Edexcel GCSE Biology Revision
Explore Edexcel GCSE Biology revision topics. Check the official specification for complete requirements for your exam year and route.
Course details
Assessment The assessment includes Paper 1; see the official specification for the full structure.
Tick a point after revising it. Progress is saved on this device and does not measure mastery.
Reviewed course guidance
Revision points, with the explanation beside them
Open a point to read what to know, how to use it in an assessment, a plain-language explanation and a self-check. Answers stay hidden until you choose to reveal them.
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Examination tier
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Topic group
Cell as a working unit
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.1 Topic 1 Key concepts: microscopy and cells
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Animal and plant eukaryotic cells share a membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes and a nucleus; plant cells also have a cellulose wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.
- Bacterial cells are smaller prokaryotes: circular DNA lies free in the cytoplasm, and some have plasmids and a cell wall.
What to do in an assessment
- When a micrograph shows a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, identify a eukaryote
- use the wall and chloroplasts to distinguish a plant cell.
In plain language
When a micrograph shows a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, identify a eukaryote; use the wall and chloroplasts to distinguish a plant cell.
Self-check
Why can a bacterium have DNA but no nucleus?
Show the answer
Its DNA is present as a circular loop in the cytoplasm; prokaryotes do not enclose DNA in a nucleus.
Topic group
Specialisation and scale
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.2 Topic 2 Cells and control: specialised cells
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A specialised cell has structures adapted to a job: a red blood cell has a biconcave shape and haemoglobin; a root hair cell has a long extension; a sperm cell has a flagellum and many mitochondria.
- Magnification is image size divided by actual size, using matching units; 1 mm = 1000 µm.
What to do in an assessment
- For a microscopy calculation, convert both measurements to the same unit before dividing
- then state the magnification with no unit.
In plain language
For a microscopy calculation, convert both measurements to the same unit before dividing; then state the magnification with no unit.
Self-check
A 40 µm cell is drawn 8 mm long. What is the magnification?
Show the answer
8 mm = 8000 µm; 8000 ÷ 40 = ×200.
Topic group
Microscopy and evidence
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.3 Topic 1 Key concepts: size and scale
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A light microscope reveals cells and larger structures; an electron microscope resolves smaller organelles because electrons have a much shorter wavelength.
- A labelled biological drawing records observed proportions and clear structures rather than artistic shading.
What to do in an assessment
- State the specimen, magnification or scale bar, and the visible evidence that supports an identification
- do not infer an organelle that cannot be resolved.
In plain language
State the specimen, magnification or scale bar, and the visible evidence that supports an identification; do not infer an organelle that cannot be resolved.
Self-check
Why might an electron micrograph show more detail than a light micrograph?
Show the answer
Its higher resolving power can separate structures that are too close together to appear distinct under a light microscope.
Topic group
Membranes and transport
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.4 Topic 2 Cells and control: transport across membranes
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Diffusion is net particle movement from higher to lower concentration. Osmosis is net water movement through a partially permeable membrane from a more dilute to a more concentrated solution.
- Active transport moves substances against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration and membrane-carrier proteins.
What to do in an assessment
- Describe the direction, membrane and gradient separately
- a plant cell in a concentrated solution loses water and becomes flaccid, whereas a dilute solution can make it turgid.
In plain language
Describe the direction, membrane and gradient separately; a plant cell in a concentrated solution loses water and becomes flaccid, whereas a dilute solution can make it turgid.
Self-check
A cell takes up mineral ions when their concentration is lower outside than inside. Which process explains this?
Show the answer
Active transport, because ions move against their concentration gradient and energy is needed.
Topic group
Enzymes and rate
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.5 Topic 1 Key concepts: enzymes
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Enzymes are protein catalysts: a substrate fits the enzyme active site, forms an enzyme–substrate complex, and product leaves.
- High temperature or an extreme pH can alter the active site shape; the substrate then fits less well and the rate falls.
What to do in an assessment
- For an enzyme graph, identify the optimum and describe both sides of the curve
- separate the collision-rate effect of warming from denaturation above the optimum.
In plain language
For an enzyme graph, identify the optimum and describe both sides of the curve; separate the collision-rate effect of warming from denaturation above the optimum.
Self-check
Why does very high temperature reduce enzyme activity irreversibly?
Show the answer
Bonds maintaining the protein structure break, changing the active site so the substrate no longer fits.
Topic group
Digestion and absorption
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.6 Topic 5 Health, disease and medicines: digestion
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Amylase breaks starch into sugars, proteases break proteins into amino acids, and lipases break lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
- Bile is made by the liver and stored in the gall bladder; it neutralises acidic chyme and emulsifies fat into droplets with a larger surface area.
What to do in an assessment
- Link each digestive enzyme to its substrate and products
- explain that villi provide a large area, thin epithelium and blood supply for rapid absorption.
In plain language
Link each digestive enzyme to its substrate and products; explain that villi provide a large area, thin epithelium and blood supply for rapid absorption.
Self-check
How does emulsification help lipid digestion without chemically digesting fat?
Show the answer
It breaks large fat globules into small droplets, increasing the surface area on which lipase can act.
Topic group
Gas exchange and breathing
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.7 Topic 8 Exchange and transport in animals: gas exchange
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Alveoli have a large surface area, a moist one-cell-thick wall and dense capillaries; ventilation and blood flow maintain steep oxygen and carbon-dioxide gradients.
- Inhalation contracts the diaphragm and external intercostal muscles, increasing chest volume and lowering pressure so air enters.
What to do in an assessment
- When comparing a healthy and damaged lung, connect a changed surface or diffusion path to the direction of gas movement and then to blood concentration.
In plain language
When comparing a healthy and damaged lung, connect a changed surface or diffusion path to the direction of gas movement and then to blood concentration.
Self-check
Why does emphysema reduce oxygen uptake?
Show the answer
Alveolar walls are damaged, reducing exchange area, so oxygen diffuses into blood more slowly.
Topic group
Blood and circulation
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.8 Topic 8 Exchange and transport in animals: circulation
Open revision guidance
What to know
- The heart has a right and left side separated by a septum; valves prevent backflow, and the left ventricle has a thick wall to drive blood around the body.
- Arteries carry blood away from the heart under high pressure, veins return blood and have valves, and capillaries have thin walls for exchange.
What to do in an assessment
- Trace a named route in order, stating whether blood is oxygenated at each point
- pulmonary arteries are an exception to the usual oxygen content of arteries.
In plain language
Trace a named route in order, stating whether blood is oxygenated at each point; pulmonary arteries are an exception to the usual oxygen content of arteries.
Self-check
Why is the left ventricular wall thicker than the right?
Show the answer
It must generate greater pressure to pump blood around the whole body rather than only to the lungs.
Topic group
Transport in plants
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.9 Topic 6 Plant structures and functions: transport
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Xylem vessels are dead, hollow tubes reinforced with lignin; they carry water and mineral ions from roots towards leaves.
- Phloem transports dissolved sugars by translocation between sources and sinks; this movement can occur in either direction in different sieve tubes.
What to do in an assessment
- Distinguish transpiration (water loss from leaves) from translocation (sugar movement)
- explain how evaporation from mesophyll pulls water up xylem.
In plain language
Distinguish transpiration (water loss from leaves) from translocation (sugar movement); explain how evaporation from mesophyll pulls water up xylem.
Self-check
Which tissue moves sucrose from a leaf to a growing root?
Show the answer
Phloem, by translocation from the source leaf to the sink root.
Topic group
Photosynthesis and limiting factors
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.10 Topic 6 Plant structures and functions: photosynthesis
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Photosynthesis transfers light energy into chemical energy: carbon dioxide and water form glucose and oxygen. Chlorophyll in chloroplasts absorbs light.
- Light intensity, carbon-dioxide concentration and temperature can limit the rate; increasing one factor stops helping once a different factor is limiting.
What to do in an assessment
- Use the curve to identify the limiting factor in each region
- explain that a plateau signals another resource or enzyme-controlled step now limits rate.
In plain language
Use the curve to identify the limiting factor in each region; explain that a plateau signals another resource or enzyme-controlled step now limits rate.
Self-check
Why can extra light stop increasing photosynthesis at high intensity?
Show the answer
Another factor such as carbon dioxide or temperature has become limiting, so light is no longer the rate-limiting factor.
Topic group
Respiration and energy
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.11 Topic 1 Key concepts: respiration
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Aerobic respiration releases energy from glucose using oxygen and produces carbon dioxide and water. Anaerobic respiration releases less energy without oxygen.
- In human muscle, anaerobic respiration forms lactate; oxygen debt describes extra oxygen later used to restore resting conditions.
What to do in an assessment
- Do not say breathing itself releases energy: ventilation supplies oxygen, while cellular respiration in cells transfers energy for muscle contraction and other processes.
In plain language
Do not say breathing itself releases energy: ventilation supplies oxygen, while cellular respiration in cells transfers energy for muscle contraction and other processes.
Self-check
Why does a sprinter continue breathing rapidly after a race?
Show the answer
Additional oxygen is taken in to help remove or process lactate and restore the body to its resting state.
Topic group
Pathogens and transmission
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.12 Topic 5 Health and disease
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A pathogen is a disease-causing microorganism. Bacteria can reproduce rapidly and may release toxins; viruses reproduce inside host cells and damage them.
- Transmission can occur through air, water, direct contact or vectors; hygiene, isolation and vector control interrupt transmission routes.
What to do in an assessment
- In an unfamiliar outbreak, distinguish evidence of transmission from symptoms
- identify a control measure that blocks the actual route.
In plain language
In an unfamiliar outbreak, distinguish evidence of transmission from symptoms; identify a control measure that blocks the actual route.
Self-check
Why will handwashing not directly cure an infection already inside tissues?
Show the answer
It reduces transfer of pathogens from hands but does not remove pathogens already reproducing inside the body.
Topic group
Defences, immunity and medicines
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.13 Topic 5 Health: immunity and medicines
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Physical barriers include skin, mucus and cilia. White blood cells can engulf pathogens or make specific antibodies that bind antigens.
- Vaccination exposes the immune system to antigens so memory cells enable a faster response on later exposure. Antibiotics treat susceptible bacteria, not viruses.
What to do in an assessment
- Explain the memory-cell sequence when comparing first and later exposures
- do not claim a vaccine instantly prevents all infection.
In plain language
Explain the memory-cell sequence when comparing first and later exposures; do not claim a vaccine instantly prevents all infection.
Self-check
Why do antibiotics not treat influenza?
Show the answer
Influenza is caused by a virus, and antibiotics target bacterial structures or processes rather than viruses.
Topic group
Nervous coordination
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.14 Topic 7 Animal coordination and control
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A stimulus is detected by a receptor; impulses travel along sensory neurones to the central nervous system and then along motor neurones to an effector.
- A reflex arc produces a rapid, automatic response; at a synapse, neurotransmitter crosses the gap and triggers a new impulse.
What to do in an assessment
- Order the pathway using receptor → sensory neurone → CNS/relay neurone → motor neurone → effector
- link speed to protection from harm.
In plain language
Order the pathway using receptor → sensory neurone → CNS/relay neurone → motor neurone → effector; link speed to protection from harm.
Self-check
What crosses a synapse to pass the signal between neurones?
Show the answer
A neurotransmitter chemical diffuses across the synaptic gap and binds to receptors on the next neurone.
Topic group
Hormones and homeostasis
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.15 Topic 7 Homeostasis
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Hormones are chemical messengers carried in blood; a target cell responds when it has the matching receptor. Insulin lowers blood glucose by increasing uptake and conversion to glycogen.
- Homeostasis maintains internal conditions near suitable levels by negative feedback: a deviation triggers responses that oppose the change.
What to do in an assessment
- For a control-system question, name the detected change, hormone, target response and how that response reverses the original change.
In plain language
For a control-system question, name the detected change, hormone, target response and how that response reverses the original change.
Self-check
After a meal, how does insulin help lower blood glucose?
Show the answer
It promotes glucose uptake by cells and conversion of glucose to glycogen, especially in liver and muscle.
Topic group
Kidneys and water balance
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.15 Topic 7 Animal coordination and control: homeostasis
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Kidneys filter blood; useful glucose, needed ions and most water are reabsorbed, while urea and excess substances are excreted in urine.
- ADH changes the permeability of collecting ducts, adjusting how much water returns to blood; more ADH produces a smaller volume of more concentrated urine.
What to do in an assessment
- When interpreting urine data, distinguish solute concentration from total urine volume and explain the response to dehydration.
In plain language
When interpreting urine data, distinguish solute concentration from total urine volume and explain the response to dehydration.
Self-check
What happens to urine after dehydration raises blood water conservation?
Show the answer
More ADH makes collecting ducts more permeable, so more water is reabsorbed and urine volume falls while it becomes more concentrated.
Topic group
Reproduction and development
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.17 Topic 3 Genetics: inheritance
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Sexual reproduction combines gametes and produces genetically varied offspring; fertilisation joins nuclei. Asexual reproduction uses one parent and usually produces genetically similar offspring.
- In flowering plants, pollen reaches a stigma, a pollen tube grows to an ovule, and male and female nuclei fuse.
What to do in an assessment
- Follow each structure and event in sequence
- keep pollination (pollen transfer) distinct from fertilisation (nuclear fusion).
In plain language
Follow each structure and event in sequence; keep pollination (pollen transfer) distinct from fertilisation (nuclear fusion).
Self-check
What is the difference between pollination and fertilisation?
Show the answer
Pollination transfers pollen to a stigma; fertilisation is fusion of the male and female gamete nuclei.
Topic group
Genes, inheritance and cell division
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.17 Topic 3 Genetics: inheritance
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A gene is a DNA base sequence coding for a polypeptide; alleles are alternative versions of a gene. Chromosomes carry genes in the nucleus.
- Mitosis makes two genetically identical cells for growth and repair; meiosis makes haploid gametes with genetically varied combinations.
What to do in an assessment
- Use a genetic diagram with defined allele symbols and parental genotypes
- state whether a result is probability, not a guaranteed family outcome.
In plain language
Use a genetic diagram with defined allele symbols and parental genotypes; state whether a result is probability, not a guaranteed family outcome.
Self-check
Two heterozygous parents are Aa. What is the chance of an aa offspring?
Show the answer
The combinations are AA, Aa, Aa, aa, so one of four outcomes is aa: 25% for each conception.
Topic group
Variation, selection and evolution
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.19 Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Variation can be genetic, environmental or both. Mutations create new alleles; meiosis and fertilisation generate new allele combinations.
- Natural selection occurs when heritable variants differ in survival or reproduction; advantageous alleles become more common over generations.
What to do in an assessment
- Explain a selection example as variation → selection pressure → differential reproduction → change in allele frequency, not as an organism choosing to adapt.
In plain language
Explain a selection example as variation → selection pressure → differential reproduction → change in allele frequency, not as an organism choosing to adapt.
Self-check
How can antibiotic resistance become common in a bacterial population?
Show the answer
A resistant variant survives antibiotic treatment and reproduces; its resistance allele is passed on, increasing in frequency.
Topic group
Ecology, cycles and biodiversity
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.19 Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A food chain shows energy transfer; producers capture light, and biomass is lost between trophic levels through respiration, waste and uneaten material.
- Decomposers break down dead material and recycle mineral ions; photosynthesis and respiration move carbon between atmospheric and living pools.
What to do in an assessment
- For a biodiversity investigation, identify the sampling unit, use random or systematic sampling appropriately, and compare counts with equal effort and area.
In plain language
For a biodiversity investigation, identify the sampling unit, use random or systematic sampling appropriately, and compare counts with equal effort and area.
Self-check
Why is less energy available at a higher trophic level?
Show the answer
Organisms use energy in respiration and movement, and material is lost in waste, so not all biomass is transferred to the next level.
Topic group
Practical planning and data
- Core
Scope: Core · Specification Appendix 1 mathematical skills, Appendix 2 practical skills and Core Practical requirements
Open revision guidance
What to know
- A fair test changes an independent variable, measures a dependent variable and controls relevant variables; repeats help reveal anomalies and improve reliability.
- Choose a range and suitable intervals, record units, calculate a mean only after considering anomalies, and plot points with correctly labelled axes.
What to do in an assessment
- For a practical evaluation, link a limitation to its effect on the result and propose a feasible improvement
- safety controls must address the named hazard.
In plain language
For a practical evaluation, link a limitation to its effect on the result and propose a feasible improvement; safety controls must address the named hazard.
Self-check
Why repeat measurements at each temperature in an enzyme investigation?
Show the answer
Repeats reveal variation or anomalies and allow a more reliable mean estimate at each temperature.
Topic group
Selective breeding and genetic modification
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.18 Topic 4 Natural selection and genetic modification
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Selective breeding chooses parents with useful inherited features and repeats the cross over generations; it can reduce genetic variation and increase inherited health problems.
- Genetic modification inserts or changes a gene to introduce a desired feature, but its ecological and ethical consequences require evaluation.
What to do in an assessment
- Compare method, timescale, source of genetic change and possible risks; do not describe selective breeding as the same process as gene editing.
In plain language
Compare method, timescale, source of genetic change and possible risks; do not describe selective breeding as the same process as gene editing.
Self-check
Why can repeated selective breeding reduce variation?
Show the answer
Only a small set of parents is chosen each generation, so fewer alleles are passed on and harmful recessive alleles may become common.
Topic group
Reproductive hormones and cycles
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.17 Topic 3 Genetics: inheritance
Open revision guidance
What to know
- FSH stimulates maturation of an ovarian follicle; oestrogen rebuilds the uterus lining and suppresses FSH; LH triggers ovulation; progesterone maintains the lining.
- Hormone concentrations change over the menstrual cycle, so use a graph to identify peaks and the events they cause.
What to do in an assessment
- When interpreting a hormone graph, describe timing and effect rather than claiming that a hormone concentration alone proves pregnancy.
In plain language
When interpreting a hormone graph, describe timing and effect rather than claiming that a hormone concentration alone proves pregnancy.
Self-check
Which hormone surge triggers ovulation?
Show the answer
A peak in luteinising hormone (LH) triggers ovulation.
Topic group
Plant reproduction and seed formation
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.17 Topic 3 Genetics: inheritance
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Pollen grains carry male nuclei; after pollination a pollen tube grows through the style to an ovule, where a male nucleus fuses with the egg nucleus.
- Seeds contain an embryo and food store; dispersal reduces competition with the parent plant.
What to do in an assessment
- Trace the sequence from anther to stigma to ovule and distinguish pollination from fertilisation.
In plain language
Trace the sequence from anther to stigma to ovule and distinguish pollination from fertilisation.
Self-check
What grows from the pollen grain after it lands on a compatible stigma?
Show the answer
A pollen tube grows down the style towards an ovule, carrying the male nucleus.
Topic group
Ecological relationships and nutrient cycles
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.19 Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Decomposers secrete enzymes onto dead material and absorb soluble products, returning mineral ions to soil or water.
- In the carbon cycle, photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide, respiration and decomposition return it, and combustion transfers stored carbon to the atmosphere.
What to do in an assessment
- Explain a cycle with named processes and direction of transfer; connect a human activity to the pool it changes.
In plain language
Explain a cycle with named processes and direction of transfer; connect a human activity to the pool it changes.
Self-check
How do decomposers return carbon to the atmosphere?
Show the answer
They respire while breaking down organic material and release carbon dioxide.
Topic group
Human impacts and conservation
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.19 Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Habitat loss, pollution, overharvesting and climate change can reduce population size and biodiversity.
- Conservation can protect habitats, manage harvesting or maintain genetic diversity; strategies involve ecological evidence and trade-offs.
What to do in an assessment
- Use a local example to state the pressure, affected population and evidence that a proposed management action helps.
In plain language
Use a local example to state the pressure, affected population and evidence that a proposed management action helps.
Self-check
Why can a wildlife corridor help a fragmented population?
Show the answer
It can reconnect habitats, allowing organisms to move between groups and maintaining gene flow.
Topic group
Sampling populations fairly
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.20 Appendix: practical and mathematical requirements
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Quadrats estimate abundance or percentage cover in a defined area; random placement reduces selection bias. Transects reveal change along an environmental gradient.
- The same quadrat area, sampling rule and effort are needed for a fair comparison between sites.
What to do in an assessment
- Calculate mean density per unit area and state sample size; explain whether random sampling or a transect matches the question.
In plain language
Calculate mean density per unit area and state sample size; explain whether random sampling or a transect matches the question.
Self-check
Why use systematic quadrats along a transect from shore inland?
Show the answer
The transect samples a defined gradient, showing how abundance changes with distance from the shore.
Topic group
Microscope practical and drawing
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.3 Topic 1 Key concepts: size and scale
Open revision guidance
What to know
- Prepare a thin specimen, focus first at low power, then increase magnification; use a scale bar or calibrated eyepiece for measurement.
- A scientific drawing uses clear single lines, no shading, accurate relative proportions and labels that touch the relevant structure.
What to do in an assessment
- Record magnification and scale; make a labelled drawing from what is visible and avoid naming structures beyond the microscope resolution.
In plain language
Record magnification and scale; make a labelled drawing from what is visible and avoid naming structures beyond the microscope resolution.
Self-check
Why begin focusing with the lowest-power objective?
Show the answer
It gives a wider field of view and makes the specimen easier and safer to locate before magnifying further.
Topic group
Osmosis investigation and variables
- Core
Scope: Core · 1.4 Topic 2 Cells and control: transport across membranes
Open revision guidance
What to know
- To compare water movement, cut equal-sized tissue pieces, measure initial mass, place them in known concentrations for a fixed time, then blot and reweigh.
- Percentage change in mass allows comparison; a zero change estimates the solution concentration with similar water potential to the tissue.
What to do in an assessment
- Keep dimensions, solution volume, time and temperature controlled; repeat each concentration and plot mean percentage change.
In plain language
Keep dimensions, solution volume, time and temperature controlled; repeat each concentration and plot mean percentage change.
Self-check
What does zero percentage mass change suggest?
Show the answer
There is no net water movement, so the external solution and tissue have similar water potential.
Earlier topic checklist
These earlier topic ticks are separate from the reviewed points above and do not count towards that progress.
Biology topic list
This is a topic overview, not a complete specification checklist. Check the official course for all assessed content, options and your exam year.
The exact course specification for this overview has not been confirmed. Check the qualification code and any A/B pathway with your school before using this list.
Tick each item off as you revise. Ticks are saved on this device only.
These ticks keep your earlier topic checklist. They do not count towards the new reviewed requirements above. Its numbering may be internal; use the linked references above for the exact reviewed source requirements.
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