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Updated Mar 30, 2026
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GCSE Biology Paper 1 Required Practicals (Combined Science)
S
Sophie
@sophie_vxxs
1 / 6
Required Practicals - Biology Paper 1
Biology practicals are your chance to see science come alive! In Paper 1, you'll encounter several required experiments that test your practical skills and understanding of biological concepts.
These hands-on activities help you apply what you've learned in class to real scientific investigations. Each practical follows specific methods that you'll need to know for your exams.
Mastering these practicals will boost your confidence in the lab and prepare you for exam questions about experimental procedures and results.
Using Microscopes
Ever wondered how scientists see things too small for the naked eye? Using a microscope properly is a fundamental skill in biology that lets you explore the microscopic world!
To view a prepared slide, first place it on the stage and secure it with the clips. Select the lowest power objective lens (usually 4x) and carefully turn the coarse focus dial until the lens nearly touches the slide. Looking through the eyepiece lens, slowly adjust the coarse dial until cells become visible, then use the fine focusing dial for a crisp, clear image.
Remember to start with the lowest magnification and work your way up. This technique prevents damaging the slide and helps you locate specimens more easily.
Quick Tip: Total magnification = eyepiece lens magnification × objective lens magnification. For example, if your eyepiece is 10× and your objective lens is 4×, your total magnification is 40×.
Investigating Osmosis
Osmosis is fascinating! This practical shows how water moves across cell membranes from an area of high water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.
To investigate, you'll prepare potato cylinders of equal length (about 3cm) using a cork borer and scalpel. Carefully measure both the length and mass of each cylinder before placing them in different solutions: 0.5 molar sugar solution, 0.25 molar sugar solution, and distilled water. Leave overnight to allow osmosis to occur.
The next day, pat the cylinders dry and re-measure their length and mass. Calculate the percentage change using the equation: change in value ÷ original value × 100. This shows you exactly how much water moved in or out of the potato tissue.
Remember: Positive values indicate water moving into the potato , while negative values show water leaving the potato .
Food Tests
Detecting what nutrients are in food is like being a food detective! These simple tests reveal the presence of key biological molecules.
First, prepare your food sample by grinding it into a paste, adding distilled water, and filtering (except for lipid tests). For starch, add iodine solution to your food sample – a blue-black colour confirms its presence. For reducing sugars like glucose, mix with Benedict's solution and heat in a water bath for 5 minutes – a brick-red colour is positive.
Proteins can be detected using Biuret solution, which turns purple when proteins are present. For lipids, mix your food sample with distilled water and ethanol, then shake gently – a white emulsion forms if lipids are present.
Pro Tip: Always use a control sample alongside your test to ensure your reagents are working properly and to compare your results.
Effect of pH on Amylase Activity
Enzymes are picky about their working conditions! This practical investigates how pH affects the rate of amylase enzyme activity when breaking down starch.
Begin by placing iodine drops in a spotting tile's wells. Then prepare test tubes containing starch solution, amylase and buffer solutions at different pH levels. Place these in a water bath at 30°C for 10 minutes to reach optimal temperature. After combining the solutions in one tube, start timing and take samples every 30 seconds.
Test each sample by adding a drop to the iodine – initially turning blue-black (starch present). Continue until the iodine remains orange, indicating all starch has been digested. Record this time and repeat with different pH buffers.
Understanding Point: The pH where starch disappears fastest is the optimal pH for amylase. For human amylase, this is typically around pH 7 (neutral).
Photosynthesis Investigation
Light powers plant life! This practical shows how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis by counting oxygen bubbles produced by pondweed.
Set up your experiment by positioning an LED light source 10cm from a boiling tube filled with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (which provides CO₂). Place pondweed in the tube with its cut end facing upward and allow 5 minutes for it to adjust. Count the number of bubbles produced in one minute, repeat for accuracy, and calculate the mean.
Next, change the distance between the light and pondweed, and repeat your measurements. The inverse square law explains your results: when you double the distance, the light intensity decreases by a factor of four, which significantly reduces bubble production.
Fascinating Fact: You can also collect the oxygen bubbles using an inverted funnel and measuring cylinder to determine the exact volume of gas produced, giving you more precise data.
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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.
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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.
David K
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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
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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
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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
GCSE Biology Paper 1 Required Practicals (Combined Science)
S
Sophie
@sophie_vxxs
Biology required practicals are essential hands-on investigations that help you understand key biological concepts. These practicals develop your scientific skills while demonstrating important biological processes in action.
Required Practicals - Biology Paper 1
Biology practicals are your chance to see science come alive! In Paper 1, you'll encounter several required experiments that test your practical skills and understanding of biological concepts.
These hands-on activities help you apply what you've learned in class to real scientific investigations. Each practical follows specific methods that you'll need to know for your exams.
Mastering these practicals will boost your confidence in the lab and prepare you for exam questions about experimental procedures and results.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Using Microscopes
Ever wondered how scientists see things too small for the naked eye? Using a microscope properly is a fundamental skill in biology that lets you explore the microscopic world!
To view a prepared slide, first place it on the stage and secure it with the clips. Select the lowest power objective lens (usually 4x) and carefully turn the coarse focus dial until the lens nearly touches the slide. Looking through the eyepiece lens, slowly adjust the coarse dial until cells become visible, then use the fine focusing dial for a crisp, clear image.
Remember to start with the lowest magnification and work your way up. This technique prevents damaging the slide and helps you locate specimens more easily.
Quick Tip: Total magnification = eyepiece lens magnification × objective lens magnification. For example, if your eyepiece is 10× and your objective lens is 4×, your total magnification is 40×.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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Investigating Osmosis
Osmosis is fascinating! This practical shows how water moves across cell membranes from an area of high water concentration to an area of lower water concentration.
To investigate, you'll prepare potato cylinders of equal length (about 3cm) using a cork borer and scalpel. Carefully measure both the length and mass of each cylinder before placing them in different solutions: 0.5 molar sugar solution, 0.25 molar sugar solution, and distilled water. Leave overnight to allow osmosis to occur.
The next day, pat the cylinders dry and re-measure their length and mass. Calculate the percentage change using the equation: change in value ÷ original value × 100. This shows you exactly how much water moved in or out of the potato tissue.
Remember: Positive values indicate water moving into the potato , while negative values show water leaving the potato .
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Food Tests
Detecting what nutrients are in food is like being a food detective! These simple tests reveal the presence of key biological molecules.
First, prepare your food sample by grinding it into a paste, adding distilled water, and filtering (except for lipid tests). For starch, add iodine solution to your food sample – a blue-black colour confirms its presence. For reducing sugars like glucose, mix with Benedict's solution and heat in a water bath for 5 minutes – a brick-red colour is positive.
Proteins can be detected using Biuret solution, which turns purple when proteins are present. For lipids, mix your food sample with distilled water and ethanol, then shake gently – a white emulsion forms if lipids are present.
Pro Tip: Always use a control sample alongside your test to ensure your reagents are working properly and to compare your results.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Effect of pH on Amylase Activity
Enzymes are picky about their working conditions! This practical investigates how pH affects the rate of amylase enzyme activity when breaking down starch.
Begin by placing iodine drops in a spotting tile's wells. Then prepare test tubes containing starch solution, amylase and buffer solutions at different pH levels. Place these in a water bath at 30°C for 10 minutes to reach optimal temperature. After combining the solutions in one tube, start timing and take samples every 30 seconds.
Test each sample by adding a drop to the iodine – initially turning blue-black (starch present). Continue until the iodine remains orange, indicating all starch has been digested. Record this time and repeat with different pH buffers.
Understanding Point: The pH where starch disappears fastest is the optimal pH for amylase. For human amylase, this is typically around pH 7 (neutral).
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
Photosynthesis Investigation
Light powers plant life! This practical shows how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis by counting oxygen bubbles produced by pondweed.
Set up your experiment by positioning an LED light source 10cm from a boiling tube filled with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (which provides CO₂). Place pondweed in the tube with its cut end facing upward and allow 5 minutes for it to adjust. Count the number of bubbles produced in one minute, repeat for accuracy, and calculate the mean.
Next, change the distance between the light and pondweed, and repeat your measurements. The inverse square law explains your results: when you double the distance, the light intensity decreases by a factor of four, which significantly reduces bubble production.
Fascinating Fact: You can also collect the oxygen bubbles using an inverted funnel and measuring cylinder to determine the exact volume of gas produced, giving you more precise data.
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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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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4.6/5
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4.7/5
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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