What does the Cells, genetics and evolution module cover?

This module gathers the genetics and evolution content of Biology 2 in WJEC GCSE Science Double Award. It covers cell division by mitosis and meiosis and stem cells, DNA, genes and chromosomes and inheritance using genetic diagrams, genetic and environmental variation and evolution by natural selection, and the classification of living things, keys and biodiversity.

Which unit and paper assess this module?

These topics are part of Unit 4 (Biology 2), a written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes worth 15 percent of the Double Award qualification, sat at Foundation or Higher tier. Questions mix recall, genetic diagrams and extended explanation.

What skills are needed here?

You need to draw and interpret genetic (Punnett) diagrams and work out genotype and phenotype ratios and probabilities, including inherited disorders and sex determination. You should also be able to explain natural selection clearly and use a key to identify organisms.

What kinds of question come up?

Expect questions comparing mitosis and meiosis, describing stem cells and their uses, using genetic diagrams for inheritance, explaining variation and evolution by natural selection (including antibiotic resistance), and describing classification, keys and the importance of biodiversity.

How should I revise this module?

Learn the differences between mitosis and meiosis and what stem cells do. Practise genetic diagrams until ratios and probabilities are automatic, and learn the key genetics terms. Rehearse the steps of natural selection with examples, and learn classification, keys and biodiversity. Use WJEC Double Award past papers and watch the command words.

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WJEC GCSE Science Double Award: Cells, genetics and evolution (Unit 4, Biology 2) overview

An overview of the Cells, genetics and evolution module in WJEC GCSE Science Double Award (Unit 4, Biology 2), mapping cell division and stem cells, DNA and inheritance, variation and evolution, and classification and biodiversity.

Generated by Claude Opus 4.86 min readDouble Award Unit 4 (Biology 2)Updated 2026-06-15

Reviewed by: AI editorial process; not yet individually human-reviewed

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The topics in this module
How this module fits the exam
How to study this module

The Cells, genetics and evolution module gathers the genetics and evolution content of Biology 2 in WJEC GCSE Science Double Award. It explains how cells divide, how characteristics are inherited, how species change over time, and how living things are classified. This page maps the module and links to a focused answer page for each part.

The topics in this module

Cell division and stem cells: Mitosis and meiosis and their differences, and stem cells and their uses. See Cell division and stem cells.
DNA and inheritance: DNA, genes and chromosomes, alleles, and genetic diagrams. See DNA and inheritance.
Variation and evolution: Genetic and environmental variation and evolution by natural selection. See Variation and evolution.
Classification and biodiversity: Classifying living things, using keys, and the importance of biodiversity. See Classification and biodiversity.

How this module fits the exam

These topics sit in Unit 4 (Biology 2), a written paper of 1 hour 15 minutes worth 15%. Questions mix recall (cell division, classification), genetic diagrams (inheritance) and extended explanation (natural selection).

How to study this module

Compare the divisions. Mitosis (2 identical) versus meiosis (4 different, half chromosomes).
Master genetic diagrams. Genotype and phenotype, ratios and probabilities.
Learn natural selection. The steps, with examples such as antibiotic resistance.
Know classification. Groups, keys, and how it reflects evolution.
Understand biodiversity. Why it matters and how it is protected.

Then test yourself with the module quiz.

Sources & how we know this

WJEC GCSE Science (Double Award) specification (from 2016) — WJEC (2016)