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EnglandBiology

Topic 6: Microbiology, immunity and ecosystems

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does energy flow through an ecosystem and how do communities change over time?

The structure of ecosystems, the flow of energy through food chains and webs, the recycling of nutrients, and the process of ecological succession.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on ecosystems and succession, covering ecosystem structure, energy flow through food chains and webs, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, and the process of ecological succession.
9 min answer →

How do microorganisms cause disease, and how can their growth be studied and controlled?

The structure of bacteria and viruses, how pathogens cause disease, the culture and growth of microorganisms, and the action and resistance of antibiotics.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on microorganisms and disease, covering the structure of bacteria and viruses, how pathogens cause disease, the culture and growth of microorganisms, and the action and resistance of antibiotics.
9 min answer →

What controls the size of populations, and how can ecosystems be used sustainably?

The factors that limit population size, predator-prey relationships and carrying capacity, the sampling of populations, and the principles of sustainable management of ecosystems.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on populations and sustainability, covering the factors limiting population size, predator-prey cycles and carrying capacity, the sampling of populations, and the sustainable management of ecosystems.
9 min answer →

How does the body defend itself against pathogens?

The non-specific and specific immune responses, the roles of phagocytes, B and T lymphocytes, the action of antibodies, immunological memory, and the principles of vaccination.
An Edexcel A-Level Biology B (Salters-Nuffield) answer on the immune response, covering non-specific and specific immunity, phagocytes, B and T lymphocytes, antibodies, immunological memory, and how vaccination provides immunity.
10 min answer →