GCSE Biology Revision Notes

37 free revision notes covering every main GCSE Biology topic. No account needed.

Biology has more to learn by heart than the other two sciences, which is why it rewards spaced revision so strongly. Reading a topic once in April and again in May is far more effective than reading it three times in one evening.

Most marks are lost to imprecision rather than ignorance. Examiners want specific terms — "active transport" not "moves through", "denatured" not "broken". Where a question gives four marks it is asking for four distinct points, and a well-written paragraph that makes two of them will score two.

Required practicals appear regularly, and questions usually probe the method: why a control was used, which variable was kept constant, what would improve the accuracy. Revise them as procedures rather than as results.

The notes below cover cells, organisation, infection, bioenergetics, homeostasis, inheritance and ecology. Each explains the process, works through an example and sets out the terms the mark scheme expects you to use.

Bioenergetics

Photosynthesis Respiration Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration Metabolism

Cell Biology

Animal and Plant Cells Transport: Diffusion, Osmosis and Active Transport Cell Division: Mitosis and the Cell Cycle Stem Cells Transport in Cells: Osmosis and Active Transport Cell Specialisation and Differentiation

Ecology

Ecosystems and Food Chains Ecosystems and Communities Cycles: Water, Carbon, and Decomposition Biodiversity and Human Impact on the Environment Food Production and Sustainability

Homeostasis

The Nervous System and Reflexes The Nervous System and Reflexes Hormonal Coordination: The Endocrine System Blood Glucose Regulation and Diabetes Reproduction and Contraception

Infection and Response

Pathogens, Immunity and Vaccination Communicable Diseases and Pathogens Human Defences Against Disease Vaccination and Antibiotics Monoclonal Antibodies and Plant Diseases

Inheritance

DNA, Genetics and Inheritance Variation and Evolution DNA and Protein Synthesis Genetic Inheritance and Punnett Squares Evolution and Natural Selection Classification and Biodiversity

Organisation

Enzymes The Heart and Circulatory System The Circulatory System: Heart, Blood Vessels, and Blood Plant Organ Systems and Transport Gas Exchange and the Respiratory System Non-Communicable Diseases

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