Biology theory igcse
Biology theory igcse
Biology theory igcse
ORG
CAIE IGCSE
BIOLOGY
SUMMARIZED NOTES ON THE THEORY SYLLABUS
Prepared for Abdul for personal use only.
CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Osmosis: Net movement of water molecules from a region
1. Movement Into and Out of of higher water potential (dilute solution) to a region of
lower water potential (concentrated solution) through a
1.1. Diffusion
Diffusion: Net movement of particles down the
concentration gradient (high → low) as a result of their
random movement.
In Animals
Increasing solute concentration inside a cell can cause it
to burst (cell lysis) because it has too much water and
no cell wall.
Energy for diffusion comes from the kinetic energy of In Plants
the random movement of molecules and ions.
The diffusion of gases and solutes is important as Increasing solute concentration inside the cell causes the
without it, molecules that are needed for life, for cell to become turgid, and the vacuole fills up. The cell
example, glucose and oxygen for respiration, would not wall can withstand the higher turgor pressure.
be able to get to the places they are required. Decreasing solute concentration inside the cell causes
Some substances move into and out of cells by diffusion the cell to become flaccid, losing water, and the vacuole
through the cell membrane. to get smaller. The cell body shrinks, pulling away from
Factors that influence diffusion (Passive Transport) the cell wall.
Plants are supported by the water pressure inside the
Concentration gradient cells pressing outwards on the cell wall.
Temperature
Surface area to volume ratio
Distance
1.2. Osmosis
The role of water acts as a solvent in organisms to aid
with digestion, excretion, and transport.
Knowing the definition of Diffusion, Osmosis and
Active Transport is COMPULSORY! Dialysis Tubing Experiment
The cell membrane is partially permeable, allowing small
molecules (like water) through but not larger molecules.
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Dialysis Tubing (or Visking tubing) is a non-living, Carrier Proteins or Protein Carriers are also used
partially permeable membrane made from cellulose. during active transport.
Pores are small enough to prevent the passage of large
molecules (such as sucrose) but allow smaller
molecules (such as glucose and water) to pass through
by diffusion and osmosis.
2. Biological Molecules
2.1. Biological Molecules
Carbohydrates: made from Carbon, Hydrogen and
Oxygen (CHO)
Fats and Oils: made from Carbon, Hydrogen and
Oxygen (CHO)
Proteins: made from Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen,
Nitrogen and sometimes Sulfur (CHON{S})
Smaller molecules Larger molecules
Simple sugars Starch, glycogen and cellulose
Fatty acids and glycerol Fats and oils
Amino acids Proteins
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Positive Negative
Test for: Solution Process Chromosomes are made of a molecule called DNA
Result Result
Add Benedict DNA is also called deoxyribonucleic acid.
solution into
Reducing Benedict
a beaker and Brick Red Blue
Sugars Solution
Heat Up to
70-80°C
Add Iodine
Iodine
Starch solution to Blue-Black Brown
Solution
the specimen
Add Biuret
Biuret
Protein solution to Purple/Violet Blue
Solution
the sample
Add ethanol
to the sample
Fats \n
and shake Cloudy
(Physical Ethanol N/A Each chromosome is a very long molecule of tightly
with an equal Emulsion
test)
volume of coiled DNA
water. Two strands coiled together to form a double helix
Add DCPIP Each strand contains chemicals called Bases
Vitamin C DCPIP solution to Colourless Blue Cross-links between strands are formed by pairs of bases
the sample The bases always pair up in the same way:
A and T
C and G
You do NOT need to know the names of the DNA bases
for this syllabus.
3. Enzymes
3.1. Enzymes
General Characteristics of an Enzyme
Catalyst: A substance which increases the reaction rate
and causes no changes in the reaction.
2.3. Structure of a DNA Biological Catalyst: A living substance that speeds up a
chemical reaction and is not changed by the reaction
Enzymes: Specific proteins involved in all metabolic
reactions, functioning as biological catalysts.
Enzyme lowers the activation energy needed for a
reaction to take place.
It is essential in all living organisms regarding the
reaction rate necessary to sustain life.
Enzymes are unchanged and can be reused
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Effect of Temperature Effect of pH
4. Plant Nutrition
Substrate: the molecule(s) before they are made to 4.1. Photosynthesis
react, complementary to the active site.
Product: the molecule(s) that are made in a reaction Photosynthesis: the process by which plants manufacture
Different sequences of amino acids may lead to varying carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light.
shapes of protein molecules, as these slight differences
(temperature/pH) may be deferred in their function.
kinetic energy for the reaction, so it reacts too slowly. Only EXTENDED Students must know the Balanced
Chemical Equation
3.3. pH on Enzymes The carbon dioxide diffuses through the open stomata of
a plant leaf, and water is taken up through the roots.
Enzymes are sensitive to pH. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that traps light energy
Some enzymes work best in an acid, and others in an and converts it into chemical energy to form
alkaline. carbohydrates and their subsequent storage.
Enzymes work best at their optimum pH. Glucose is used for respiration, energy storage, cellulose
If the pH changes, the hydrogen bond is broken, cell walls, and making proteins and sugars.
denatures the enzyme, making it no longer fit with the
Use and Storage of the Carbohydrates Made in
substrate’s active site; therefore, no reaction occurs.
Photosynthesis
Pepsin is used in acidic conditions, Amylase is used in
neutral conditions, and trypsin is used in alkalinity starch as an energy store
conditions. cellulose to build cell walls
glucose used in respiration to provide energy
3.4. Graphs for Changes in Enzyme sucrose for transport in the phloem
Activity
4.2. Mineral Requirements
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Nitrate ions Magnesium ions
Making amino acids Making chlorophyll
Deficiency: small plant due to Deficiency: The plant lacks
slow/stunted growth chlorophyll, leaves turn yellow.
walls, denature enzymes and allow for easier penetration produces CO2 .
4.4. Investigation of Light Intensity The leaves of Plant A will turn black after the starch test
The leaves of Plant B will remain brown after the starch
NOTE: This type of question is famous in IGCSE Biology test
Paper 2.
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Hydrogencarbonate indicator: measures the carbon
dioxide concentration
Structure Function
A waterproof waxy layer that
Key: PMROY, purple being the lowest carbon dioxide
Waxy Cuticle prevents water loss from the top
concentration, and yellow the highest. of the leaf
Thin and transparent to allow light
4.6. Limiting Factors Upper & Lower Epidermis to enter the palisade mesophyll
cells
Limiting Factors: something present in the environment Found at the top of the cell and
(Temperature, Carbon Dioxide Concentration and Light contains the MOST chloroplasts
Palisade Mesophyll Cells
Intensity) in such short supply that it restricts life processes. that absorb sunlight for
photosynthesis.
Irregularly shaped cells create air
spaces to allow the gaseous
Spongy Mesophyll Cells
exchange to take place; do not
contain many chloroplasts
Vascular Bundle Made up of xylem and phloem
A tissue vessel that transports
Xylem
water and mineral ions
A tissue vessel that transports
Phloem
Light Intensity sucrose and amino acids
Little holes that open and close to
As the amount of light
Stomata/Stoma allow the gaseous exchange to
increases, the rate of
occur
photosynthesis increases (a-b)
Control the opening and closing of
Guard Cells
The limiting factor is light stomata
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Diet-related to age/gender/lifestyle:
Children Below 12: Require more calcium
Teenagers: Highest calorie intake
Adults: Balanced meal with fewer calories
Pregnant Women: more iron, calcium
Males: Generally require more energy
5.2. Nutrition
Nutrients Uses
Carbohydrates Energy
Source of energy, building materials,
Syllabus 6.2.3: You must be able to explain Fats and oils energy store, insulation, buoyancy,
how the structures above adapt leaves for making hormones
photosynthesis Energy, building materials, enzymes,
Proteins haemoglobin, structural material
(muscle), hormones, antibodies
4.8. Adaptations of Leaf Structure for Vitamin C Collagen, resistance to diseases
Photosynthesis Vitamin D Absorption of calcium
Development and maintenance of strong
Calcium
Here is a table of different adaptations of the specific leaf bones and teeth
structure helping towards photosynthesis. Iron Making haemoglobin
Fibre (Roughage) Provides bulk for faeces, helps peristalsis
Adaptation Functions Water Chemical reactions, solvent for transport
Increase surface area for diffusion
Large Surface Area of Leaf of carbon dioxide and absorption
of light for photosynthesis. 5.3. Deficiencies
Allow carbon dioxide to diffuse
Thin quickly into the palisade Vitamin C: Scurvy; loss of teeth, pale skin & sunken eyes
mesophyll cells Calcium/Vitamin D: Rickets, Osteoporosis; weak bones
Absorb light energy so and teeth
Chlorophyll
photosynthesis can take place.
Allow efficient transport of water 5.4. Teeth
Network of Veins and mineral ions throughout the
plant
Our teeth play a key role in mechanical digestion to help
Allow more light to reach the
Epidermis is thin
palisade mesophyll cells
increase the surface area of food.
Incisors Canines Premolars Molars
Allow oxygen and carbon dioxide
Stomata/Stoma to continuously diffuse in and out
of stomata
5. Human Nutrition
5.1. Diet
Blunt
Balanced Diet: A diet containing proper proportions of Blunt for chewing
Rectangular Sharp- chewing and
and grinding, one
carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water shape, sharp for pointed for
or two roots,
grinding. Two
to maintain good health and metabolism. cutting and piercing and or three
cusps/bumps at
biting tearing roots, ridges
the end
at the end
Structure of Tooth
Our teeth are embedded in bone, and the gums
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Process of Digestion
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
The stomach lining contains many smooth muscles that
Mouth: contains teeth used for mechanical Digestion, an contract to squeeze physically and mix the food with the
area where food is mixed with salivary amylase & where strong digestive juices present, a process also known as
ingestion takes place "stomach-churning."
Salivary glands: produce saliva, which contains amylase
and helps food slide down the oesophagus The food will be digested within the stomach for several
Oesophagus: tube-shaped organ that uses peristalsis hours
(circular muscle contract and relax) to transport food First stop for protein digestion
from mouth to stomach
Stomach: has pepsin (a protease that works best in
acidic conditions) to break down proteins into amino
acids and kills bacteria with hydrochloric acid. They also
have elastic walls.
Mechanical digestion in the stomach occurs via
peristaltic contractions of the smooth muscle.
Small intestine: tube-shaped organ composed of two
parts:
Duodenum: fats are emulsified by bile and digested
by pancreatic lipase to form fatty acids and glycerol.
Pancreatic amylase and trypsin (a protease) break
down starch.
Jejunum: Contains many microvilli, majority of the
primary nutrient absorption happens here. 5.7. Chemical Digestion
Ileum: Maltase breaks down maltose to glucose. This
is where absorption also takes place. Chemical Digestion: the breakdown of large insoluble
Pancreas: produces amylase, trypsin (a protease that molecules into small soluble molecules
works best in alkaline conditions), and lipase. The role of chemical digestion in producing small soluble
Liver: produces bile (emulsifies fats, neutralises acidic fat molecules that can be absorbed
molecules), deamination, and makes urea to be sent to
the kidney. Also, it is the site of the breakdown of alcohol
and other toxins.
Gall bladder: stores bile from the liver
Large intestine: tube-shaped organ composed of two
parts:
Colon: organ for absorption of minerals and vitamins
and reabsorbing water from waste to maintain the
body’s water levels
Rectum: where faeces are temporarily stored
5.8. Enzymes in Digestion
Anus: a ring of muscle that controls when faeces is Amylase: breaks down starch into maltose; it is
released. produced in the pancreas (secreted into the duodenum)
Appendix: is not part of the syllabus, so it doesn’t need and salivary glands.
to be known.
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
6. Transport in Plants
6.1. Xylem and Phloem
Functions of Xylem
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
transport water and mineral ions, and support the Water enters root hair cells from moist soil via osmosis
plant’s overall structure. because water potential is higher in soil than in the
cytoplasm.
Functions of Phloem Then, it enters the root cortex cells, xylem, and
transport sucrose and amino acids from the sink to the mesophyll cells.
source (and vice versa)
Investigate the Pathway of Water through the
Adaptations of Xylem Above-Ground Parts of a Plant
1. thick walls with lignin (dead cell) Water uptake can be investigated by placing a plant (like
2. no cell contents celery) into a beaker of water with a stain (dye, food
3. cells joined end to end with no cross walls to form a colouring) added.
long, continuous tube A few hours later, the celery leaves turn the same colour
as the dyed water.
When the cross-section of the celery is cut, only certain
areas are stained by the colour of the water, showing
that it is being carried in specific vessels through the
stem - a.k.a xylem vessels.
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Wilting
Wilting occurs if water loss exceeds water uptake. Cells 7. Transport in Animals
become flaccid, and tissues become limp.
This is when all the cells of the plant are not full of water,
7.1. Circulatory Systems
so the strength of the cell walls cannot support the plant
Circulatory System: a system of tubes (veins, capillaries,
and it starts to collapse
arteries) with a pump (heart) and valves (in heart and veins)
Factors affecting Rate of Transpiration to ensure a one-way flow of blood.
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
Vessel Function Structure
Elastic tissue walls stretch Arterioles and Venules
and relax as blood is
forced out; causes pulse
Transport high-pressure
Arteries Thick walls to withstand
blood away from heart
high pressure
Small lumen maintains
(high) blood pressure.
Valves prevent backflow
of blood.
Blood is at low pressure,
but nearby muscles
Transport low pressure
Veins squeeze veins and help The vessels that connect arteries to capillaries are called
blood to the heart
push blood to the heart arterioles
Large and wide lumen to The vessels that connect capillaries to veins are called
reduce resistance to the venules
flow of blood
One cell thick wall for
easy diffusion 7.7. Blood
Highly branched; large
Allow substances to Red blood cells: biconcave shape, haemoglobin and
Capillaries surface area
diffuse into cells
Capillary beds constantly oxygen transport (oxy-haemoglobin)
supplied with fresh blood, White blood cells: phagocytosis and antibody
so diffusion occurs production
Platelets: allows/promotes blood clotting
Major Blood Vessels Plasma: transport of blood cells, ions, nutrients, urea,
hormones and carbon dioxide (mostly water and
Heart: Vena Cava, Aorta, Pulmonary Arteries & Vein dissolved substances)
Lungs: Pulmonary Arteries and veins
Kidney: Renal Arteries and veins Syllabus 9.4.2: You must be able to identify
Liver: Hepatic Artery, Hepatic Veins and Hepatic Portal Vein red and white blood cells in
photomicrographs and diagrams
The hepatic artery brings oxygenated blood from the
heart to the liver
The hepatic vein brings deoxygenated blood from the
liver back to the heart
The hepatic portal vein transports deoxygenated blood
from the gut to the liver
White Blood Cells
Phagocyte Lymphocyte
Phagocytes have
lobed/irregular C-shaped nuclei Lymphocytes have a circular
and vesicles containing nucleus and are found in blood
digestive enzymes.
Phagocytosis: engulfs
pathogen, vesicles fuse with Large nucleus/small cytoplasm,
the vacuole, enzymes digest and they produce antibodies,
bacteria.
Antigens: Antibodies: Y-shaped proteins
protein/carbohydrate on the bind to label pathogens,
surface of the pathogen which marking them for destruction
provokes the immune system by the phagocytes.
Blood Clotting
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CAIE IGCSE BIOLOGY
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CAIE IGCSE
Biology
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