Revision summary help for the 9-1 Edexcel GCSE Combined Science 2nd biology exam paper 2 - learning objectives for exam paper

Edexcel GCSE science 1SC0 2BF and 1SCO 2BH 2020 exam paper onwards (re-edit)

Edexcel GCSE Grade 9-1 Combined Science 1SC0 Paper 2 Biology 2 - Edexcel Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science biology Topic 1 "Key concepts in biology", Topic 6 "Plant structures and their functions", Topic 7 "Animal coordination, control and homeostasis", Topic 8 "Exchange and transport in animals", Topic 9 "Ecosystems and material cycles"

LINK for Edexcel  9-1 GCSE Combined Science 1st biology paper 1

LINK for Edexcel  9-1 GCSE BIOLOGY 1 paper 1

LINK for Edexcel  9-1 GCSE BIOLOGY 2 paper 2

 For ALL other exam papers, use and bookmark the link below

INDEX for all links

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING POINTS before using my Edexcel 9-1 GCSE science pages

1. ALL my unofficial GCSE (Grade 9-1) revision help summaries are based on the NEW 2016 official Edexcel (Grade 9-1) GCSE BIOLOGY/combined science biology specifications.

2. Make sure you know whether you are doing separate science Edexcel GCSE grade 9-1 BIOLOGY OR Edexcel GCSE grade 9-1 Combined Science biology and double check your exam table from school, college or academy.

3. Also, make sure you know whether you are entered for a higher tier (HT) or a foundation tier (FT) Edexcel GCSE science-biology course, so watch out for the (HT only) 'markers'.

4. I hope my revision pages help as you get to know my website, its very big and not always easy to navigate, but it is no substitute for making good lesson notes, trying your best on homework questions, studying your textbook, doing past papers of Edexcel GCSE combined science/biology for exam question practice and, above all, attentive to your teacher's teaching!

5. I know from feedback that my gcse science summary revision pages have proved useful but they do not guarantee a high grade, that all depends on you and the factors mentioned in point 4. above. Please note that my GCSE science revision pages are designed to be used for online convenience, so, beware, printouts could be quite long!
6. It is really important that YOU cross-check, from my web pages, the learning objectives from the syllabus-specification with YOUR own lesson/revision notes and textbooks for YOUR Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science biology course.

7. 'Doc b's chemistry' is a big website so the Google [SEARCH] box at the bottom of each index or revision notes page can be VERY USEFUL - sometimes its better than the indexes for finding things!

8. When it comes to the final exam papers, at that point, YOU ARE THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GRADE YOU ACHIEVE, not your teachers or me or my website (which isn't perfect!), so make sure you are properly prepared!

9. If there is anything about the website you are unhappy with, or you think there is an error, or you think something hasn't been covered adequately, please politely email me with your query to chem55555@hotmail.com

10. NOTE on grades: Foundation Tier FT grades 1 to 5  and  Higher Tier HT grades 4 to 9. In terms of old grades the following is an approximate comparison: grades 7-9 (A-A*), 4-6 (C-B), 1-3 (G-D), U (U) (from OFQUAL Jan 2018)

Syllabus-specification CONTENT INDEX of revision summary notes  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

 Note that a B after the learning objective means Edexcel GCSE biology only, NOT for Combined Science biology

Revision summaries for Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Paper 1 Biology 1 (separate page)

What's assessed in this paper?  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

SUMMARY Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology  (Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology 1 paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 2 – Cells and control  (Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology 1 paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 3 – Genetics  (Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology 1 paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 4 – Natural selection and genetic modification  (Edexcel GCSE Comb. Sci. Biology paper 1)

SUMMARY Topic 5 – Health, disease & development of medicines  (Edexcel GCSE Comb. Sci, Biology 1 paper 1)

Revision summaries for Edexcel 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Paper 2 Biology 2 (this page)

What's assessed in this paper?  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

SUMMARY Topic 1 – Key concepts in biology  (Edexcel Combined Science Biology 2 paper 2)

SUMMARY Topic 6 – Plant structures and their functions  (Edexcel Combined Science Biology 2 paper 2)

SUMMARY Topic 7 – Animal coordination, control and homeostasis  (Edexcel Combined Science Biology 2)

SUMMARY Topic 8 – Exchange and transport in animals  (Edexcel Combined Science Biology 2 paper 2)

SUMMARY Topic 9 – Ecosystems and material cycles  (Edexcel Combined Science biology 2 Paper 2)

SUBJECT CONTENT of the syllabus-specification: (HT only) means higher tier only (NOT FT foundation tier biology)

TOPICS for Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Paper 2 Biology 2

Note: a B after the learning objective number indicates it is for Edexcel GCSE Biology ONLY, NOT for Combined Science

Topic 1 Key concepts in biology  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 1 "Key concepts in biology")

(Topic 1 – Overarching concepts in biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 1 "Key concepts in biology")

You should be able to ....

1.1 Be able to explain how the sub-cellular structures of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells are related to their functions, including:

(a) animal cells - nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes

(b) plant cells - nucleus, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplasts, mitochondria, vacuole and ribosomes

(c) bacteria - chromosomal DNA, plasmid DNA, cell membrane, ribosomes and flagella.

Introduction to plant and animal cell structure and function

Stem cells and medical uses, and introduction to cell differentiation and specialisation

1.2 Be able to describe how specialised cells are adapted to their function, including:

(a) sperm cells – acrosome, haploid nucleus, mitochondria and tail

(b) egg cells – nutrients in the cytoplasm, haploid nucleus and changes in the cell membrane after fertilisation

(c) ciliated epithelial cells

Introduction to cell specialisation

1.3 Be able to explain how changes in microscope technology, including electron microscopy, have enabled us to see cell structures with more clarity and detail than in the past and increased our understanding of the role of sub-cellular structures

Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology

1.4 Demonstrate an understanding of size and scale in relation to microscopy, including magnification calculations.

Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology

1.5 Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between quantitative units in relation to cells, including:

a milli (10^-3),  micro (10^-6),  nano (10^-9),  pico (10^-12)

(HT only) Do calculations with numbers written in standard form

1.6 Core Practical: You should have investigated biological specimens using microscopes, including magnification calculations and labelled scientific drawings from observations.

Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology

1.7 Be able to explain the mechanism of enzyme action including the active site and enzyme specificity

1.8 Be able to explain how enzymes can be denatured due to changes in the shape of the active site

1.9 Be able to explain the effects of temperature, substrate concentration and pH on enzyme.

1.10 Core Practical: You should have investigated the effect of pH on enzyme activity

1.11 Be able to demonstrate an understanding of rate calculations for enzyme activity

1.12 Be able to explain the importance of enzymes as biological catalysts in the synthesis of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids and their breakdown into sugars, amino acids and fatty acids and glycerol

ENZYMES - structure, function, optimum conditions, investigation experiments

See also Enzymes and Biotechnology

1.15 Be able to explain how substances are transported by diffusion, osmosis and active transport

1.16 Core practical: You should have investigated osmosis in potatoes

Diffusion, osmosis and active transport

1.17 Be able to calculate percentage gain and loss of mass in osmosis

Diffusion, osmosis and active transport 

Practicals you may have encountered and should revise too:

Investigating the effect of different concentrations of digestive enzymes, using and evaluating models of the alimentary canal.

Investigating the effect of temperatures and concentration on enzyme activity.

ENZYMES - structure, function, optimum conditions, investigation experiments

Investigating plant and animal cells with a light microscope.

Microscopy - the development and use of microscopes in biology

Investigating the effect of concentration on rate of diffusion.

The other TOPICS for Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology PAPER 2  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

Topic 6 Plant structures and their functions  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 6 "Plant structures and their functions")

You should be able to ....

6.1 Be able to describe photosynthetic organisms as the main producers of food and therefore biomass

6.2 Be able to describe photosynthesis in plants and algae as an endothermic reaction that uses light energy to react carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen

6.3 Be able to explain the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration as limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis

6.4 (HT only) Be able to explain the interactions of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration in limiting the rate of photosynthesis

6.5 Revise investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis

6.6 (HT only) Be able to explain how the rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to light intensity and inversely proportional to the distance from a light source, including the use of the inverse square law calculation

6.7 Be able to explain how the structure of the root hair cells is adapted to absorb water and mineral ions

Photosynthesis, importance explained, limiting factors affecting rate, leaf adaptations

6.8 Be able to explain how the structures of the xylem and phloem are adapted to their function in the plant, including:

(a) lignified dead cells in xylem transporting water and minerals through the plant

(b) living cells in phloem using energy to transport sucrose around the plant

6.9 Be able to describe how water and mineral ions are transported through the plant by transpiration, including the structure and function of the stomata

Transport and gas exchange in plants, transpiration, absorption of nutrients, leaf and root structure

6.10 Be able to describe how sucrose is transported around the plant by translocation

Transport and gas exchange in plants, transpiration, absorption of nutrients, leaf and root structure

6.12 Be able to explain the effect of environmental factors on the rate of water uptake by a plant, to include light intensity, air movement and temperature

6.13 Demonstrate an understanding of rate calculations for transpiration

Suggested practicals to revise too:

Investigate the effect of pollutants on plant germination and plant growth.

Investigate the effect of light and/or gravity on plant growth.

Investigate how factors, including the effect of light intensity, CO₂ concentration or temperature, affect the rate of photosynthesis.

Investigate how the structure of the leaf is adapted for photosynthesis.

Investigate how the loss of water vapour from leaves drives transpiration.

Investigate the importance of photoperiodicity in plants.

Transport and gas exchange in plants, transpiration, absorption of nutrients, leaf and root structure

Topic 7  Animal coordination, control and homeostasis  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 7 "Animal coordination, control and homeostasis")

You should be able to ....

7.1 Be able to describe where hormones are produced and how they are transported from endocrine glands to their target organs including the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes

Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones

7.2 (HT only) Be able to explain that adrenalin is produced by the adrenal glands to prepare the body for fight or flight, including:

(a) increased heart rate

(b) increased blood pressure

(c) increased blood flow to the muscles

(d) raised blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to change glycogen into glucose

Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones

7.3 (HT only) Be able to explain how thyroxine controls metabolic rate as an example of negative feedback, including:

(a) low levels of thyroxine stimulates production of TRH in hypothalamus

(b) this causes release of TSH from the pituitary gland

(c) TSH acts on the thyroid to produce thyroxine

(d) when thyroxine levels are normal thyroxine inhibits the release of TRH and the production of TSH

Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones

7.4 Be able to describe the stages of the menstrual cycle, including the roles of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, in the control of the menstrual cycle.

7.5 (HT only) Be able to explain the interactions of oestrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH in the control of the menstrual cycle, including the repair and maintenance of the uterus wall, ovulation and menstruation

Hormone Systems - menstrual cycle

7.6 Be able to explain how hormonal contraception influences the menstrual cycle and prevents pregnancy

7.7 Be able to compare and evaluate hormonal and barrier methods of contraception

7.8 (HT only) Be able to explain the use of hormones in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) including IVF and clomifene therapy

Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments

7.9 Be able to explain the importance of maintaining a constant internal environment in response to internal and external change

Homeostasis - introduction to how it functions (negative feedback systems explained)

7.13 Be able to explain how blood glucose concentration is regulated by the hormone insulin

Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes

7.14 (HT only) Be able to explain how blood glucose concentration is regulated by glucagon

Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes

7.15 Be able to explain the cause of type 1 diabetes and how it is controlled

7.16 Be able to explain the cause of type 2 diabetes and how it is controlled

7.17 Evaluate the correlation between body mass and type 2 diabetes including waist : hip ratio calculations and BMI using the BMI equation:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ [height (m)]²

Practical done - investigation of the presence of sugar in simulated urine/body fluids.

Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes

Keeping healthy - non-communicable diseases - risk factors for e.g. CVD, cancers, body/mass/hip indexes

Food tests for reducing sugars, starch, proteins and lipids (fats and oils)

Topic 8 Exchange and transport in animals  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 8 "Exchange and transport in animals")

You should be able to ....

8.1 Be able to describe the need to transport substances into and out of a range of organisms including oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, dissolved food molecules, mineral ions and urea

8.2 Be able to explain the need for exchange surfaces and a transport system in multicellular organisms including the calculation of surface area : volume ratio (usually with a simple cube model).

8.3 Be able to describe how alveoli are adapted for gas exchange by diffusion between air in the lungs and blood in capillaries

Diffusion, osmosis and active transport

Examples of surfaces for the exchange of substances in animal organisms

8.6 Be able to explain how the structure of the blood is related to its function:

(a) red blood cells (erythrocytes)

(b) white blood cells (phagocytes and lymphocytes)

(c) plasma

(d) platelets

8.7 Be able to explain how the structure of the blood vessels is related to their function

8.8 Be able to explain how the structure of the heart and circulatory system is related to its function, including the role of the major blood vessels, the valves and the relative thickness of chamber walls

The human circulatory system - heart, lungs, blood, blood vessels, causes/treatment of cardiovascular disease

8.9 Be able to describe cellular respiration as an exothermic reaction which occurs continuously in living cells to release energy for metabolic processes, including aerobic and anaerobic respiration

8.10 Be able to compare the process of aerobic respiration with the process of anaerobic respiration

Respiration - aerobic and anaerobic in plants and animals

8.11 Investigation into the rate of respiration in living organisms

Respiration - aerobic and anaerobic in plants and animals

8.12 Calculate heart rate, stroke volume and cardiac output, using the equation:

cardiac output = stroke volume × heart rate

Suggested practicals to revise:

Investigation of the effect of glucose concentration on rate of anaerobic respiration in yeast.

Investigating the short term effects of increase in heart rate and/or breathing rate with exercise.

Enzymes - structure, functions, optimum conditions, investigation experiments, human digestion system

Respiration - aerobic and anaerobic in plants and animals, investigations

The human circulatory system - heart, lungs, blood, blood vessels, causes/treatment of cardiovascular disease

Topic 9 Ecosystems and material cycles  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 9 "Ecosystems and materials")

Notes for 9.1 to 9.15  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, decomposition - decay investigation, biogas

Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency

Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass

Adaptations, lots of examples explained including extremophiles

Food security - population growth and sustainability issues 

Biodiversity and ecological surveying - using quadrats and transects 

Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation

(Exam revision summary for Edexcel GCSE 9-1 combined science paper 2 biology 2, Topic 9 "Ecosystems and materials")

You should be able to ....

9.1 Be able to describe the different levels of organisation from individual organisms, populations, communities, to the whole ecosystem

9.2 Be able to explain how communities can be affected by abiotic and biotic factors, including:

(a) temperature, light, water, pollutants

(b) competition, predation

9.3 Be able to describe the importance of interdependence in a community

9.4 Be able to describe how the survival of some organisms is dependent on other species, including parasitism and mutualism

9.5 Investigate the relationship between organisms and their environment using field work techniques including quadrats and belt transects

9.6 Be able to explain how to determine the number of organisms in a given area using raw data from field-work techniques, including quadrats and belt transects

9.9 Be able to explain the positive and negative human interactions within ecosystems and their impacts on biodiversity, including:

(a) fish farming

(b) introduction of non-indigenous species

(c) eutrophication

9.10 Be able to explain the benefits of maintaining local and global biodiversity including the conservation of animal species and the impact of reforestation

9.12 Be able to describe how different materials cycle through the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem

9.13 Be able to explain the importance of the carbon cycle including the processes involved and the role of microorganisms as decomposers

9.14 Be able to explain the importance of the water cycle including the processes involved and the production of potable water in areas of drought including desalination

9.15 Be able to explain how nitrates are made available for plant uptake including the use of fertilisers, crop rotation and the role of bacteria in the nitrogen cycle

Practicals you may have encountered worth revising

Investigating tropic responses.

Investigating how indicator species can be used to assess levels of pollution in water or the atmosphere.

Investigating animal behaviour using choice chambers.

See also revision notes:  (revision study notes for Edexcel gcse combined science biology)

Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, decomposition - decay investigation, biogas 

Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency

Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass

Adaptations, lots of examples explained including extremophiles 

Food security - population growth and sustainability issues

Biodiversity and ecological surveying - using quadrats and transects

Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation