Edexcel A-level Biology Year 12 revision

Topic 1: Biological molecules

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Key concepts in biology and Genetics, and takes it further.

There are 9 parts: we start with water and inorganic ions, and finish with DNA and protein synthesis.

1. 1.1Water and inorganic ions29 questions
2. 1.2Monomers, polymers and carbohydratesFree 35 questions
3. 1.3Biochemical tests for carbohydrates, lipids and proteins (Benedict's, iodine, biuret, emulsion)39 questions
4. 1.4Lipids28 questions
5. 1.5Proteins and enzyme action67 questions
6. 1.6Practical: investigating factors affecting the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions60 questions
7. 1.7Nucleic acids and ATP28 questions
8. 1.8DNA, genes and chromosomesFree 26 questions
9. 1.9DNA and protein synthesis27 questions

Topic 2: Cells, viruses and reproduction of living things

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Cells and control and Genetics, and takes it further.

There are 12 parts: we start with cell structure, and finish with cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems.

1. 2.1Cell structureFree 71 questions
2. 2.2Microscopy: magnification, resolution and light, TEM, SEM and laser scanning microscopes70 questions
3. 2.3Practical: preparing temporary slides, using a light microscope and calibrating an eyepiece graticuleFree 61 questions
4. 2.4Prokaryotic cells and binary fissionFree 67 questions
5. 2.5Viruses: structure, replication and HIV30 questions
6. 2.6Cell division and the cell cycle51 questions
7. 2.7Practical: root tip squash, observing mitosis and calculating mitotic index69 questions
8. 2.8Genetic diversity: mutation and meiosis25 questions
9. 2.9Gametogenesis in humans: spermatogenesis and oogenesis44 questions
10. 2.10Fertilisation in mammals: acrosome reaction and cortical reaction34 questions
11. 2.11Sexual reproduction in flowering plants: flower structure, pollination and fertilisationFree 38 questions
12. 2.12Cell differentiation, stem cells, tissues, organs and organ systems73 questions

Topic 3: Classification and biodiversity

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Natural selection and genetic modification and Ecosystems and material cycles, and takes it further.

There are 9 parts: we start with species, binomial nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy, and finish with balancing human needs and conservation.

1. 3.1Species, binomial nomenclature and the taxonomic hierarchy31 questions
2. 3.2Phylogeny, the three domains and five kingdoms, and molecular evidence for relationships36 questions
3. 3.3Natural selection, evidence for evolution and speciation34 questions
4. 3.4Genetic diversity, adaptation and biodiversity23 questions
5. 3.5Investigating biodiversity: random sampling, transects, mark-release-recapture and Simpson's index67 questions
6. 3.6Why biodiversity matters: ecological, economic, ethical and aesthetic reasonsFree 27 questions
7. 3.7Human activities that reduce biodiversity: agriculture, deforestation and climate change22 questions
8. 3.8Conservation methods: in situ, ex situ, seed banks and international agreements (CITES, CBD)31 questions
9. 3.9Balancing human needs and conservation: evaluating data and management strategies67 questions

Topic 4: Exchange and transport

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Exchange and transport in animals and Plant structures and their functions, and takes it further.

There are 15 parts: we start with surface area to volume ratio and gas exchange, and finish with plants as sources of drugs and antimicrobials.

1. 4.1Surface area to volume ratio and gas exchangeFree 33 questions
2. 4.2Transport across cell membranes31 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
5. 4.5Mass transport in animals33 questions
6. 4.6Control of the heartbeat: SAN, AVN, Purkyne tissue and ECG interpretation71 questions
7. 4.7Practical: effect of a named variable (e.g. caffeine, temperature) on Daphnia heart rate75 questions
8. 4.8Blood, tissue fluid, lymph and blood clotting61 questions
9. 4.9Cardiovascular disease: risk factors, correlation and causation35 questions
10. 4.10Mass transport in plants31 questions
11. 4.11Practical: transpiration with a potometer and stomatal density25 questions
12. 4.12Practical: dissection of a gas exchange or mass transport system (fish gills, insect trachea, lungs, heart, plant stem)51 questions
13. 4.13Plant fibres and cellulose: structure and practical on tensile strength31 questions
14. 4.14Plant mineral ions and deficiency: practical investigation38 questions
15. 4.15Plants as sources of drugs and antimicrobials: testing and drug trials30 questions

Topic S: Practical and maths skills

It builds on what you learned at GCSE in Practical and maths skills, and takes it further.

There are 7 parts: we start with planning and designing investigations, and finish with drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources.

1. S.1Planning and designing investigations: variables, controls, risk assessment and ethicsFree 35 questions
2. S.2Apparatus and techniques: measurement, serial dilution, colorimetry, chromatography and vitamin C (DCPIP) titration26 questions
3. S.3Processing and presenting data: tables, graphs, rates, gradients and percentage change67 questions
4. S.4Mathematical skills: SI units, standard form, ratios, logarithms, surface area and volume, and magnification calculations49 questions
5. S.5Statistical tests: mean, standard deviation, error bars, t-test, chi-squared and correlation (Spearman's rank)59 questions
6. S.6Uncertainty, accuracy, precision, validity and reliability32 questions
7. S.7Drawing conclusions and evaluating methods, evidence and sources36 questions

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