Biology

Biology studies living organisms: cell structure, biochemistry, physiology, heredity, and ecological interaction. The Cambridge IGCSE syllabus emphasises human biology and scientific skills ¹, organising subject content into 21 topics from cells to ecosystems ².

Curriculum Map

flowchart TD
    Core["Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610"] --> A["Cells & Organisation"]
    Core --> B["Molecules & Metabolism"]
    Core --> P["Plant Biology"]
    Core --> H["Human Physiology"]
    Core --> D["Health & Immunity"]
    Core --> G["Reproduction & Genetics"]
    Core --> E["Ecology & Biotechnology"]

    A --> A1["1 Characteristics & classification"]
    A --> A2["2 Organisation of the organism"]
    A --> A3["3 Movement into & out of cells"]
    B --> B1["4 Biological molecules"]
    B --> B2["5 Enzymes"]
    B --> B3["12 Respiration"]
    P --> P1["6 Plant nutrition"]
    P --> P2["8 Transport in plants"]
    H --> H1["7 Human nutrition"]
    H --> H2["9 Transport in animals"]
    H --> H3["11 Gas exchange in humans"]
    H --> H4["13 Excretion in humans"]
    H --> H5["14 Coordination & response"]
    H --> H6["15 Drugs"]
    D --> D1["10 Diseases & immunity"]
    G --> G1["16 Reproduction"]
    G --> G2["17 Inheritance"]
    G --> G3["18 Variation & selection"]
    E --> E1["19 Organisms & their environment"]
    E --> E2["20 Human influences on ecosystems"]
    E --> E3["21 Biotechnology & genetic modification"]

Core Domains

1. Cell & Molecular Biology: Cell organisation, membrane transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport), biological molecules, enzymes.
2. Physiology: Plant nutrition and transport; human nutrition, transport, gas exchange, respiration, excretion, coordination, and response.
3. Genetics & Health: Disease, immunity, reproduction, inheritance, and variation as the substrate for natural selection.
4. Ecology & Biotechnology: Energy flow and nutrient cycling, human influences on ecosystems, and genetic modification applications.

Assessment weights knowledge 50%, problem-solving 30%, and experimental skills 20% ².

Foundational Concepts

• Active Transport - Movement of molecules or ions against a concentration gradient using energy from respiration.
• Cell - Basic structural and functional unit of every living organism.
• Cell Membrane - Partially permeable layer controlling entry and exit of substances.
• Cell Wall - Rigid cellulose layer giving plant cells shape and support.
• Chloroplast - Organelle containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis occurs.
• Ciliated Cell - Cell whose cilia move mucus along the trachea and bronchi.
• Cytoplasm - Cell material where metabolic reactions take place.
• Diffusion (Biology) - Net movement of particles down a concentration gradient, into and out of cells.
• DNA - Double-helix molecule storing genetic information as genes.
• Egg Cell - Female gamete with energy stores and a jelly coat.
• Excretion - Removal of metabolic waste products and substances in excess of requirements.
• Flaccid - Limp plant cell that has lost water and no longer presses on its wall.
• Growth - Permanent increase in size and dry mass through cell division and specialisation.
• Living Thing - Entity carrying out all seven life processes, remembered as MRS GREN.
• Mitochondrion - Organelle where aerobic respiration releases energy.
• Movement - Action by an organism or part of an organism changing position or place.
• Nuclear Envelope - Double membrane enclosing the nucleus and its DNA.
• Nucleus - Organelle containing chromosomes and controlling the cell.
• Nutrition - Taking in materials for energy, growth and development.
• Organism - Individual living thing, from a single cell to a multicellular body.
• Osmosis - Water movement through a partially permeable membrane, down a water-potential gradient.
• Palisade Mesophyll Cell - Leaf cell packed with chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
• Partially Permeable Membrane - Thin barrier whose pores let small particles through while holding back large molecules.
• Plasmolysed - Plant cell whose membrane has pulled away from the wall after severe water loss.
• Red Blood Cell - Cell transporting oxygen using haemoglobin.
• Reproduction - Processes that make more of the same kind of organism.
• Respiration - Cellular breakdown of nutrient molecules to release energy for metabolism.
• Ribosome - Organelle in the cytoplasm where amino acids are joined into proteins.
• Root Hair Cell - Cell absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
• Sensitivity - Detection of and response to changes in the internal or external environment.
• Small Vacuole - Small temporary vacuole typical of animal cells.
• Sperm Cell - Motile male gamete adapted for fertilisation.
• Turgid - Plant cell swollen with water, pressing outwards on its wall.
• Turgor Pressure - Outward pressure of water in a turgid cell that supports the plant.
• Water Potential - Tendency of water to move; highest in pure water and lowered by solutes.

Key Resources

• Plant and Animal Cell Comparison - Side-by-side comparison of plant and animal cell structures, functions, and support.

Related Concepts

• Chemistry - Shared foundations in biological molecules and enzymes.