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WalesBiology

Unit 1: Respiration and circulation

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

How do cells release energy from glucose, and what changes when there is not enough oxygen?

Aerobic and anaerobic respiration as the release of energy from glucose, their word equations and products, the uses of the energy released, and oxygen debt after exercise.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.2 topic on respiration, covering aerobic and anaerobic respiration as the release of energy from glucose, their word equations and products, the uses cells make of the energy, and oxygen debt and lactic acid after vigorous exercise.
9 min answer →

What are the components of blood, and what causes cardiovascular disease?

The components of blood and their functions, the risk factors and development of cardiovascular disease, and ways of preventing and treating it.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.4 topic on blood and cardiovascular disease, covering the components of blood (red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma) and their functions, the risk factors and development of coronary heart disease, and ways of preventing and treating it.
9 min answer →

How does the heart pump blood around the body, and how are arteries, veins and capillaries suited to their jobs?

The structure and function of the heart, the double circulation, the pathway of blood through the heart and major vessels, and the structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.4 topic on the heart and blood vessels, covering the structure and function of the heart, the double circulation and pathway of blood, the role of valves, and the structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries.
10 min answer →

How is the human respiratory system built, and how does it move air and exchange gases?

The structure and function of the human respiratory system, the mechanism of breathing in and out, the adaptations of the alveoli for gas exchange, and the effect of exercise on breathing.
A focused answer to the WJEC GCSE Biology section 1.2 topic on the respiratory system, covering the structure and function of its parts, the mechanism of inhalation and exhalation, the adaptations of the alveoli for gas exchange, and how exercise affects breathing.
9 min answer →