Example Apparatus
The practical aims to observe and understand the appearance and size of cells, as well as their functionality.
Questions
- What are the equations and units to be used and rearranged in this practical?
- What is the explanation for being able to see the nucleus and cell wall but not the mitochondria?
- How can smaller parts of cells be observed?
Method
- Use a stain to make cell wall and nucleus visible
- Ensure the specimen is as flat and thin as possible
- Start on the smallest lens and move up
- Use a ruler or eyepiece scale to measure size
GCSE Required Practical - Biology 1- Investigating Osmosis
Osmosis is the movement of water from an area with high concentration of water to an area with lower concentration of water.
Results
- High concentration of sugar in solution causes water to move out of potato cells into the solution, making the potato smaller.
- Low concentration of sugar in solution causes water to move into the potato cells from the solution, making the potato bigger.
Example Apparatus
Different concentrations of sugar (or salt)
Measure the length (or mass) of the potato cylinders before and after.
Questions
- What are the control variables?
- Why should excess water be removed with paper towel before weighing?
- Why can water, but not sugar/salt, move through the membrane?
GCSE Required Practical Biology 1 - Food Tests
Example Apparatus and results
- Iodine solution
- Benedict's solution
- Biuret's solution
- Ethanol
Questions
- What are the qualitative and quantitative tests?
- What are the sources of error?
- Why is it hard to judge color change accurately?
GCSE Required Practical - Biology 1- Investigating amylase enzyme
Enzyme: a biological catalyst. Speeds up reactions in the body by lowering the activation energy.
Questions
- Why does a water bath need to be used?
- What happens to the rate of enzyme activity when the pH changes?
This GCSE Required Practical covers a variety of essential concepts and skills needed in biology, such as microscopy, osmosis, food tests, and enzyme activity. Mastering these practicals is crucial for a thorough understanding of biological concepts and processes.
