Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
Biology
10 Dec 2025
548
36 pages
jayne @k.jayn3
Getting to grips with GCSE Biology can feel overwhelming, but this AQA exam paper breaks down some essential... Show more
This is your standard AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Paper 1 - worth 100 marks and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. You'll need black ink, a ruler, and a scientific calculator.
The paper expects you to show clear working in calculations and use proper English in your answers. Don't forget to fill in all your details at the top and answer everything in the spaces provided.
Top Tip If you run out of space, use the lined pages at the back but always write the question number next to your answer!
When preparing animal cells for microscopy, you'll need basic lab equipment like cover slips and dyes. These are fundamental tools for any cell observation practical.
The key parts of a light microscope include the eyepiece (part A) and the focusing mechanism (part B). Part B's job is to focus the image and improve resolution - basically making everything clearer and sharper.
Common problems when using microscopes include slides not being positioned correctly, dirty lenses, or the microscope being out of focus. These simple issues can completely ruin your view of the cells.
Remember Always check your slide position and lens cleanliness before assuming there are no cells to see!
Red blood cells are highly specialised and quite different from typical plant cells. Red blood cells lack a nucleus, cell wall, and chloroplasts, but they do contain haemoglobin for oxygen transport.
Plant cells have all the standard features - nucleus, cell wall, chloroplasts, plus the usual cytoplasm and cell membrane that both cell types share. The biconcave shape of red blood cells is perfect for their job, whilst plant cells come in various shapes.
When placed in water, red blood cells burst because they lack a cell wall. Water enters by diffusion, the cell swells, but without that protective cell wall, it simply bursts. Plant cells stay intact because their cell wall prevents bursting.
Key Point The cell wall is like armour - it protects plant cells from bursting when they absorb water!
Testing antibiotic effectiveness involves growing bacteria on agar plates with different antibiotic discs. Aseptic techniques are crucial - you must sterilise equipment and surfaces, plus secure the Petri dish lid with tape.
The investigation requires incubating plates at 25°C for 48 hours. After this time, you can see clear zones around effective antibiotics where bacteria couldn't grow.
To determine which antibiotic works best, measure the area where no bacteria grew - larger clear zones mean more effective antibiotics. You can improve investigations by repeating trials and calculating mean results.
Safety First Always use proper aseptic techniques to prevent contamination with harmful microorganisms!
Body Mass Index (BMI) helps determine if someone's weight is healthy for their height. The calculation is straightforward BMI = body mass ÷ height².
BMI categories range from underweight through normal, overweight, obese, to clinically obese. You can use charts or calculations to determine someone's category - both methods appear in exams.
Life expectancy data shows clear patterns with BMI. Higher BMI categories are linked to fewer years in good health and reduced overall life expectancy. This demonstrates how obesity affects long-term health outcomes.
Exam Tip Always give answers to the specified number of significant figures and include units in your calculations!
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key concepts in immunology, plant structure, and physiological processes. This summary covers the immune response, circulatory and digestive systems, monoclonal antibodies, and plant transport mechanisms, including xylem and phloem. Ideal for students preparing for higher-tier biology exams.
BiologyExplore the roles of xylem and phloem in plant transport. This summary covers how water and sucrose are transported through plants, detailing the structure and function of these vascular tissues. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the roles of xylem and phloem in plant biology. This summary covers the structure and function of xylem in water transport and phloem in nutrient distribution, highlighting key concepts such as transpiration, sieve plates, and energy requirements. Ideal for AQA Biology Paper 1 preparation.
BiologyExplore the plant transport system, focusing on the roles of xylem and phloem in water and nutrient transport. This summary covers key concepts such as vascular bundles, one-way water transport, and the two-way flow of sugars, essential for understanding plant biology. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell specialisation and differentiation in both animal and plant cells. This summary covers the functions of specialised cells such as sperm, nerve, muscle, root hair, xylem, and phloem cells, along with the role of stem cells in development and tissue repair. Ideal for GCSE AQA Combined Science students studying Cell Biology.
BiologyExplore the intricacies of the human circulatory system and plant organization in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as blood vessels, heart structure, enzyme functions, and plant tissues, this resource is designed for quick revision before exams. Ideal for students preparing for higher-level biology assessments.
BiologyApp Store
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
jayne
@k.jayn3
Getting to grips with GCSE Biology can feel overwhelming, but this AQA exam paper breaks down some essential concepts you'll need to master. From microscopy and cell structure to antibiotics and health data analysis, these questions cover practical skills and... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This is your standard AQA GCSE Biology Higher Tier Paper 1 - worth 100 marks and lasting 1 hour 45 minutes. You'll need black ink, a ruler, and a scientific calculator.
The paper expects you to show clear working in calculations and use proper English in your answers. Don't forget to fill in all your details at the top and answer everything in the spaces provided.
Top Tip: If you run out of space, use the lined pages at the back but always write the question number next to your answer!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When preparing animal cells for microscopy, you'll need basic lab equipment like cover slips and dyes. These are fundamental tools for any cell observation practical.
The key parts of a light microscope include the eyepiece (part A) and the focusing mechanism (part B). Part B's job is to focus the image and improve resolution - basically making everything clearer and sharper.
Common problems when using microscopes include slides not being positioned correctly, dirty lenses, or the microscope being out of focus. These simple issues can completely ruin your view of the cells.
Remember: Always check your slide position and lens cleanliness before assuming there are no cells to see!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Red blood cells are highly specialised and quite different from typical plant cells. Red blood cells lack a nucleus, cell wall, and chloroplasts, but they do contain haemoglobin for oxygen transport.
Plant cells have all the standard features - nucleus, cell wall, chloroplasts, plus the usual cytoplasm and cell membrane that both cell types share. The biconcave shape of red blood cells is perfect for their job, whilst plant cells come in various shapes.
When placed in water, red blood cells burst because they lack a cell wall. Water enters by diffusion, the cell swells, but without that protective cell wall, it simply bursts. Plant cells stay intact because their cell wall prevents bursting.
Key Point: The cell wall is like armour - it protects plant cells from bursting when they absorb water!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Testing antibiotic effectiveness involves growing bacteria on agar plates with different antibiotic discs. Aseptic techniques are crucial - you must sterilise equipment and surfaces, plus secure the Petri dish lid with tape.
The investigation requires incubating plates at 25°C for 48 hours. After this time, you can see clear zones around effective antibiotics where bacteria couldn't grow.
To determine which antibiotic works best, measure the area where no bacteria grew - larger clear zones mean more effective antibiotics. You can improve investigations by repeating trials and calculating mean results.
Safety First: Always use proper aseptic techniques to prevent contamination with harmful microorganisms!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Body Mass Index (BMI) helps determine if someone's weight is healthy for their height. The calculation is straightforward: BMI = body mass ÷ height².
BMI categories range from underweight through normal, overweight, obese, to clinically obese. You can use charts or calculations to determine someone's category - both methods appear in exams.
Life expectancy data shows clear patterns with BMI. Higher BMI categories are linked to fewer years in good health and reduced overall life expectancy. This demonstrates how obesity affects long-term health outcomes.
Exam Tip: Always give answers to the specified number of significant figures and include units in your calculations!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
11
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore key concepts in immunology, plant structure, and physiological processes. This summary covers the immune response, circulatory and digestive systems, monoclonal antibodies, and plant transport mechanisms, including xylem and phloem. Ideal for students preparing for higher-tier biology exams.
BiologyExplore the roles of xylem and phloem in plant transport. This summary covers how water and sucrose are transported through plants, detailing the structure and function of these vascular tissues. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the roles of xylem and phloem in plant biology. This summary covers the structure and function of xylem in water transport and phloem in nutrient distribution, highlighting key concepts such as transpiration, sieve plates, and energy requirements. Ideal for AQA Biology Paper 1 preparation.
BiologyExplore the plant transport system, focusing on the roles of xylem and phloem in water and nutrient transport. This summary covers key concepts such as vascular bundles, one-way water transport, and the two-way flow of sugars, essential for understanding plant biology. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.
BiologyExplore the key concepts of cell specialisation and differentiation in both animal and plant cells. This summary covers the functions of specialised cells such as sperm, nerve, muscle, root hair, xylem, and phloem cells, along with the role of stem cells in development and tissue repair. Ideal for GCSE AQA Combined Science students studying Cell Biology.
BiologyExplore the intricacies of the human circulatory system and plant organization in this comprehensive study note. Covering key concepts such as blood vessels, heart structure, enzyme functions, and plant tissues, this resource is designed for quick revision before exams. Ideal for students preparing for higher-level biology assessments.
BiologyApp Store
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
Sociology