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7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Complete Guide to AQA Biology Required Practicals Paper 1

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Rida Sheikh

@idaheikh_l149o53kcn0

Biology practicals are hands-on experiments that help you understand how... Show more

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Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

Microscopy and Food Tests

Microscopy is all about getting a clear view of tiny specimens like onion cells. Cut your specimen thin, add a drop of iodine stain, and carefully lower the coverslip to avoid air bubbles. Always start with the lowest magnification and work your way up whilst adjusting the focus knobs.

Food tests reveal what nutrients are hiding in your samples. You'll need to grind your food with distilled water, filter it, then test for different molecules. Benedict's solution turns green-yellow-red for reducing sugars, iodine goes blue-black for starch, Biuret reagent turns purple for proteins, and Sudan III creates a red layer for lipids.

Safety is crucial - wear goggles for all chemical tests and handle ethanol carefully since it's highly flammable. The emulsion test using ethanol will show a cloudy mixture if lipids are present.

Top Tip: Remember the colour changes - they're often the key to exam success!

Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

Culturing Microorganisms and Osmosis

Culturing bacteria requires sterile technique to prevent contamination. Sterilise your inoculation loop until red-hot, flame the flask neck, and keep the Petri dish lid barely open. Use zig-zag streaks to spread bacteria and add antiseptic discs to test their effectiveness.

Store your plates upside down at maximum 25°C to prevent dangerous bacteria growing. After 48 hours, measure the zone of inhibition around each disc - larger clear areas mean stronger antiseptics.

Osmosis experiments use potato cylinders in different sugar concentrations. Cut identical cylinders, measure their mass and length precisely, then leave them overnight in solutions. Calculate percentage changes to see how water moves in and out of cells.

Plot graphs showing mass change against sugar concentration to visualise osmosis in action. Higher sugar concentrations will draw water out, making potatoes lighter and shorter.

Remember: Sterile technique prevents contamination - flame everything that touches your culture!

Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

Photosynthesis and Enzyme Experiments

Photosynthesis can be measured by counting oxygen bubbles from pondweed. Place your setup 10cm from an LED light source and add sodium hydrogen carbonate for extra carbon dioxide. Count bubbles for one minute, repeat three times, then test different distances.

Use the inverse square law to calculate light intensity and plot it against photosynthesis rate. Closer light sources provide more energy for faster photosynthesis, producing more oxygen bubbles per minute.

Enzyme activity tests show how pH affects amylase breaking down starch. Mix amylase with buffer solution and starch, then test drops every 10 seconds with iodine solution. When iodine stays orange-brown instead of turning blue-black, all the starch has been digested.

The quicker this colour change happens, the better the enzyme works at that pH. Test different pH values to find the optimum conditions where amylase works fastest.

Key Point: Enzymes work best at specific pH levels - find the sweet spot where starch breaks down quickest!



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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

560

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

Complete Guide to AQA Biology Required Practicals Paper 1

user profile picture

Rida Sheikh

@idaheikh_l149o53kcn0

Biology practicals are hands-on experiments that help you understand how living things work. These essential lab skills will test your knowledge of microscopy, food chemistry, microorganisms, and key biological processes like osmosis, photosynthesis, and enzyme activity.

Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

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Microscopy and Food Tests

Microscopy is all about getting a clear view of tiny specimens like onion cells. Cut your specimen thin, add a drop of iodine stain, and carefully lower the coverslip to avoid air bubbles. Always start with the lowest magnification and work your way up whilst adjusting the focus knobs.

Food tests reveal what nutrients are hiding in your samples. You'll need to grind your food with distilled water, filter it, then test for different molecules. Benedict's solution turns green-yellow-red for reducing sugars, iodine goes blue-black for starch, Biuret reagent turns purple for proteins, and Sudan III creates a red layer for lipids.

Safety is crucial - wear goggles for all chemical tests and handle ethanol carefully since it's highly flammable. The emulsion test using ethanol will show a cloudy mixture if lipids are present.

Top Tip: Remember the colour changes - they're often the key to exam success!

Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Culturing Microorganisms and Osmosis

Culturing bacteria requires sterile technique to prevent contamination. Sterilise your inoculation loop until red-hot, flame the flask neck, and keep the Petri dish lid barely open. Use zig-zag streaks to spread bacteria and add antiseptic discs to test their effectiveness.

Store your plates upside down at maximum 25°C to prevent dangerous bacteria growing. After 48 hours, measure the zone of inhibition around each disc - larger clear areas mean stronger antiseptics.

Osmosis experiments use potato cylinders in different sugar concentrations. Cut identical cylinders, measure their mass and length precisely, then leave them overnight in solutions. Calculate percentage changes to see how water moves in and out of cells.

Plot graphs showing mass change against sugar concentration to visualise osmosis in action. Higher sugar concentrations will draw water out, making potatoes lighter and shorter.

Remember: Sterile technique prevents contamination - flame everything that touches your culture!

Biology practicals
1) microscopy
Cut union in half using knife (be careful not to cut)
Place thin layer/section of specimens onto slide usin

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Photosynthesis and Enzyme Experiments

Photosynthesis can be measured by counting oxygen bubbles from pondweed. Place your setup 10cm from an LED light source and add sodium hydrogen carbonate for extra carbon dioxide. Count bubbles for one minute, repeat three times, then test different distances.

Use the inverse square law to calculate light intensity and plot it against photosynthesis rate. Closer light sources provide more energy for faster photosynthesis, producing more oxygen bubbles per minute.

Enzyme activity tests show how pH affects amylase breaking down starch. Mix amylase with buffer solution and starch, then test drops every 10 seconds with iodine solution. When iodine stays orange-brown instead of turning blue-black, all the starch has been digested.

The quicker this colour change happens, the better the enzyme works at that pH. Test different pH values to find the optimum conditions where amylase works fastest.

Key Point: Enzymes work best at specific pH levels - find the sweet spot where starch breaks down quickest!

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user