Cambridge A-level Biology Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Cell structure

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Organisation of the organism, and takes it further.

There are 6 parts: we start with cell structure, and finish with viruses.

1. 1.1Cell structureFree 71 questions
2. 1.2Microscopy: magnification, resolution and light, TEM, SEM and laser scanning microscopes70 questions
3. 1.3Practical: preparing temporary slides, using a light microscope and calibrating an eyepiece graticuleFree 61 questions
4. 1.4The cytoskeleton, centrioles and how cells make and secrete proteins60 questions
5. 1.5Prokaryotic cells and binary fissionFree 67 questions
6. 1.6Viruses: structure, replication and HIV30 questions

Topic 2: Biological molecules

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Biological molecules, and takes it further.

There are 5 parts: we start with biochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (Benedict's, iodine, biuret, emulsion), and finish with water and inorganic ions.

1. 2.1Biochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (Benedict's, iodine, biuret, emulsion)39 questions
2. 2.2Monomers, polymers and carbohydratesFree 35 questions
3. 2.3Lipids28 questions
4. 2.4Proteins and enzyme action67 questions
5. 2.5Water and inorganic ions29 questions

Topic 3: Enzymes

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Enzymes, and takes it further.

There are 2 parts: we start with enzyme cofactors, coenzymes and prosthetic groups, and finish with the practical on investigating factors affecting the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions.

1. 3.1Enzyme cofactors, coenzymes and prosthetic groups69 questions
2. 3.2Practical: investigating factors affecting the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions60 questions

Topic 4: Cell membranes and transport

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Movement into and out of cells, and takes it further.

There are 4 parts: we start with transport across cell membranes, and finish with the practical on dilution series and calibration curve to determine water potential of plant tissue.

1. 4.1Transport across cell membranes31 questions
2. 4.2Cell signalling and the role of membrane receptors39 questions
3. 4.3Practical: effect of temperature or solvent on cell membrane permeability (beetroot)53 questions
4. 4.4Practical: dilution series and calibration curve to determine water potential of plant tissue21 questions

Topic 5: The mitotic cell cycle

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Inheritance, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with cell division and the cell cycle, and finish with cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.

1. 5.1Cell division and the cell cycle51 questions
2. 5.2Practical: root tip squash, observing mitosis and calculating mitotic index69 questions
3. 5.3Cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems73 questions

Topic 6: Nucleic acids and protein synthesis

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Biological molecules and Inheritance, and takes it further.

There are 4 parts: we start with nucleic acids and ATP, and finish with genetic diversity.

1. 6.1Nucleic acids and ATP28 questions
2. 6.2DNA, genes and chromosomesFree 26 questions
3. 6.3DNA and protein synthesis27 questions
4. 6.4Genetic diversity: mutation and meiosis25 questions

Topic 7: Transport in plants

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Transport in plants, and takes it further.

There are 2 parts: we start with mass transport in plants, and finish with the practical on transpiration with a potometer and stomatal density.

1. 7.1Mass transport in plants31 questions
2. 7.2Practical: transpiration with a potometer and stomatal density25 questions

Topic 8: Transport in mammals

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Transport in animals, and takes it further.

There are 4 parts: we start with mass transport in animals, and finish with the practical on dissection of a gas exchange or mass transport system (fish gills, insect trachea, lungs, heart, plant stem).

1. 8.1Mass transport in animals33 questions
2. 8.2Blood, tissue fluid, lymph and blood clotting61 questions
3. 8.3Control of the heartbeat: SAN, AVN, Purkyne tissue and ECG interpretation71 questions
4. 8.4Practical: dissection of a gas exchange or mass transport system (fish gills, insect trachea, lungs, heart, plant stem)51 questions

Topic 9: Gas exchange

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Gas exchange in humans, and takes it further.

There are 2 parts: we start with surface area to volume ratio and gas exchange, and finish with lung disease, risk factors and interpreting lung function data.

1. 9.1Surface area to volume ratio and gas exchangeFree 33 questions
2. 9.2Lung disease, risk factors and interpreting lung function data82 questions

Topic 10: Infectious diseases

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Diseases and immunity, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with pathogens, transmission and named diseases (TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, ringworm, potato blight), and finish with the practical on aseptic technique and the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth.

1. 10.1Pathogens, transmission and named diseases (TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, ringworm, potato blight)26 questions
2. 10.2Antibiotics, antibiotic resistance and controlling the spread of disease31 questions
3. 10.3Practical: aseptic technique and the effect of antimicrobial substances on microbial growth42 questions

Topic 11: Immunity

It builds on what you learned at IGCSE in Diseases and immunity, and takes it further.

There are 3 parts: we start with non-specific animal defences, and finish with clonal selection, vaccination, herd immunity, monoclonal antibodies and autoimmune disease.

1. 11.1Non-specific animal defences: barriers, inflammation and phagocytosis33 questions
2. 11.2Cell recognition and the immune system36 questions
3. 11.3Clonal selection, vaccination, herd immunity, monoclonal antibodies and autoimmune disease20 questions

Topic P: Practical skills (Paper 3)

There are 6 parts: we start with planning and designing investigations, and finish with drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources.

1. P.1Planning and designing investigations: variables, controls, risk assessment and ethicsFree 35 questions
2. P.2Apparatus and techniques: measurement, serial dilution, colorimetry, chromatography and vitamin C (DCPIP) titration26 questions
3. P.3Processing and presenting data: tables, graphs, rates, gradients and percentage change67 questions
4. P.4Mathematical skills: SI units, standard form, ratios, logarithms, surface area and volume, and magnification calculations49 questions
5. P.5Uncertainty, accuracy, precision, validity and reliability32 questions
6. P.6Drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources36 questions

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