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Sara Hasanbegovic
12/12/2025
Biology
Aqa - combined science higher biology paper 1 mindmaps
2,233
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12 Dec 2025
•
AQA Combined Science Biology Paper 1 Mind Maps - Higher Level Notes
Sara Hasanbegovic
@sarahasanbegovic_08
1 / 4
Cells and Cell Biology
Ever wondered what makes you different from a plant or a bacterium? It all comes down to cell structure and what's inside them. Eukaryotic cells (like yours) have a proper nucleus containing DNA, whilst prokaryotic cells (bacteria) just have their DNA floating about freely.
Animal cells contain mitochondria for aerobic respiration, a nucleus with genetic material, cytoplasm where chemical reactions happen, and ribosomes that make proteins. Plant cells have all of these plus chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap.
Some cells become specialists through cell specialisation. Root hair cells have a massive surface area for absorbing water, muscle cells are packed with mitochondria for energy, and sperm cells have long tails for swimming. Stem cells are the ultimate multitaskers - they can turn into any type of cell your body needs.
Top Tip: When using a microscope, always start with the lowest magnification and work your way up. This prevents you from accidentally damaging the slide!
Diffusion moves particles from high to low concentration without needing energy, whilst active transport does the opposite but requires energy. Osmosis specifically moves water through membranes. All three processes are crucial for keeping your cells alive and functioning.
Heart, Circulation and Digestion
Your heart is basically a double pump that never gets a break - it beats roughly 100,000 times every single day! The right side pumps blood to your lungs, whilst the left side pumps oxygenated blood around your entire body through the systematic circulation.
Arteries carry blood away from your heart under high pressure with thick, elastic walls. Veins bring blood back with thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow. Capillaries are tiny vessels where the actual exchange of nutrients and oxygen happens between blood and tissues.
Your digestive system breaks down food using enzymes - amylase tackles starch, protease handles proteins, and lipase deals with fats. The small intestine has millions of villi (tiny folds) that massively increase surface area for absorbing nutrients into your bloodstream.
Remember: Enzymes are like molecular scissors - each type only cuts specific substances, and they work best at particular temperatures and pH levels.
Coronary heart disease happens when fatty deposits clog up the arteries supplying your heart muscle. Treatments include statins to reduce cholesterol, stents to keep arteries open, or bypass surgery for severe cases.
Disease, Immunity and Drugs
Pathogens are basically microscopic troublemakers that cause infectious diseases - bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists all fall into this category. Your body has some brilliant defence mechanisms including your skin as a barrier, stomach acid that kills germs, and white blood cells that fight infections.
White blood cells are your body's security team. They can engulf pathogens through phagocytosis or produce antibodies that specifically target particular diseases. Once you've had a disease, these antibodies stick around ready to fight it off faster next time.
Vaccinations work by introducing dead or weakened pathogens into your body, training your immune system to recognise and destroy the real thing without making you ill. This is why vaccines are so effective at preventing diseases like measles and polio.
Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections - they're completely useless against viruses because viruses live and reproduce inside your own cells. Unfortunately, some bacteria are developing antibiotic resistance through natural selection, making infections harder to treat.
Key Point: Never demand antibiotics for viral infections like colds or flu - they won't help and contribute to dangerous antibiotic resistance.
All new drugs undergo rigorous testing on cells, animals, and finally humans before being approved for public use.
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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
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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
AQA Combined Science Biology Paper 1 Mind Maps - Higher Level Notes
Sara Hasanbegovic
@sarahasanbegovic_08
Cell biology covers how all living things are built and function, from the tiny structures inside cells to how your body responds during exercise. You'll explore everything from plant and animal cells to how diseases spread and how your heart... Show more
Cells and Cell Biology
Ever wondered what makes you different from a plant or a bacterium? It all comes down to cell structure and what's inside them. Eukaryotic cells (like yours) have a proper nucleus containing DNA, whilst prokaryotic cells (bacteria) just have their DNA floating about freely.
Animal cells contain mitochondria for aerobic respiration, a nucleus with genetic material, cytoplasm where chemical reactions happen, and ribosomes that make proteins. Plant cells have all of these plus chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap.
Some cells become specialists through cell specialisation. Root hair cells have a massive surface area for absorbing water, muscle cells are packed with mitochondria for energy, and sperm cells have long tails for swimming. Stem cells are the ultimate multitaskers - they can turn into any type of cell your body needs.
Top Tip: When using a microscope, always start with the lowest magnification and work your way up. This prevents you from accidentally damaging the slide!
Diffusion moves particles from high to low concentration without needing energy, whilst active transport does the opposite but requires energy. Osmosis specifically moves water through membranes. All three processes are crucial for keeping your cells alive and functioning.
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Heart, Circulation and Digestion
Your heart is basically a double pump that never gets a break - it beats roughly 100,000 times every single day! The right side pumps blood to your lungs, whilst the left side pumps oxygenated blood around your entire body through the systematic circulation.
Arteries carry blood away from your heart under high pressure with thick, elastic walls. Veins bring blood back with thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow. Capillaries are tiny vessels where the actual exchange of nutrients and oxygen happens between blood and tissues.
Your digestive system breaks down food using enzymes - amylase tackles starch, protease handles proteins, and lipase deals with fats. The small intestine has millions of villi (tiny folds) that massively increase surface area for absorbing nutrients into your bloodstream.
Remember: Enzymes are like molecular scissors - each type only cuts specific substances, and they work best at particular temperatures and pH levels.
Coronary heart disease happens when fatty deposits clog up the arteries supplying your heart muscle. Treatments include statins to reduce cholesterol, stents to keep arteries open, or bypass surgery for severe cases.
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Disease, Immunity and Drugs
Pathogens are basically microscopic troublemakers that cause infectious diseases - bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists all fall into this category. Your body has some brilliant defence mechanisms including your skin as a barrier, stomach acid that kills germs, and white blood cells that fight infections.
White blood cells are your body's security team. They can engulf pathogens through phagocytosis or produce antibodies that specifically target particular diseases. Once you've had a disease, these antibodies stick around ready to fight it off faster next time.
Vaccinations work by introducing dead or weakened pathogens into your body, training your immune system to recognise and destroy the real thing without making you ill. This is why vaccines are so effective at preventing diseases like measles and polio.
Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections - they're completely useless against viruses because viruses live and reproduce inside your own cells. Unfortunately, some bacteria are developing antibiotic resistance through natural selection, making infections harder to treat.
Key Point: Never demand antibiotics for viral infections like colds or flu - they won't help and contribute to dangerous antibiotic resistance.
All new drugs undergo rigorous testing on cells, animals, and finally humans before being approved for public use.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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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Google Play
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