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9 Dec 2025
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Biology Paper 1 Mind Map: Key Concepts Simplified
Hannah Williams
@hannahwilliams_bqoz
Cell Structure and Specialisation
Eukaryotic cells (like plant and animal cells) have their DNA safely stored in a nucleus, whilst prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) have their DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm. Think of eukaryotic cells as having a proper filing cabinet for their genetic information!
Plant cells are basically animal cells with extra kit - they've got chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a tough cell wall for support, and a permanent vacuole that acts like a water tank. Animal cells make do with just the basics: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
Specialised cells are like workers with specific jobs. Sperm cells have long tails for swimming, nerve cells have long connections for rapid signalling, and root hair cells have massive surface areas for absorbing water. Each cell's shape perfectly matches its function.
Key Tip: Remember that stem cells are like blank templates - they can become any type of cell your body needs, whether they come from bone marrow or plant meristems.
Microscopy and Measurement
When you're looking at cells under a microscope, magnification tells you how much bigger the image appears compared to real life. The formula is simple: magnification = image size ÷ real size. Electron microscopes give you much sharper images than light microscopes because they have higher resolution.
Mitosis is how cells make identical copies of themselves. The DNA replicates, chromosomes line up in the middle, then split apart to opposite ends before the whole cell divides. You end up with two genetically identical cells from one original.
Transport in Cells
Diffusion is particles naturally spreading out from crowded areas to less crowded ones - no energy required. Osmosis is specifically water moving through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated one.
Active transport is different - it needs energy from mitochondria because it's moving particles uphill, from low concentration to high concentration. Think of it like pushing water uphill instead of letting it flow downhill naturally.
Body Systems and Organisation
Your body is brilliantly organised: similar cells group together to make tissues, tissues combine to form organs, and organs work together in organ systems. It's like building with Lego - small pieces make bigger, more complex structures.
The heart is essentially two pumps working side by side. Deoxygenated blood enters the right side, gets pumped to the lungs for oxygen, then returns to the left side as oxygenated blood before being pumped around your body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart with thick, muscular walls, whilst veins bring blood back with thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow.
Gas exchange happens in tiny air sacs called alveoli in your lungs. Oxygen diffuses from the air into your blood, whilst carbon dioxide (the waste product) diffuses out. Capillaries are perfect for this job because they're incredibly thin with huge surface areas.
Remember: During exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate increase to get more oxygen to your muscle cells for respiration.
Enzymes and Digestion
Enzymes are biological catalysts - they speed up reactions without getting used up themselves. They're incredibly picky about which reactions they'll help with because of their specific active site shape. The induced fit model explains that enzymes actually change shape slightly when they bind to their substrate, like a glove moulding to fit your hand.
Your digestive system uses different enzymes in different places. Amylases break down starch to sugars in your mouth and small intestine. Proteases tackle proteins in your stomach and small intestine, turning them into amino acids. Lipases work in your small intestine, breaking down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.
Disease and Immunity
Pathogens can spread through air, water, or direct contact. Communicable diseases can pass between people, whilst non-communicable diseases like heart disease can't.
Your white blood cells are your body's security force. Phagocytes literally eat invading pathogens, whilst lymphocytes produce specific antibodies that lock onto foreign antigens. Vaccines work by introducing weakened pathogens so your immune system can practise its response and create memory cells for future protection.
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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 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
Biology Paper 1 Mind Map: Key Concepts Simplified
Hannah Williams
@hannahwilliams_bqoz
This biology content covers the fundamental building blocks of life and how they work together. You'll explore everything from tiny cells and their structures to complex organ systems, plus key processes like respiration, photosynthesis, and disease defence.
Cell Structure and Specialisation
Eukaryotic cells (like plant and animal cells) have their DNA safely stored in a nucleus, whilst prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) have their DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm. Think of eukaryotic cells as having a proper filing cabinet for their genetic information!
Plant cells are basically animal cells with extra kit - they've got chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a tough cell wall for support, and a permanent vacuole that acts like a water tank. Animal cells make do with just the basics: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes.
Specialised cells are like workers with specific jobs. Sperm cells have long tails for swimming, nerve cells have long connections for rapid signalling, and root hair cells have massive surface areas for absorbing water. Each cell's shape perfectly matches its function.
Key Tip: Remember that stem cells are like blank templates - they can become any type of cell your body needs, whether they come from bone marrow or plant meristems.
Microscopy and Measurement
When you're looking at cells under a microscope, magnification tells you how much bigger the image appears compared to real life. The formula is simple: magnification = image size ÷ real size. Electron microscopes give you much sharper images than light microscopes because they have higher resolution.
Mitosis is how cells make identical copies of themselves. The DNA replicates, chromosomes line up in the middle, then split apart to opposite ends before the whole cell divides. You end up with two genetically identical cells from one original.
Transport in Cells
Diffusion is particles naturally spreading out from crowded areas to less crowded ones - no energy required. Osmosis is specifically water moving through a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated one.
Active transport is different - it needs energy from mitochondria because it's moving particles uphill, from low concentration to high concentration. Think of it like pushing water uphill instead of letting it flow downhill naturally.
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Body Systems and Organisation
Your body is brilliantly organised: similar cells group together to make tissues, tissues combine to form organs, and organs work together in organ systems. It's like building with Lego - small pieces make bigger, more complex structures.
The heart is essentially two pumps working side by side. Deoxygenated blood enters the right side, gets pumped to the lungs for oxygen, then returns to the left side as oxygenated blood before being pumped around your body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart with thick, muscular walls, whilst veins bring blood back with thinner walls and valves to prevent backflow.
Gas exchange happens in tiny air sacs called alveoli in your lungs. Oxygen diffuses from the air into your blood, whilst carbon dioxide (the waste product) diffuses out. Capillaries are perfect for this job because they're incredibly thin with huge surface areas.
Remember: During exercise, your heart rate and breathing rate increase to get more oxygen to your muscle cells for respiration.
Enzymes and Digestion
Enzymes are biological catalysts - they speed up reactions without getting used up themselves. They're incredibly picky about which reactions they'll help with because of their specific active site shape. The induced fit model explains that enzymes actually change shape slightly when they bind to their substrate, like a glove moulding to fit your hand.
Your digestive system uses different enzymes in different places. Amylases break down starch to sugars in your mouth and small intestine. Proteases tackle proteins in your stomach and small intestine, turning them into amino acids. Lipases work in your small intestine, breaking down fats into glycerol and fatty acids.
Disease and Immunity
Pathogens can spread through air, water, or direct contact. Communicable diseases can pass between people, whilst non-communicable diseases like heart disease can't.
Your white blood cells are your body's security force. Phagocytes literally eat invading pathogens, whilst lymphocytes produce specific antibodies that lock onto foreign antigens. Vaccines work by introducing weakened pathogens so your immune system can practise its response and create memory cells for future protection.
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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Most popular content: Substance Exchange in Organisms
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