Infection, Response & Bioenergetics Mastery
Your body's constantly under attack from pathogens - bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists all want to cause trouble. Think measles (virus), salmonella (bacteria), or malaria (protist). Fortunately, your immune system's got your back with white blood cells doing three jobs: engulfing invaders, making antibodies, and producing antitoxins.
Vaccination works by giving your immune system a practice run with weakened pathogens. Antibiotics kill bacteria but are useless against viruses - and overusing them creates antibiotic resistance. New drugs go through rigorous clinical trials including double-blind studies.
Photosynthesis is how plants make food: carbon dioxide + water + light energy → glucose + oxygen. Three main factors limit the rate: light intensity, CO₂ concentration, and temperature. Plants use that glucose for energy, making cellulose, and storing starch.
Respiration releases energy from glucose. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and produces loads of ATP, whilst anaerobic respiration happens without oxygen but makes less energy (and lactic acid in your muscles during exercise).
Exam Winner: Learn those photosynthesis and respiration equations by heart - they appear in virtually every paper and are easy marks!