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EnglandBiology

Topic 1: Key concepts in biology

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How are the sub-cellular structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells related to their functions?

Explain how the sub-cellular structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are related to their functions, including the nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts, cell wall, vacuole, plasmids and flagella.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 1.1, covering eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the sub-cellular structures of animal, plant and bacterial cells, and how each structure is related to its function.
9 min answer →

How do enzymes work as biological catalysts, and what affects their activity?

Explain the mechanism of enzyme action including the active site and specificity, how enzymes are denatured, the effects of temperature, substrate concentration and pH, and the importance of enzymes in synthesis and breakdown reactions.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 1.7 to 1.12, covering the lock and key model, the active site and specificity, denaturation, the effects of temperature, pH and substrate concentration, and rate calculations.
10 min answer →

How can chemical reagents identify the food groups, and how is the energy in food measured?

Use chemical reagents to identify starch, reducing sugars, proteins and fats in food samples, and explain how the energy contained in food can be measured using calorimetry.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 1.13B and 1.14B, covering the iodine, Benedict's, biuret and emulsion (or Sudan III) food tests and how calorimetry measures the energy in food.
9 min answer →

How are specialised cells adapted to their function, and how does microscopy let us see and measure cells?

Describe how specialised cells are adapted to their function, explain how microscope technology has improved our understanding of cells, and use the magnification equation with the correct units.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 1.2 to 1.6, covering how specialised cells are adapted to their function, how light and electron microscopes differ, and the magnification equation with unit conversion.
9 min answer →

How are substances moved into and out of cells by diffusion, osmosis and active transport?

Explain how substances are transported into and out of cells by diffusion, osmosis and active transport, investigate osmosis in potatoes, and calculate the percentage change in mass.
A focused answer to Edexcel GCSE Biology 1.15 to 1.17, covering diffusion, osmosis and active transport, the osmosis core practical with potatoes, and how to calculate the percentage change in mass.
10 min answer →