Edexcel GCSE Biology, topic 1
Key concepts in biology
This topic covers the building blocks of biology: the structure of cells, how we study them with microscopes, how enzymes speed up reactions, and how substances move in and out of cells. Ideas from this topic come up again in almost every other topic, so it is examined on both papers.
Examined in Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks).
Revision notes
Worksheet
FlashcardsSubtopics
Work through them in order. Each one has notes, exam questions and flashcards, and a PDF of each.
- 1Cell structure and specialised cells Spec 1.1–1.2Sub-cellular structures in animal, plant and bacterial cells, and how sperm, egg and ciliated cells are adapted to their jobs.NotesQuestions 5Flashcards 17
- 2Microscopy and measuring cells Spec 1.3–1.6Light and electron microscopes, estimation, units from milli to pico, and the core practical on using a microscope.NotesQuestions 6Flashcards 11
- 3Enzyme action and activity Spec 1.7–1.11How enzymes work, why they are denatured, the effect of temperature, substrate concentration and pH, and calculating rates.NotesQuestions 7Flashcards 11
- 4Biological catalysts, food tests and energy in food Spec 1.12–1.14BThe importance of enzymes in making and breaking down carbohydrates, proteins and lipids; food tests and calorimetry (Triple only).NotesQuestions 6Flashcards 8
- 5Transport in cells Spec 1.15–1.17Diffusion, osmosis and active transport, the core practical on osmosis in potatoes, and calculating percentage change in mass.NotesQuestions 5Flashcards 9
Whole topic
When you have done the subtopics: test yourself on everything, or print the lot.