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WalesBiology

Unit 1: Cells and exchange

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How is the small intestine adapted to absorb digested food efficiently?

The absorption of the soluble products of digestion in the small intestine, the adaptations of villi and microvilli for absorption, and the role of diffusion and active transport in taking up glucose and amino acids.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.3 topic on absorption, covering how the soluble products of digestion are absorbed in the small intestine, the adaptations of villi and microvilli for efficient absorption, and the role of diffusion and active transport.
9 min answer →

What are the parts of animal and plant cells, and how do cells build up into organisms?

The structure and function of the sub-cellular parts of animal and plant cells, the differences between them, and the levels of organisation from cells to tissues, organs and organ systems.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.1 topic on cells, covering the sub-cellular structures of animal and plant cells, the differences between them, and the levels of organisation from cells through tissues and organs to organ systems and the whole organism.
9 min answer →

How do substances move into and out of cells, and what is the difference between diffusion, osmosis and active transport?

Diffusion, osmosis and active transport as ways substances move across cell membranes, the factors that affect diffusion, the effect of osmosis on plant and animal cells, and the osmosis required practical.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.1 topic on movement across membranes, covering diffusion and the factors affecting it, osmosis and its effect on plant and animal cells, active transport and its energy demand, and the required practical on osmosis in plant tissue.
10 min answer →

Which enzymes digest each food group, and how do we test a food for starch, sugar, protein and fat?

The action of carbohydrases, proteases and lipases in digestion, the products they form, the effect of temperature and pH on enzymes, and the food tests for starch, reducing sugars, protein and lipids.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.3 topic on digestive enzymes and food tests, covering carbohydrases, proteases and lipases and their products, the effect of temperature and pH on enzymes including denaturing, and the iodine, Benedict's, biuret and emulsion food tests.
10 min answer →

How are cells specialised for their jobs, and how do we measure their real size under a microscope?

Cell differentiation and the adaptations of specialised cells, the use of a light microscope, and calculating magnification, image size and real size, including the use of scale bars and unit conversion.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.1 topic on specialised cells and microscopy, covering cell differentiation, the adaptations of common specialised cells, using a light microscope, and the magnification equation with image size, real size, scale bars and unit conversion.
10 min answer →

What are the parts of the human digestive system, and what does each one do?

The structure and function of the organs of the human digestive system, the food groups in a balanced diet, the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion, and the role of bile.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.3 topic on the digestive system, covering the food groups of a balanced diet, the organs of the alimentary canal and their functions, the difference between mechanical and chemical digestion, and the role of bile.
9 min answer →