plant Diseases: Detection and treatment.
Bioenergetics
Photosynthesis: Process, requirements (light, CO2, water), products. Respiration: Aerobic and
anaerobic, energy production.
Homeostasis and Response
Homeostasis: Maintaining a stable internal environment (e.g., temperature, blood glucose).
Nervous System: Structure and function of neurons, CNS, reflexes. Endocrine System:
Hormones and their functions (e.g., insulin, adrenaline, ADH).
Inheritance, Variation and Evolution
Reproduction: Sexual and asexual reproduction. Meiosis: Genetic variation. DNA and the
Genome: Structure, genes, inheritance patterns (dominant, recessive), genetic diagrams.
Variation: Causes of variation (genetic and environmental). Evolution: Natural selection,
evidence for evolution. Classification of Living Organisms: Binomial system, classification
keys.
Ecology
