GCSE Biology Required Practicals Explained

June 19, 2026

The required practicals are a guaranteed source of exam marks in GCSE Biology — questions about them appear every year. Yet they are often under-revised because students focus on the theory. This guide explains what they test and how to revise them.

Why the required practicals matter

Exam questions test whether you understand the method: the variables, the equipment, how results are measured, and the sources of error. You can pick up these marks even if you found the practical itself confusing — as long as you have revised the method.

Key practicals to know

• Using a microscope to observe cells
• Investigating the effect of factors on enzyme activity (and pH)
• Food tests for sugars, starch, protein and lipids
• Investigating osmosis in plant tissue
• Investigating the effect of light on photosynthesis
• Measuring the effect of antibiotics or antiseptics on bacteria
• Sampling a habitat using quadrats and transects

How to revise practicals effectively

For each practical, learn: the independent and dependent variables, the control variables, the equipment, the method in order, and the main sources of error. Flashcards work brilliantly here — put the practical on the front and a key detail (such as the variables) on the back.

BrightRevision's GCSE Biology flashcards and quizzes cover the required practicals alongside the theory, so you don't lose easy marks on exam day.