Need to ace your National 5 Biology exam? This guide... Show more
Combined Science
SociologySign 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
3
0
Safanah Ahmed
08/12/2025
Biology
National Five Biology Extended Response Questions and Answers
148
•
8 Dec 2025
•
National 5 Biology Exam Prep: Extended Questions & Answers Guide
Safanah Ahmed
@a.sahmed_ovxc
1 / 5
Cell Biology Fundamentals
Ever wonder how your cells actually work at the microscopic level? Osmosis and active transport are two completely different ways substances move in and out of cells. Osmosis moves water from high to low concentration without using energy, while active transport pumps molecules uphill against the concentration gradient using ATP energy and special membrane proteins.
Protein production is like your cell's manufacturing process. DNA creates a complementary copy called messenger RNA (mRNA), which travels from the nucleus to ribosomes where amino acids are assembled into proteins. Think of it as DNA giving instructions, mRNA delivering the message, and ribosomes doing the actual building work.
Enzyme reactions work through a lock-and-key mechanism. The substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme's active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex where the reaction happens, then products are released. It's beautifully specific - each enzyme only works with its particular substrate.
Quick Tip: Remember that osmosis is passive (no energy needed) whilst active transport is active (requires ATP energy)!
Advanced Cell Processes
Genetic engineering with bacteria involves some clever molecular scissors-and-paste work. Scientists extract plasmids from bacteria, cut them open, insert the desired gene, then put the modified plasmid back into bacterial host cells. Special enzymes do the cutting and sealing - it's like performing surgery on DNA.
Fermentation happens when cells need energy but oxygen isn't available. Both yeast and muscle cells start the same way - glucose converts to pyruvate in the cytoplasm, producing 2 ATP molecules. However, yeast produces ethanol and CO₂ (perfect for brewing!), whilst muscle cells produce lactate (that burning feeling during intense exercise).
This anaerobic respiration is your body's emergency energy system. When you're sprinting and can't get enough oxygen to your muscles, fermentation kicks in to keep you moving, though you'll feel the lactate build-up afterwards.
Remember: Fermentation is less efficient than normal respiration but essential when oxygen runs out!
Multicellular Organism Systems
Mitosis is your body's way of creating identical cells for growth and repair. Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, spindle fibres pull chromatids apart to opposite poles, nuclear membranes reform around each set, and the cytoplasm divides. You end up with two genetically identical daughter cells.
Your nervous system works like an incredibly fast messaging network. Receptors detect stimuli and send electrical impulses through sensory neurons to relay neurons in the spinal cord. Messages jump between neurons at synapses using chemical signals - it's how you feel that blunt needle touch instantly.
Blood glucose regulation showcases your body's amazing control systems. When glucose drops too low, your pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream. This hormone travels to your liver, where it triggers the breakdown of stored glycogen back into glucose, restoring normal blood sugar levels.
Key Point: Your body has multiple feedback systems constantly maintaining the perfect internal environment!
Transport and Absorption Systems
Water transport in plants follows a simple but elegant pathway. Root hairs absorb water from soil through osmosis, xylem vessels carry it upwards like tiny pipes, and water evaporates out through stomata in the leaves. This transpiration process creates the suction that pulls more water up from the roots.
Blood vessels have perfectly adapted structures for their jobs. Arteries have thick, muscular walls to handle high pressure from the heart. Veins have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow in the low-pressure return journey. Capillaries have walls just one cell thick for efficient exchange of materials.
The small intestine is brilliantly designed for absorption. Each villus has a thin wall for quick diffusion, rich blood supply for rapid transport, and enormous surface area for maximum absorption. Millions of these finger-like projections create a massive interface between your food and bloodstream.
Smart Design: Every transport system in biology is perfectly matched to its function - thick walls for pressure, thin walls for exchange!
Life on Earth Processes
Photosynthesis powers virtually all life on Earth through two connected stages. Chlorophyll captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy stored in ATP molecules. This energy then drives the production of glucose, which plants use for respiration, making cellulose for structure, or converting to starch for storage.
Species formation happens when populations get separated and evolve differently. Geographic barriers split the original group, different mutations arise in each population, and natural selection favours different traits in each environment. Eventually, the groups become so different they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring - congratulations, you've got new species!
This process explains the incredible diversity of life around us. From Darwin's finches on different islands to bacteria adapting to antibiotics, evolution constantly creates new species through this separation-mutation-selection cycle.
Evolution in Action: New species are forming right now - antibiotic-resistant bacteria are perfect examples of rapid evolutionary change!
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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Fermentation
Most popular content in Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — 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 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
National 5 Biology Exam Prep: Extended Questions & Answers Guide
Safanah Ahmed
@a.sahmed_ovxc
Need to ace your National 5 Biology exam? This guide breaks down the essential extended response questions from all three units - Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms, and Life on Earth. You'll master the key processes and biological concepts that examiners... Show more
Cell Biology Fundamentals
Ever wonder how your cells actually work at the microscopic level? Osmosis and active transport are two completely different ways substances move in and out of cells. Osmosis moves water from high to low concentration without using energy, while active transport pumps molecules uphill against the concentration gradient using ATP energy and special membrane proteins.
Protein production is like your cell's manufacturing process. DNA creates a complementary copy called messenger RNA (mRNA), which travels from the nucleus to ribosomes where amino acids are assembled into proteins. Think of it as DNA giving instructions, mRNA delivering the message, and ribosomes doing the actual building work.
Enzyme reactions work through a lock-and-key mechanism. The substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme's active site, forming an enzyme-substrate complex where the reaction happens, then products are released. It's beautifully specific - each enzyme only works with its particular substrate.
Quick Tip: Remember that osmosis is passive (no energy needed) whilst active transport is active (requires ATP energy)!
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
Advanced Cell Processes
Genetic engineering with bacteria involves some clever molecular scissors-and-paste work. Scientists extract plasmids from bacteria, cut them open, insert the desired gene, then put the modified plasmid back into bacterial host cells. Special enzymes do the cutting and sealing - it's like performing surgery on DNA.
Fermentation happens when cells need energy but oxygen isn't available. Both yeast and muscle cells start the same way - glucose converts to pyruvate in the cytoplasm, producing 2 ATP molecules. However, yeast produces ethanol and CO₂ (perfect for brewing!), whilst muscle cells produce lactate (that burning feeling during intense exercise).
This anaerobic respiration is your body's emergency energy system. When you're sprinting and can't get enough oxygen to your muscles, fermentation kicks in to keep you moving, though you'll feel the lactate build-up afterwards.
Remember: Fermentation is less efficient than normal respiration but essential when oxygen runs out!
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
Multicellular Organism Systems
Mitosis is your body's way of creating identical cells for growth and repair. Chromosomes line up at the cell's equator, spindle fibres pull chromatids apart to opposite poles, nuclear membranes reform around each set, and the cytoplasm divides. You end up with two genetically identical daughter cells.
Your nervous system works like an incredibly fast messaging network. Receptors detect stimuli and send electrical impulses through sensory neurons to relay neurons in the spinal cord. Messages jump between neurons at synapses using chemical signals - it's how you feel that blunt needle touch instantly.
Blood glucose regulation showcases your body's amazing control systems. When glucose drops too low, your pancreas releases glucagon into the bloodstream. This hormone travels to your liver, where it triggers the breakdown of stored glycogen back into glucose, restoring normal blood sugar levels.
Key Point: Your body has multiple feedback systems constantly maintaining the perfect internal environment!
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
Transport and Absorption Systems
Water transport in plants follows a simple but elegant pathway. Root hairs absorb water from soil through osmosis, xylem vessels carry it upwards like tiny pipes, and water evaporates out through stomata in the leaves. This transpiration process creates the suction that pulls more water up from the roots.
Blood vessels have perfectly adapted structures for their jobs. Arteries have thick, muscular walls to handle high pressure from the heart. Veins have thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow in the low-pressure return journey. Capillaries have walls just one cell thick for efficient exchange of materials.
The small intestine is brilliantly designed for absorption. Each villus has a thin wall for quick diffusion, rich blood supply for rapid transport, and enormous surface area for maximum absorption. Millions of these finger-like projections create a massive interface between your food and bloodstream.
Smart Design: Every transport system in biology is perfectly matched to its function - thick walls for pressure, thin walls for exchange!
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
Life on Earth Processes
Photosynthesis powers virtually all life on Earth through two connected stages. Chlorophyll captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy stored in ATP molecules. This energy then drives the production of glucose, which plants use for respiration, making cellulose for structure, or converting to starch for storage.
Species formation happens when populations get separated and evolve differently. Geographic barriers split the original group, different mutations arise in each population, and natural selection favours different traits in each environment. Eventually, the groups become so different they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring - congratulations, you've got new species!
This process explains the incredible diversity of life around us. From Darwin's finches on different islands to bacteria adapting to antibiotics, evolution constantly creates new species through this separation-mutation-selection cycle.
Evolution in Action: New species are forming right now - antibiotic-resistant bacteria are perfect examples of rapid evolutionary change!
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?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
3
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
Biology Exchange Processes
Explore key concepts in cell biology, including specialized exchange surfaces, diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. This summary covers essential adaptations for efficient substance exchange in multicellular organisms, cell division, and the structure of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Ideal for AQA Combined Science (Higher Tier) revision.
Biology10
Cell Biology Essentials
Explore key concepts in cell biology, including microscopy techniques, bacterial growth, mitosis, stem cells, and transport mechanisms like diffusion and osmosis. This summary covers essential practicals and theoretical knowledge for AQA Biology, perfect for exam preparation.
Biology10
Cell Transport Mechanisms
Explore the essential processes of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport in cells. This summary covers key concepts such as concentration gradients, the role of temperature and surface area in diffusion, and the mechanisms of cellular transport, including the function of transport proteins and the significance of cellular respiration. Ideal for students studying plant transport systems and cellular processes.
Biology10
GCSE Biology QER Insights
Explore comprehensive insights into 6-mark QER questions for the WJEC Biology GCSE. This resource covers key topics such as substance exchange, the carbon and nitrogen cycles, respiration, and the circulatory system, providing essential knowledge for exam preparation.
Biology10
Homeostasis and Ecosystems
Explore key concepts in homeostasis, including hormonal coordination, the nervous system, and the impact of abiotic and biotic factors on ecosystems. This comprehensive study note covers essential topics such as glucose regulation, the menstrual cycle, and the importance of biodiversity. Ideal for GCSE Biology revision, this resource provides a clear overview of cellular processes, energy transfer, and the dynamics of ecosystems. Type: Summary.
Biology11
Most popular content: Fermentation
Most popular content in Biology
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — 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 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