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12 Dec 2025
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Biology Quiz: Key Paper 1 Highlights
robyn๐๐ค
@rqbny
1 / 10
Biology Study Guide Overview
These flashcards cover fundamental biology concepts that pop up regularly in your exams. Each topic builds on the others, so mastering these basics will set you up for success.
The questions and answers here focus on practical knowledge you can apply in both multiple choice and essay questions.
Study Tip: Use these as quick revision cards - cover the answer and test yourself!
Electron vs Light Microscopes
Ever wondered why scientists prefer electron microscopes over regular light microscopes? It's all about seeing the tiny details that matter.
Electron microscopes have much higher resolving power (also called resolution) than light microscopes. This means they can distinguish between objects that are incredibly close together, revealing finer cellular structures that would be invisible under a light microscope.
Think of it like comparing a blurry photo to a crystal-clear one - electron microscopes give you that sharp, detailed image of cellular components.
Quick Fact: Electron microscopes can magnify up to 2 million times, whilst light microscopes max out around 2000 times!
Human Chromosome Numbers
Here's something you absolutely need to memorise for your exams: humans have 46 chromosomes in total, but they're organised differently depending on the cell type.
Diploid cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total). These are your regular body cells like skin, muscle, and nerve cells. Haploid cells have just 23 chromosomes - exactly half the number.
The only haploid cells in humans are gametes (sperm and egg cells). This makes perfect sense when you think about reproduction - when sperm meets egg, you get 23 + 23 = 46 chromosomes in the new organism.
Memory Trick: "Di" means two, so diploid = two sets of chromosomes. "Haplo" means single, so haploid = one set.
Transport Across Membranes
Understanding how substances move in and out of cells is crucial for biology. There are three main types of transport, each working differently.
Diffusion is the simplest - particles naturally move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. No energy needed, just like how perfume spreads across a room.
Osmosis is specifically about water movement through a semi-permeable membrane. Water moves to dilute the more concentrated solution, balancing things out.
Active transport is the energy-demanding process where molecules move against the concentration gradient using carrier proteins. Think of it as swimming upstream - it requires effort!
Exam Tip: Remember that only active transport requires energy (ATP) - the other two are passive processes.
Plant-Specific Organelles
Plant cells have some unique features that animal cells lack. You need to know these three organelles that are exclusive to plants.
Chloroplasts are the green powerhouses containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis happens. They're literally what makes plants green and allows them to make their own food.
The permanent vacuole is a large storage compartment filled with sap and other substances. It also helps maintain the plant's shape by keeping cells firm.
The cell wall provides rigid structure and protection. Made of cellulose, it's like a tough outer shell that gives plants their strength to grow tall.
Remember: These three organelles work together to help plants survive as stationary organisms that make their own food.
Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells
This comparison forms the foundation of cell biology and is guaranteed to appear in your exams. The key difference lies in how genetic material is organised.
Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus. These include all plant, animal, and fungal cells - basically any complex organism you can think of.
Prokaryotic cells have their genetic material freely floating in the cytoplasm without a nuclear membrane. Bacteria are the classic example of prokaryotes.
The name gives it away: "eu" means true and "karyon" means nucleus, whilst "pro" means before - so prokaryotes evolved before true nuclei developed.
Quick Check: Humans = eukaryotic, bacteria = prokaryotic. Simple as that!
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Most popular content: Enzyme-substrate Complex
Most popular content in Biology
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 Quiz: Key Paper 1 Highlights
robyn๐๐ค
@rqbny
This biology study guide covers essential topics you'll need for your exams, from microscopy to cell biology. These flashcard-style notes break down complex concepts into bite-sized chunks that are easy to remember and understand.
Biology Study Guide Overview
These flashcards cover fundamental biology concepts that pop up regularly in your exams. Each topic builds on the others, so mastering these basics will set you up for success.
The questions and answers here focus on practical knowledge you can apply in both multiple choice and essay questions.
Study Tip: Use these as quick revision cards - cover the answer and test yourself!
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
Electron vs Light Microscopes
Ever wondered why scientists prefer electron microscopes over regular light microscopes? It's all about seeing the tiny details that matter.
Electron microscopes have much higher resolving power (also called resolution) than light microscopes. This means they can distinguish between objects that are incredibly close together, revealing finer cellular structures that would be invisible under a light microscope.
Think of it like comparing a blurry photo to a crystal-clear one - electron microscopes give you that sharp, detailed image of cellular components.
Quick Fact: Electron microscopes can magnify up to 2 million times, whilst light microscopes max out around 2000 times!
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
Human Chromosome Numbers
Here's something you absolutely need to memorise for your exams: humans have 46 chromosomes in total, but they're organised differently depending on the cell type.
Diploid cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total). These are your regular body cells like skin, muscle, and nerve cells. Haploid cells have just 23 chromosomes - exactly half the number.
The only haploid cells in humans are gametes (sperm and egg cells). This makes perfect sense when you think about reproduction - when sperm meets egg, you get 23 + 23 = 46 chromosomes in the new organism.
Memory Trick: "Di" means two, so diploid = two sets of chromosomes. "Haplo" means single, so haploid = one set.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Transport Across Membranes
Understanding how substances move in and out of cells is crucial for biology. There are three main types of transport, each working differently.
Diffusion is the simplest - particles naturally move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. No energy needed, just like how perfume spreads across a room.
Osmosis is specifically about water movement through a semi-permeable membrane. Water moves to dilute the more concentrated solution, balancing things out.
Active transport is the energy-demanding process where molecules move against the concentration gradient using carrier proteins. Think of it as swimming upstream - it requires effort!
Exam Tip: Remember that only active transport requires energy (ATP) - the other two are passive processes.
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Plant-Specific Organelles
Plant cells have some unique features that animal cells lack. You need to know these three organelles that are exclusive to plants.
Chloroplasts are the green powerhouses containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis happens. They're literally what makes plants green and allows them to make their own food.
The permanent vacuole is a large storage compartment filled with sap and other substances. It also helps maintain the plant's shape by keeping cells firm.
The cell wall provides rigid structure and protection. Made of cellulose, it's like a tough outer shell that gives plants their strength to grow tall.
Remember: These three organelles work together to help plants survive as stationary organisms that make their own food.
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
Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells
This comparison forms the foundation of cell biology and is guaranteed to appear in your exams. The key difference lies in how genetic material is organised.
Eukaryotic cells have their DNA enclosed within a membrane-bound nucleus. These include all plant, animal, and fungal cells - basically any complex organism you can think of.
Prokaryotic cells have their genetic material freely floating in the cytoplasm without a nuclear membrane. Bacteria are the classic example of prokaryotes.
The name gives it away: "eu" means true and "karyon" means nucleus, whilst "pro" means before - so prokaryotes evolved before true nuclei developed.
Quick Check: Humans = eukaryotic, bacteria = prokaryotic. Simple as that!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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
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
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
We thought youโd 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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Enzyme-substrate Complex
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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