← Biology syllabus

EnglandBiology

4.4 Bioenergetics

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

What is photosynthesis, where does it happen, and what happens to the glucose that plants make?

Photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, the word and symbol equations, the site of photosynthesis, and the uses of the glucose produced by the plant.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.4.1.1, covering photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, the word and symbol equations, where it happens, and how plants use the glucose they make.
9 min answer →

How do cells release energy by respiration, and how does aerobic differ from anaerobic respiration?

Respiration as an exothermic reaction occurring continuously in living cells, the equations for aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the differences between them, and the uses of the energy released.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.4.2.1, covering respiration as an exothermic reaction, the equations for aerobic and anaerobic respiration in animals, plants and yeast, and the uses of the energy released.
9 min answer →

How does the body respond to exercise, and what is oxygen debt?

The effect of exercise on heart rate, breathing rate and breath volume, why anaerobic respiration occurs during hard exercise, the build-up of lactic acid, and the concept of oxygen debt and its repayment.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.4.2.2, covering the body's response to exercise, why muscles respire anaerobically, the build-up of lactic acid, and how the oxygen debt is repaid.
9 min answer →

What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis, and how are limiting factors used in greenhouses?

The limiting factors of photosynthesis (light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and chlorophyll), the inverse square law for light, and the economics of controlling these factors in greenhouses.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.4.1.2, covering the limiting factors of photosynthesis, the inverse square law for light intensity, and how greenhouse growers control these factors economically.
10 min answer →