Biology Unit 2 Exam Revision Notes

The Five Kingdoms

Prokaryotes
E.g. Bacteria
no nucleus
loop of naked DNA
DNA not arranged in linear chromosomes
no membrane-bound organelles
smaller ribosomes than other groups
carry out respiration on mesosomes (special membrane systems), not mitochondria
smaller cells than eukaryotes
parasitic (some cause disease)
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Protoctista
E.g. Algae
eukaryotes
mostly single-celled
autotrophic/heterotrophic nutrition
do not belong to any other kingdoms

Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species

Fungi
E.g. Moulds, yeast, mushrooms
multi-cellular eukaryotes
heterotrophic (plants and animals) and saptrophic (absorb food from the dead)
Plantae
E.g. Mosses, Ferns, flowering plants
multi-cellular eukaryotes
cells surrounded by cellulose cell wall
produce multi-cellular embryos from fertilised eggs
autotrophic (make their own food) nutrition
Animalia
E.g. molluscs, insects, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals
multi-cellular eukaryotes
heterotrophic (plants and animals) nutrition
fertilised eggs that develop
usually able to move around

Binomial Naming System: Genus then Species : minimises confusion all scientists, in all
countries, call a species by the same name.
Evolution of Classification:
Only use to be based on observations to place organisms into groups, but physical features may
not show how closely related organisms are. Now, its based on observations and evidence. The
more similar, the more closely related, the other evidence used:
Molecular: similarities in DNA etc. e.g. Chimps and Humans share 94% of DNA.
Embryological: early stages of development.
Anatomical: structure/function of body parts.
Behavioural: similarities in behaviour and social organisation.
New Scientific Data can lead to new taxonomic groupings:
New data about any of characteristics can influence the way species are classified
New data has to be evaluated by other scientists to check if its actually there. If all
scientists agree it can lead to a new organism being reclassified or leads to changes in the
classification system structure

3 Domains
Bacteria have:
different cell membrane structure
different internal structure of the flagella
different enzymes (RNA polymerase) for building RNA
no proteins bound to their genetic material
different mechanisms for DNA replication and building RNA
Archaea and Eucarya share:
similar enzymes (RNA polymerase) for building RNA
similar mechanisms for DNA replication and building DNA
production of some proteins that bind to their DNA
Bacteria: Prokaryote kingdom e.g. methanogens
Archaea: Prokaryote kingdom e.g. all other bacteria (apart from methanogens)
Eucarya: Organisms from the other four kingdoms (not prokaryote), Eukaryotic e.g. plants/
animals/ fungi
Three domains vs Five Kingdoms
A new, three domain classification system has been proposed (1960) based on new data. The
new data came from molecular phylogeny (study of the evolutionary history of groups of
organisms, telling us which species are related to which and how closely related they are).
Molecular phylogeny looks at molecules (DNA and proteins) to see how closely related organisms
are, e.g. more closely related organisms have more similar molecules
This new system classifies organisms in a different way:
In the older, five kingdom system of classification, all organisms are placed into one of five
kingdoms
In the new, three domain system all organisms are placed into one of three domains large
super -kingdoms that are above the kingdoms in the taxonomic hierarchy
Organisms that were in the kingdom Prokaryote (unicellular organisms without a nucleus)
are separated into two domains the Archaea and Bacteria. Organisms from the other four
kingdoms (organisms with cells that contain a nucleus) are placed in the third domain
Eukarya
The Prokaryote were reclassified into two domains because molecular phylogeny
suggested that Archaea and bacteria are more distantly related than originally thought.
Why classify?
for convenience
make study of living things more manageable
easier to identify organisms
help see relationships between species
Taxonomic Hierarchy: placing organisms into a series of smaller and smaller groups (taxa),
where all members share one or more features or homologies.
Taxonomy: the study of the differences between species eg: morphology, nutrition which are used
place organisms in groups. It involves naming organisms and organising them into groups based
on their similarities and differences. This makes it easier for scientists to identify them and to study
them.
Phylogeny: History of the evolution from a shared ancestor, tells us who's related to whom and
how closely. Closely related species diverged away from each other most recently.

Species:
a group of organisms with similar morphology (looks the similar), physiology (internally similar,
chemically) and behaviour (how they act)
which can interbreed to produce fertile offspring
and which are reproductively isolated from other species
Habitat: a place with a distinct set of conditions where an organism lives
Population: a group of individuals of the same species found in an area
Community: the various populations of different species that share an ecosystem/ habitat
Niche:
the precise role of an organism in its environment
the sum total of all the organisms' interactions
A niche can only be occupied by one species.
Gene Pool: the sum total of all alleles of all genes within a population
Adaptation: features which enable an organism to survive and reproduce and being specialised to
suit an environment in which the organism lives
Behavioural Adaptations: any actions by organisms, which help them to survive and reproduce.
Physiological Adaptations: features of the internal workings of an organism, which help them to
survive and reproduce.
Anatomical Adaptations: physical structural features of an organism's body, which help them to
survive and reproduce
Co-adaptation: when two organisms become dependent of each other and more and more
closely adapted
Natural Selection: organisms change over time as they adapt to their changing environment
Natural Selection:
Observation: more offspring produced than can survive
Struggle for existence:
competition for survival between members of the same species for resources such as food
limited resources between too many organisms
population size is limited by environment
Observation: huge amount of inherited variation between species
Survival of the Fittest:
organisms best adapted to the environment are more likely to obtain resources (e.g. food)
and so more likely to survive and reproduce
A mutation in a gene may result in a change in the physical appearance of an organism, in its
physiology or even in its pattern of behaviour. If this change is advantageous, the frequency of
those alleles within the population will increase. The changing environment also leads to many
species having to adapt to the changes in the climate or different animals that have migrated to
the area that could be potential predators.
Evolution: a change in the frequency of alleles over time

Evolution occurs when:

Variation exists within a species through random genetic mutations, which form new alleles
Meiosis mixes up existing allele combinations

Change in environment causes a change in the selection pressure

Which causes a change in allele success
Some alleles are favourable and some are harmful
Organisms with favourable alleles survive and reproduce, forming fertile offspring
Those who have the harmful allele do not
Inheritance of the favourable allele occurs, increasing the frequency of that allele in the next
generation

Biodiversity: is the variety of living organisms in an area

Species Diversity: number of different species and abundance of each species in an area
Genetic Diversity: variety of alleles within a species or population
Ecological Diversity: variety between different habitats
Endemism:
Species is unique to a single place
Isn't naturally found anywhere-else in the world
E.g. the giant tortoise is endemic to the Galapagos Islands
Measure Genetic Diversity within a species:
Find the number of different alleles in the gene pool by DNA Sequencing.
This determine the bases in a DNA segment and determining the alleles present
Measure species biodiversity:
1. Species Richness: count the number of different types of species in a given habitat. The
more types of species, the greater the species richness. But, species richness gives no
indication of the abundance of each species
2. Species Evenness: count the number of different types of species in a given habitat and
the number of individuals of each species. Then use a biodiversity index (e.g. Simpsons
Index of Diversity) to calculate the species diversity. This takes into account the number
and abundance of each species.
A sample of the population is taken and estimates are then made about the whole habitat based
on the sample. Sampling involves:
1. Choose a specific area to sample a small area within a habitat being studied
2. To avoid bias, the sample should be random use a random number generator to select
coordinates (maybe use a quadrat)
3. Count the number of individuals of each species in the sample area: plants- quadrat, flying
insects - sweepnet (net on a pole), ground insects - pitfall trap (small pit that insects cant
get out of), aquatic animals - net
4. Repeat the whole process taking as many samples as possible. This gives a better
indication of the whole habitat
5. Use the results to estimate the total number of individuals or the total number of different
species (species richness) in the habitat being studied
When sampling different habitats and comparing them, always use the same sampling technique.
Sources of variation in genetic diversity:
Gene mutations
Independent Assortment
Crossing Over
Mate Selection
Random Fertilisation

Genetic Diversity can be measured by:

DNA Analysis: DNA base
sequence used to identify different
alleles
Heterozygosity Index: the
proportion of genes present in
heterozygous form.

Organelles in plant cells (Eukaryotic Cell):

(Plus: Nucleus, rER, sER, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus and cytoplasm)
Amyloplast:
has a double membrane
storage of starch grains
Pits:
regions of thin cell wall
allows transport of substances between cells
Plasmodesmata:
channels in cell wall that link adjacent cells together
allows transport and communication between cells
Middle Lamella:
is an adhesive sticking adjacent plant cells together
gives plant stability
contains pectins
Vacuole:
contains cell sap (water, enzymes, minerals and waste products)
keeps cell turgid (stops plant wilting)
involved in the breakdown and isolation of unwanted chemicals in cell
has a tonoplast (membrane)- controls what enters and leaves the vacuole
Cell Wall:
made of Cellulose
supports plant cells
Chloroplast:
double membrane
membrane stacked up to form grana
photosynthesis takes place here (in grana or stroma-a thick fluid)
Amyloplast:
membrane
store starch grains
convert starch to glucose for release
Organelles in animal cells (Eukaryotic Cell):
(Plus: Nucleus, rER, sER, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus and cytoplasm)
Centriole:
hollow cylinders containing microtubules
separation of chromosomes in cell division
Vesicle:
small fluid filled sac in cytoplasm surrounded by a membrane
transports substances in and out of the cell
Lysosome:
shape: round
membrane containing digestive enzymes (digest invading cells or break down worn out
components of the cell

Mitochondria:
oval shaped
double membrane (inner forms cristae)
matrix (contains enzymes for respiration)
site of aerobic respiration- ATP is produced
Organelles in both plants and animals (Eukaryotic Cell):
Nucleus:
nuclear envelope ( double membrane) with pores
contains chromatin (DNA) and often nucleolus (makes ribosomes)
Ribosome:
small organelle
float free or attached to rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)
site were proteins are made
rER:
covered in ribosomes
processes proteins
sER:
system of membranes enclosing a fluid filled space
synthesises and processes lipids and steroids
Golgi Apparatus:
group of fluid filled flattened sacs
vesicles at edge
processes and packages lipids and proteins
Makes lysosomes
Prokaryotic Cells: E.g. Blue Green Algae
Ribosome (smaller than eukaryotic ones), Cytoplasm, Cell surface membrane
Cell Wall:
made of peptidoglycan (polysaccharide protein)
Plasmid:
Small circle of DNA
Mesosome:
infolding of a cell surface membrane
site of respiration
Slime Capsule: (some)
prevents dehydration
protection
Flagellum: (some)
propel the cell (swim)
Differences in plant and animal cells:
plant cell has a rigid wall, and animal does not
plant cells contain chloroplasts, animals dont

Prokaryotic

Eukaryotic

Size

Smaller: 0.5-5 m

Larger: 5-200m

DNA

Circular
Free in cytoplasm
NO NUCLEUS
No membrane bound
organelles
No nuclei
Small ribosomes
Always present

Linear
In nucleus

Organelles

Cell Wall

o
o
o
o

Starch:
Alpha Glucose
Branched amylopectin (1, 4 and 1,6
glycosidic bonds) and unbranched
amylose (1, 4 glycosidic bonds)
Chains with branches so spiral
(helical coiled)
Energy storage in plants

Membrane bound organelles

Nucleus
Larger ribosomes
Not always present
Cellulose cell wall in Plants
Chitin cell wall in Fungi

o
o
o
o
o

Cellulose:
Beta Glucose
Unbranched
Long straight chains
Strong structural support for plants
Microfibrils

Cellulose is a strong structural support because:

large number of hydrogen bonds forming bundles
called Microfibrils in layers
within matrix of hemicelluloses and pectins (glue
that holds Microfibrils together)
A turgid cell is one that is completely full with its cell contents pressing out on the cell wall. If it
loses its turgidity, the plant wilts.
Sclerenchyma Fibres:
Bundles of dead cells
Hollow Lumen
Columns
Provide support
Walls thickened with lignin (strength,
waterproof) and contain more cellulose
Short structures with ends closed
No pits

Xylem Vessels:
Bundles of dead cells
Hollow Lumen
Columns
Transport water + minerals up the plant and
provide support
Walls thickened with lignin (strength, waterproof)
Long cylinders with no end walls
Pits to allow transport of water + ions out of
xylem

Parenchyma: type of plant tissue found throughout the plant. Fill space in the stem.
Vascular bundle: contains xylem vessels and phloem (transport of products of photosynthesis)
Xylem vessels Phloem Sclerenchyma fibres
There are 3 main types of tissue found in plants:
The vascular tissue is found at the centre of the stem. Each vascular bundle contains xylem
vessels and phloem sieve tubes, on the outside of the bundle are Sclerenchyma fibres.

 The ground tissue is found surrounding the vascular tissue in the middle section of a crosssection of a stem (Parenchyma tissue)
The (dermal tissue) epidermis is on the outer layer of the stem.
Xylem vessels for transport:
Xylem vessels are made up of large cells with thick cell walls. They form a column of cells acting
as tubes for the transport of water and mineral ions.
The plant produces a polymer called lignin which allows it to be waterproof so it can transport the
water. The polymer lignin impregnates the cellulose wall and as the cells become lignified the
entry of water and solutes into them is restricted.
At the same time the tonoplast breaks down and there is autolysis of the cell contents. During
autolysis the cell organelles, cytoplasm and cell surface membrane are broken down by the action
of enzymes and are lost, leaving an empty tube.
Water transportation in xylem vessels:
Transpiration: water evaporated from the surface of spongy mesophyll cells and diffuses
down the diffusion gradient through stomata of leaves
Water in the spongy mesophyll leaves is replaced from the xylem, lowering hydrostatic
pressure at the top of the vessel, resulting in water being drawn up from belowtranspiration stream.
Hydrogen bonding between water molecules allows cohesion between water molecules;
this keeps water as a continuous column in the xylem vessel Cohesion-Tension Theory
Forces of adhesion occur between water molecules and the xylem cell walls.
Root Pressure: minerals and ions moving into roots via active transport creating a
concentration gradient for osmosis (water into roots)
The movement of water through xylem vessels provides a mass flow system for the transport of
inorganic ions.
Nitrate ions (form of nitrogen) are needed by plants in order to make amino acids. Plants make
their own amino acids from scratch using inorganic materials by a sequence of enzyme controlled
reactions the nitrogen transported in the xylem is combined with organic molecules from
photosynthesis to make all 20 amino acids. Plants cannot grow without nitrate ions as they are
needed in chlorophyll, nucleic acids, ATP and some growth substances.
Magnesium is needed for chlorophyll
Calcium is required for a structural role in the cell wall and permeability of the cell membrane
CORE PRACTICAL: Investigating Plant Mineral Deficiencies
1. Mexican hat plantlets into 5 solutions ( All nutrients, lacking magnesium, lacking calcium,
lacking nitrogen and lacking all nutrients)
2. Cover with cling film
3. Cover test tube with black paper (stop light)
4. Place on sunny windowsill
5. After a week compare height and colour of leaves
6. Control: species of plant, volume of each solution, size of container, amount of light
received
Chemical defences of plants:
Many plants have adaptations that provide chemical defences to repel and even kill animals that
feed on them. Plants sometimes store toxic compounds in hairs on the surface of their leaves,
such as the stinging nettle.
Many plants can be very useful as medicines. In precise doses the 'poison' that plants create can
be used to deter pathogens that threaten our health.

Acrosome Reaction:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Sperm reaches the ovum

Cells surrounding the ovum release chemicals, triggering the acrosome reaction
Acrosome swells and fuses with the sperm cell surface membrane
Digestive enzymes in the acrosome are released
Enzymes digest through the follicle cells and zona pellucida surrounding the ovum
Sperm fuses with its cell surface membrane
Sperm nucleus enters the ovum
Enzymes released from the lysosomes cause the zona pellucida to thicken, preventing the
entry of other sperm
9. Nuclei of the ovum and sperm fuse fertilisation
Importance of fertilisation in sexual reproduction:
restores the diploid number of chromosomes
combines the genome from 2 cells, which is important for GENETIC VARIATION

Plant Fertilisation:
Pollen grain germinates on style
Pollen tube grows down style towards ovary (growth controlled by tube nucleus)
Pollen grain contains 2 nuclei: tube nucleus and the generative nucleus
On germination of pollen, generative nucleus divides by mitosis to form 2 halpoid male
gamete nuclei
2 male haploid gamete nuclei move down pollen tube
Pollen tube grows through small pore (micropyle) into embryo sac
Both male haploid male gamete nuclei enter the embryo sac
1 of the male gamete nuclei fuses with the egg nuclei forms diploid zygote (divides to
form the embryo)
1 of the male gamete nuclei fuses with the 2 polar nuclei in the embryo sac, forms
triploid zygote (divides to form the seed's storage tissue endosperm)

Stem Cells:
undifferentiated/ unspecialised cells
which can keep dividing
give rise to other types of cell
Types of Stem Cells:
Totipotent: give rise to all cell types and has the potential to develop into a total individual
Pluripotent: have the potential to develop into many cell types but not all. (50 cell stageblastocyst)
Multipotent: some cells retain a certain capacity to develop into a variety of cell types

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

CORE PRACTICAL: Totipotency and Tissue Culture

Sprinkle seeds of white mustard onto damp sponge, cover with cling film and place in a
warm, light place to germinate (until their seed leaves, cotyledons, start to unfold)
2.5g of agar powder to 250cm of water. Heat and stir till dissolved
Pour 2cm height of molten agar into McCartney bottles. Allow to cool and solidify
Cut tops off just below shoot apex (growing tip) making explants
Push cut end of explants into agar, making sure the cotyledons dont touch the agar
Cover with cling film, place in a sunny windowsill.
Observe over 10 days

In a plant: Most plant cells remain totipotent throughout the life of the plant.
Totipotency of plant cells allows plants to be reproduced using plant tissue culture. Small pieces of
plant (explants) are sterilised and then placed on a solid agar medium with nutrients and growth

regulators. The cells then divide to form a mass of undifferentiated cells called a callus. By altering
the growth regulators in the medium they can be grown into a full plant.
Uses of Stem Cells:
To replace damaged tissues in a range of diseases. E.g. Leukaemia (cancer of the bone
marrow) kill all existing stem cells in bone marrow and replace with bone marrow
transplant
Could save/improve lives (stem cells to create organs and eyes)
Sources of Stem Cells:
Adult Stem Cells (from bone marrow) needle discomfort limited range of cells
Embryonic Stem Cells (IVF) egg cells fertilised by sperm in a Petri dish 4-5 days stem
cells removed and embryo is destroyed (Totipotent)
Ethical Issues: Embryos are viable (alive) killing a person
Regulatory Authorities: UK HFEA( Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority)
Proposals of research to see if they should be allowed
Licensing and monitoring embryonic stem cell research centres- only fully trained staff are
doing research
Produce guidelines and codes of practice
Provide information and advice to governments
Uses of Mitosis:
Growth of multi-cellular organisms
Repairing damaged tissues
In some organisms: important for reproducing asexually producing offspring that is
genetically identical to parent offspring
Stages Of Mitosis/ Cell division:
Interphase: (G1 phase/ S phase-DNA replication/ G2 phase)
So the cell has enough organelles, DNA and cytoplasm for 2 new cells
Prophase:
chromosomes shorten and thicken
centrioles move to opposite ends, forming spindle across cell between 2 poles
nuclear envelope breakdown (nucleolus disappears)
Metaphase:
chromosomes' centromeres attach to spindle fibres at the equator
Anaphase:
spindle fibres contract, pulling chromosomes apart - one chromatid of each chromosome is
pulled to each pole of the spindle
spindle breaks down
Telophase:
chromosomes unravel
nuclear envelope reforms around 2 groups of chromosomes
nucelolus reappears

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

CORE PRACTICAL: Observing Mitosis

Cut 1cm from root tip of garlic
Put into 2cm of 1M hydrochloric acid for 5 minutes
Put in 5cm water for 5 mins
Dry with filter paper
Cut 2-3mm from the end of the tip

6. Maceration with mounted needle

7. One drop of Toluidine Blue for 2 mins
8. Cover with cover slip and blot dry
9. View under microscope
10. Calculate percentage of cells undergoing mitosis
Meiosis: (Produces gametes)
1. Each pair lines up in its homologous pairs.
2. The spindles separate the cells into 2 cells each with 1 set of chromosomes in the first
stage called meiosis 1.
3. They then split up again being pulled apart again in the stage called meiosis 2 where the
haploid cells are actually created
Meiosis 1:
Meiosis 2:

(X X) --> (X) + (X)

(X) + (X) --> (l) + (l) + (l) + (l)

Meiosis produces four daughter cells nuclei, each with half the number of chromosomes as the
parent cell. The chromosome number is halved.
Two types of variation:
Independent Assortment: 1 chromosome from each pair ends up in each daughter cell. Its
random.
Crossing Over: Homologous chromosomes pair up during the first division and all four
chromatids come into contact. At these points (Chiamata/chiasma) the chromatids can
break and rejoin, exchanging sections of DNA
Differential gene expression:
Differential gene expression is caused by turning different genes on and off, by controlling
transcription, which determines differentiation
Under the right conditions, some genes are activated and some are not
Active genes make active mRNA, which is translated into proteins within cells (by
ribosomes) controlling cell processes and determines cell structure
forming a SPECIALISED CELL

Development control:
The nucleus has a role in controlling the development of the individual cell and the whole multicellular organism's phenotype. This was first shown in classic experiments using giant algal cells.
The Acetabularia mediterranea and the Acetabularia crenulata have:
a hat
a stalk
and a rhizoid (bottom) containing the nucleus
1. If the hats are removed and the stalks swapped, the plant develops hats with features of
both species. (Intermediate hats)
2. If the intermediate hats are then removed, new ones grow that correspond to the nucleus in
the rhizoid.
This shows the importance of the nucleus and chemical messengers in the development of the
cell.

1.
2.
3.
4.

Dolly The Sheep: (Cloning)

Sheep 1: mammary cell donor sheep-mammary cells are grown in culture.
Sheep 2: egg cell donor sheep - the nucleus from an egg cell in the ovary is removed.
Cells are fused together
Grown in culture

5.
6.
7.
8.

An early embryo forms

Its implanted into the uterus of Sheep 3
Embryo develops
Lamb is born that is chromosomally identical to mammary cell donor

Different genes are expressed:

As the embryo develops, cells differentiate: they become specialised for one function or a group of
functions. Structure and function of each cell type is dependent on the proteins it synthesises.
Some people demonstrated that different genes are expressed in different cells. They extracted
mRNA from differentiated and undifferentiated frog cells.
The mRNA is extracted from undifferentiated cells in early frog blastula
The mRNA in differentiated cells in later development (gastrula) is extracted
Complimentary DNA (cDNA) is made using reverse transcriptase and added
mRNA is then digested
The cDNA and the mRNA are combined
any mRNA that is also produced in the differentiated cells will combine with cDNA to form
double strands
free cDNA is from mRNA produced in the differentiated cells
Cells become specialised because only some genes are switched on and produce active mRNA
which is translated into proteins within the cell.
Switching genes on:
In Prokaryotes:
If chemical is not present in the environment:
The chemical repressor molecule binds to the DNA and prevents the transcription of the
gene.
If chemical is present in the environment:
The repressor molecule is prevented from binding to the DNA, and the gene is expressed.
mRNA coding for the gene is transcribed and translated producing the enzyme.
In Eukaryotes:
Genes in uncoiled, accessible regions of the eukaryote DNA can be transcribed into mRNA.
The enzyme RNA polymerase binds to a section of the DNA adjacent to the gene to be
transcribed. This section is known as the promoter region.
Only when the enzyme is attached to the DNA will transcription proceed.
The gene remains switched off until the enzyme attaches to the promoter region
successfully. The attachment of a regulator protein is usually also required to start
transcription.
Transcription of a gene can be prevented by protein repressor molecules attaching to the
DNA of the promoter region, blocking the attachment site.
Protein repressor molecules can attach to the regulator proteins themselves preventing
them from attaching.
Gene Expression gone wrong: (FOP)
FOP (fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) is characterised by the growth of bones in odd places,
such as within muscles and connective tissue.
FOP is an inherited condition caused by a gene mutation. In FOP one of the genes that are used
to produce proteins that make bone cells is not switched off in white blood cells. So when the
tissue is damaged white blood cells move to the site of damage and produce the protein that
makes bone cells.
Cells organised into tissues:
Specialised cells can group themselves into a cluster working together as a tissue. Cells have
specific recognition proteins, also known as adhesion molecules, on their surface membranes.
Adhesion molecules help to recognise other cells like themselves and stick to them.

Cell: In multi-cellular organisms, cells are specialised for a particular function. E.g. muscle cells
and epithelial cells.
Tissue: A group of specialised cells working together to carry out 1 function. E.g. muscle cells
combining to form muscle tissue, and epithelial cells forming epithelial tissue.
Organ: A group of tissues working together to carry out 1 function. E.g. muscle, nerve and
epithelium work together in the heart.
Organ systems: A group of organs working together to carry out a particular function. E.g. the
circulatory system.
Gene expression and development:
The precise sequence of transcription and translation of genes determines the sequence of
changes during development.
Master genes: control the development of each segment. They produce mRNA which is
translated into signal proteins. These proteins switch on the genes responsible for producing the
proteins needed for specialisation of cells in each segment.
ABC of flowering plants: When a plant starts to flower, cells in a meristem become specialised to
form the organs that make up the flower. Most flowers contain the organs: sepals, petals, male
stamens and the female carpel. These are arranged in concentric whorls.
The expression of genes in cells across the meristem determines which structures will form. When
only gene A is expressed sepals form, when only gene C is expressed carpels form. Petals form
when A and B are expressed, and stamens when B and C are expressed.
Genes and the environment:
The characteristics of an organism are known as its phenotype.
Phenotype: characteristics of an organism taking into account GENOTYPE (genetic make-up)
and ENVIRONMENT (where the individual develops)
Some characteristics are controlled by the organism's genotype, with the environment having little
or no effect (e.g. blood group). Discontinuous variation: When characteristics are controlled by
genes at a single locus. They have phenotypes that fall into discrete groups with no overlap.
Continuous variation: Characteristics that are affected by both genotype and environment (e.g.
human height). If a graph is drawn showing the frequency distribution of the different height
categories it will be bell-shaped.
Polygenic inheritance: characteristics controlled by genes at many loci
Multifactorial inheritance: characteristics controlled by several genetic factors and there is more
than one environmental factor.
Gene and Environment interactions:
There are many example of genes and environment interacting together to produce an organism's
phenotype. Some examples are:
height
hair colour
MAOA
causes of cancer
Height increase:
Taller men have more children
Movements of people around the world means less inbreeding - leading to taller people

Better nutrition increased protein

Improved health
End of child labour more energy for growth
Improved heating in houses less energy needed to heat the body- more for growth

Hair Colour: (E.g. Arctic foxes)

The dark pigment in hair is called melanin which is made in melanocytes found in the skin and at
the root of the hair in the follicle. These are activated by melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) ,
which have receptors on the surface of melanocyte cells.
These melanocytes place melanin into organelles called melanosomes. The melanosomes are
transferred to nearby skin and hair cells where they collect around the nucleus, protecting the DNA
from harmful UV light, meaning people with darker skin have more receptors and have greater
protection from UV light.
UV light increases the amount of MSH and MSH receptors making the melanocytes more active
and causing the skin to darken. Hair becomes lighter due to the destruction of the melanin by UV
light.
To make melanin animals use an enzyme called tyrosinase which catalyses the first step of
changing the amino acid tyrosine into melanin. E.g. Himalayan rabbits have mutant alleles and
tyrosinase is not made at normal body temperature, however tips of their tail, paws and ears are
darker than the rest of their fur.
MAOA:
Monoamine oxidase A is an enzyme that catalyses the breakdown of a neurotransmitter in the
brain involved in the regulation of behaviour.
It was discovered that some individuals have a rare mutation in the MAOA gene and produce no
enzyme. They exhibit aggressive and sometimes violent behaviour.
This issue led to a connection between genes and violent behaviour but studies did not show a
clear link.
Childhood maltreatment was associated with more antisocial behaviour as adults.
Cancer:
Cancers occur when the rate of cell multiplication is faster than the rate of cell death. This causes
the growth of a tumour, often in tissues with a high rate of mitosis e.g. the lung, bowel and bone
marrow. Cancers are caused by damage to DNA. DNA can be easily damaged by physical factors
such as UV light. It can also be damaged by chemicals, known as carcinogens, which may be in
the environment or can be produced by cell metabolism. Mutations can also occur when cells
divide, for example if DNA is copied incorrectly in gamete formation , an inherited form of cancer
can result.
There are two types of genes that have a role in the control of the cell cycle and play a part in
triggering cancer, these are:
Oncogenes: code for the proteins that stimulate the transition from one stage of the cell
cycle to the next. Mutations in these cells can lead to the cell cycle being continually active
causing excessive cell division, resulting in a tumour.
Tumour suppressor genes: produce suppressor proteins that stop the cycle, so mutations
inactivating these genes mean there is no break in the cycle.
DNA damage in the embryo result in inherited cancer:
when the embryo divides by mitosis into an adult
cells giving rise to testes/ ovaries may have DNA error
therefore a gamete with faulty DNA can form
cancer causing error could be passed on in these gametes to next generation
The environment can either cause physical or chemical damage to an individual making cancer
more likely.

 Smoking severely increases the risk of a person developing lung cancer through
carcinogens in tar. This tar lodges in the bronchi and causes damage to DNA in
surrounding epithelial cells.
UV light physically damages DNA cells in the skin. Moles which have been affected by UV
light may grow bigger and develop into a tumour. If the tumour is not removed the cancer
cells can spread to other parts of the body.
Diet is also linked to prevention and the development of cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants
which destroy radicals can help prevent cancer.
Virus infection: a virus RNA may contain and oncogene.
Transport of proteins in a cell:
Nucleus: mRNA transcribe DNA
Ribosome on rER: mRNA translated, protein made
Vesicle
Golgi apparatus: modifies and packages proteins
Vesicle
Cell surface membrane - out of cell by EXOCYTOSIS
Sustainability
Sustainability: using resources in a way that meets the needs of the current generation without
having particularly damaging consequences on future generations.
Making products sustainable means you would need to use renewable resources (a resource that
can be used indefinitely without running out) e.g. plants are renewable because harvested plants
can be re-grown.
Fossil fuels are not renewable once theyve been used there will be no more
Using plant fibres and starch:
Plants:
Ropes and fabrics can be made from plastic, which is made from oil. They can also be
made from plant fibres- Bioplastics
Making products from plant fibres is more sustainable - less fossil fuels is uses, crops can
be re-grown to maintain a good supply
Products made from plant fibres are also biodegradable they can be broken down by
microbes, plastics mainly cannot and therefore pollute the environment
Plants are easier to grow and process (extract the fibres) than to process oil. Making them
also cheaper and easier to do in developing countries
Starch:
Starch is found in all plants crops like potatoes and corn are particularly rich of starch
Vehicle fuel is also normally made from oil, but an alternative is starch i.e. bioethanol can
be made from starch
Tensile strength: maximum load (force) it can take before it breaks.
Plant fibres are useful because they are:
long and thin
flexible
strong

Plant fibres can be extracted either mechanically by pulling out fibres or by digesting the
surrounding tissue by retting.
The more lignin present in the plant the harder it is to extract the fibres.

CORE PRACTICAL: Working out Tensile Strength

Attach the fibre to a clamp stand and hang a weight from the other end.
Keep adding weights, one at a time, until the fibre breaks
Record the mass needed to break the fibre - the higher the mass, the higher the tensile
strength.
Repeat the experiment with different samples of the same fibre increases the reliability
The fibres being tested should always be the same length
Throughout the experiment all other variables, like temperature and humidity, must be kept
constant
Take safety measures wear goggles to protect eyes, leave the area where weights are
being attached clear so they will fall safely and dont hurt your toes.

Historic Drug Testing---William Witherings Digitalis soup:

He discovered that an extract of foxgloves could be used to treat dropsy (swelling brought
about by heart failure). This extract contained the drug digitalis.
Withering made a chance observation a patient suffering from dropsy made a good
recovery after being treated with a traditional remedy containing foxgloves. Withering knew
foxgloves were poisonous, so he started testing different versions of the remedy with
different concentrations of digitalis the digitalis soup
Too much digitalis poisoned his patients, whilst too little had no effect
It was through trial and error that he discovered the right amount to give to a patient.

Modern Drug Testing:

Modern drug testing is more rigorous because the experiments are more controlled and drugs
have to be tested on models before tested on live subjects to assess the potential effects. Tests
are also carried out on human tissues in a lab, then tested on live animals before clinical trials are
tested on humans.
Drug testing clinical trials undergoes 3 phases of testing:
Phase one testing a new drug on a small group of healthy individuals. Its done to find out
things like safe dosage, if there are any side effects, and how the body reacts to the drug
Phase two the drug is now tested on a larger group of people with the disease to see how
well the drug actually works
Phase three the drug is now compared to existing treatments. It involves testing the drug
on hundreds, even thousands of patients. Patients are randomly split into two groups
(double blind trial with placebo) one group receives the new treatment and the other
group receives the existing treatment. This allows scientists to tell if the new drug is any
better than existing drugs.
CORE PRACTICAL: Investigate the Antimicrobial Properties in Plants
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Agar plates seeded with the suitable bacteria (lawn)

Obtain a mint leaf/garlic by crushing 3g of plant material with 10cm of methylated spirit
Shake well, and in timely intervals, for 10 minutes (30 seconds on/off vigorously
Pipette 0.1cm of the extract onto the sterile 13mm Whatman antibiotic assay paper disk
place on Petri dish
Allow the paper disks to dry for approximately 10 minutes on open Petri dishes
Make sure that temperature, amount of water, size of mint leaf, etc are kept controlled
during the experiment as the conclusions drawn must be reliable.
Close the Petri dish and tape it.
Incubate the plates for 24 hours at 25C in an incubator
Observe the plates without opening them, the bacterial growth should appear cloudy,
measure inhibition zone.

Conservation- Seedbanks and Zoos

Conservation: help maintain biodiversity and prevent extinction.
The extinction of a species, or the loss of genetic diversity within a species causes a
reduction in global diversity, some species have already become extinct, like the Dodo, and
there are a large number of endangered species
Conservation involves the protection and management of those endangered species with
zoos and seed banks helping to conserve genetic diversity
Seedbank store of seeds from different species of plant. E.g. Millennium Seed Bank Project
They help conserve biodiversity by storing the seeds of endangered plants. If the plants become
extinct in the wild the stored seeds can be used to grow new plants and maintain the genetic
diversity with, for some species, they store a range of seeds from plants with different
characteristics (different alleles).
Creating the cool, dry conditions needed for storage. This means seeds can be stored for a
long time.
Testing seeds for viability (the ability to grow into a plant). Seeds are planted, grown and
new seeds are harvested to put back into storage.

Advantages
Cheaper to store seeds than plants
Larger numbers of seeds can be stored
because they need less space
Less labour, to look after seeds than plants
Seeds stored anywhere, if cool and dry.
Seeds less likely to be damaged by disease,
natural disaster or vandalism than plants

Disadvantages
Testing the seeds for viability can be
expensive and time-consuming
Too expensive to store all types of seed and
regularly test them all for viability
Difficult to collect seeds from some plants as
they may grow in remote locations

Captive breeding involve breeding animals in controlled environments to increase their

numbers when the animal is endangered
E.g. pandas and orang-utans are bred in captivity because their numbers are critically low in the
wild
Problems with captive breeding:
Problems breeding outside natural habitat hard to recreate in a zoo
Cruelty to keep the animals in captivity even if its done to prevent them becoming extinct
Reintroduction to the wild the reintroduction of endangered species of animals or plants
conserve their numbers or bring them back from the brink of extinction which would also help the
animals that feed on the animals or plants as part of their habitat.
The reintroduction of plants and animals also contributes to restoring habitats that have been lost,
e.g. rainforests have been cut down.
Problems:
Reintroduced organisms could bring new diseases to habitats, harming other organisms
living there
Reintroduced animals may not behave as they would if theyd been raised in the wild. E.g.
they may have problems finding food or communicating with wild members of their species
Genetic variation is lost by
Genetic drift: when not all the genes are passed on to the offspring by chance.
Inbreeding depression: when two closely related individuals mate more often causes a
rise in homozygous gene types.

Scientific Research
Seedbanks
Research: how plants can be successfully
grown from seeds, useful for reintroducing them
to the wild
Grow endangered plants for use in medical
research, as new crops or materials. Dont have
to remove endangered plants from the wild.
Disadvantage: only studying plants from seeds
in seedbank limits the data to small, interbred
populations. Information gained may not be
representative of wild plants

Zoos
Research: increases knowledge about the
behaviour, physiology and nutritional needs of
animals. Can help conservation efforts in the
wild.
Zoos can carry out research that is not possible
for some species in the wild, e.g. nutritional or
reproductive studies
Disadvantage is that animals in captivity may
act differently to those in the wild

Zoos help with Education raise public awareness and interest in conserving biodiversity.
Studbooks: show the history and location of all the same species which are in captive breeding
programmes. Keep a record/database of individuals breeding history
Seeds for Survival:
Plants must make sure enough of the next generation will survive. They do this by packaging a
miniature plant in a protective coat with its own food supply: we call them seeds.
Inside the seed the embryo remains dormant until the conditions are suitable for restarting growth.
Seeds are vital to plants, they are adapted to ensure that they:
protect the embryo
aid dispersal
provide nutrition for the new plant
In flowering plants the ovule is fertilised by the nucleus from a pollen grain and develops into a
seed. The outer layers of the ovule are lignified creating a tough seed coat (testa) which protects
the embryo within the seed. The surrounding ovary develops into a fruit which can help seed
dispersal.
In some species the stored food remains outside the seed in storage tissue called endosperm.
Seeds of this type are called endospermic.
Seeds come in many shapes and sizes most of which are appropriate for wide dispersal which
means offspring are less likely to have to compete for nutrients with other plants.
When conditions are suitable the seed begins taking in water through a small pore in the seed
coat, which triggers metabolic changes in the seed. Production of plant growth substances is
switched on and these let out enzymes which mobilise stored food. Maltase and amylase break
down starch into glucose which is converted to sucrose for transport to the radicle (young root)
and plumule (young shoot). Proteases break down proteins in the food store to give amino acids.
Lipases break down stored lipids to give glycerol and fatty acids.