← Combined Science syllabus

EnglandCombined Science

Biology: Bioenergetics

7 dot points across 7 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do organisms transfer the energy they need through photosynthesis and respiration?

Photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, the factors limiting its rate, the uses of glucose, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, the difference between the two, and how the body responds to exercise.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Bioenergetics topic, covering photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction, limiting factors, the uses of glucose, aerobic and anaerobic respiration, and the body's response to exercise.
8 min answer →

How are cells structured, how do they divide, and how do substances move in and out of them?

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, sub-cellular structures, cell specialisation and differentiation, microscopy and magnification, chromosomes and the cell cycle (mitosis), stem cells, and transport by diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Cell biology topic, covering cell types and structures, specialisation, microscopy, the cell cycle and mitosis, stem cells, and movement of substances by diffusion, osmosis and active transport.
9 min answer →

How do organisms interact with each other and their environment, and how do humans affect ecosystems?

Communities and competition, abiotic and biotic factors, adaptations, levels of organisation and feeding relationships, the carbon and water cycles, biodiversity and the human impact on ecosystems including pollution, land use and climate change.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Ecology topic, covering communities and competition, abiotic and biotic factors, adaptations, feeding relationships, the carbon and water cycles, biodiversity and the human impact on ecosystems.
8 min answer →

How does the body keep its internal conditions stable and respond to changes around it?

Homeostasis and control systems, the nervous system and reflexes, the structure and function of the brain and eye (separate sciences), hormonal coordination by the endocrine system, the control of blood glucose, and human reproduction hormones.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Homeostasis and response topic, covering homeostasis and control systems, the nervous system and reflex arc, hormonal coordination by the endocrine system, control of blood glucose and diabetes, and reproductive hormones.
9 min answer →

What causes communicable disease, how does the body defend itself, and how are diseases prevented and treated?

Communicable diseases caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi and protists); examples in plants and animals; the human defence systems; vaccination, antibiotics and painkillers; and the discovery and development of drugs.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Infection and response topic, covering pathogens and communicable diseases, human defences and the immune system, vaccination, antibiotics and painkillers, and how new drugs are developed.
8 min answer →

How is information passed on through genes, and how do species change over time?

Sexual and asexual reproduction, meiosis, DNA and the genome, genetic inheritance and inherited disorders, variation and mutation, evolution by natural selection, selective breeding, genetic engineering, and evidence for evolution including fossils and extinction.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Inheritance, variation and evolution topic, covering reproduction and meiosis, DNA and the genome, genetic inheritance and disorders, variation and mutation, evolution by natural selection, selective breeding and genetic engineering.
9 min answer →

How are cells organised into tissues, organs and systems, and how do the digestive, circulatory and plant transport systems work?

Cells, tissues, organs and organ systems; enzymes and the digestive system; the heart, blood vessels and blood; coronary heart disease and health; and transport in plants by the xylem and phloem with transpiration.
A focused answer to the AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Organisation topic, covering the hierarchy of organisation, enzymes and digestion, the heart, blood and blood vessels, coronary heart disease and health, and plant transport by xylem and phloem.
9 min answer →