Adaption

The theory Evolution - ‘a change in population over time’

- The development of new types of living organisms from pre-existing types by the
accumulation of genetic difference over long periods of time

Natural selection - Mechanism for evolution (process which the evolutionary change is
chiefly driven according to Darwin’s theory of evolution)

Process - Variation within a population - production of many offsprings - struggle for survival
- organisms best adapted survive - unfavorable genetic characteristics to offsprings

populations= group of individuals of a species living in the same area

community= a well defined assemblage of a organisms living together in a particular area
(habitat)

Organisms - populations- communities - ecosystem

Biotic - movement , respiratory, sensation, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition

Disease- condition of the body

Healthy is compromised Disease (pathogen- any organisms that causes disease e.g
bacteria, fungi and virus).

Topography - layout of land

Biodiversity - life - variety

Different species (varies depending on ecosystem type
Different genes within a species (varies depending )
Different ecosystems

- Environment is different from ecosystem

Environment Vs Ecosystem

- Not the same

- Environment: Living and nonliving things around an organism
- Ecosystem: interaction of the living and non-living aspects of an area

Environment Types Ecosystem types

- Aquatic - Pond
- Terrestrial - River
- Estuarine
- Desert
 - Rainforest
- Woodlands

Elements of life:

- Carbohydrates - Glucose - respiratory - photosynthesis

- Protein
- Nucleic Acid - DNA
- Lipids - Phospholipids

Make examples
Name them correctly

Dating of fossils

- Investigate, using secondary sources, evidence in support Darwin and Wallace’s

Theory of Evolution by Natural selection, including but not limited to:
- Biochemical evidence, comparative anatomy, comparative embryology, biogeography
- Techniques used to date fossils and the evidence produced.

Identify a technique used to date fossils and outline the evidence produced that supports
Darwin's theory of evolution

Radiometric dating is a technique used to date fossils, for example, Archaeopteryx. THis
fossil has been absolutely dated using this technique and determined to be ---- years old,
suggesting that the organism existed before modern birds and reptiles; these are the very
different types of organisms. The fossil supports Darwin's theory of evolution because it
shows specific characteristics of both birds and reptiles e.g long tail common in reptiles. This
suggest Archeopteryx is a common ancestor to both birds and reptiles and through perhaps
isolation of individuals of this specimen and selective pressures evolution through natural
selection occured to produce the more recent ancestors of modern reptiles and birds.

Photosynthesis:
Main role:
- Trainforms radiant energy from the sun into chemical energy in orgainsims
- Releases gaseous oxygen into the atmosphere and removes carbio dioxide
Carbon dioxide + water -----(light, chlorophyll)----> glucose + oxygen
6CO2+6H2O ----> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Light reactions:
(Light Capture)
The light reaction occurs in the thylakoids in the grana of chloroplasts. The light energy that
is absorbed by chlorophyll would split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The formation of two
high energy molecules called ATP and NADPH.

Dark reactions:
Takes place after energy has been captured from sunlight.
(Calvin cycle) occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts, involves joining hydrogen to carbon
dioxide to form a glucose molecule. The ATP and NADPH supply the energy for this reaction
and are changed back into ADP and NADH to return to the grana to become
re-energised again. (Carbon Fixation-incorporation of carbon into organic compounds by
living organisms, chiefly by photosynthesis in green plants.)

Cellular respiration:

Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms break

down energy rich molecules. cellular respiration is the reverse reaction of photosynthesis,
though the steps involved are very different.

Forms of cellular respiration

Aerobic - respiration requires oxygen
Anaerobic - do not require oxygen

Aerobic Respiration in Cells:

Respiration involves three metabolic stages and a link

reaction.

This process occurs partially in the cytoplasm, and partially in the mitochondria (The matrix,
liquid part of the mitochondrion, and the cristae, the folded membranes in the mitochondria).

1. Glycolysis

This occurs in the cytoplasm, in the presence or absence of oxygen. Glucose (a 6-carbon
sugar) is broken into two molecules of pyruvate (pyruvic acid) – a 3-carbon acid. Four ATP
molecules are made, but two are used during the process, leaving a net gain of two ATP
from glycolysis.

2. Transition Reaction

This occurs in the matrix of the mitochondria. Pyruvate enters

the mitochondria where it is converted to a molecule called
Acetyl Coenzyme A.
describes single cells as the basis for all life by analysing and explaining cells’ ultrastructure
and biochemical processes

explains the structure and function of multicellular organisms and describes how the
coordinated activities of cells, tissues and organs contribute to macroscopic processes in
organisms

describes biological diversity by explaining the relationships between a range of organisms

in terms of specialisation for selected habitats and evolution of species

analyses ecosystem dynamics and the interrelationships of organisms within the ecosystem
Biodiversity refers to the number of different species of plants and animals living in an
environment, AND the variety within a species, AND the variety of environments in
which organisms live.
Natural selection is the process by which environmental conditions (selection pressures)
favour the survival of certain adaptations over others. This is the mechanism for
evolution, allowing some members of a species to survive while other members die
out.
Co enzymes are carrier molecules that assist enzymes during the catalysis of
reactions.
The three types of biodiversity (really three ways of describing the same thing -
biodiversity):

Types of biodiversity Comparison

Differences Similarities

Genetic Variation in one All members of one

species gives some an
advantage.
Species Many different species
in one ecosystem
shows that there are a
great variety of habitats
or many variations that
can survive in the same
habitat.
species have a lot of
features that are
shared.
All species are adapted
to their ecosystem.
Species change over
time in response to
changes in their
environment.

Environmental The variety of biotic

features of an
ecosystem includes the
various species and the
ways they interact as
 well as the various
abiotic factors
controlling their
distribution and
abundance.

Relationship Description

Predation A detrimental relationship in which one organism kills

and eats another one

Allelopathy A detrimental relationship in which one plant reduces the

growth of another one in its vicinity by secreting inhibitory
chemicals

Parasitism A relationship in which one organism uses another

organism (the host) as its food source. The host is
adversely affected, but does not usually die

Mutualism A necessary beneficial relationship between two

organisms; both need each other for survival

Commensalism A relationship between two organisms in which one

benefits; neither are harmed

Module 2: Organisation of Living Things

Content

syllabus Student summary

Organisation of Compare the 1. Define differentiation

Cells Inquiry differences between Telling two or more things part from each other and
question: How are unicellular, colonial comparing them.
cells arranged in and multicellular 2. Define unicellular, colonial and multicellular organisms.
a multicellular organisms by: - Unicellular: one cell , for example, bacteria, yeast,
organism? ● investigating amoeba.
structures at the - Colonial organisms: consists of various organisms
level of the cell and living together, for example, volvox, a colony of
organelle algal cells
● relating structure - Multicellular organisms: many cells which act like
of cells and cell a community working together to ensure the
specialisation to organisms survives and reproduces.
function 3. Distinguish between prokaryotes and
eukaryotes.
- Prokaryotes have nuclei, lack in some organelles,
not found in humans, and has a DNA circular
structure.
- Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, has organelles,
can be found in humans, reproduce through
meiosis and mitosis as well as have a linear DNA
structure. -
- The similarities between these are that they are
both surrounded by plasma membranes, both
contain ribosomes, have DNA, and are filled with
cytoplasm.
4. Define autotroph and heterotroph.
Autotrophic means self-feeding.
Heterotrophs means that they gain energy off
feeding on other things.
5. Describe the specialised structures of an
autotroph cell.
Plant cells which obtain chloroplasts are able to
produce their own nutrients through the process of
photosynthesis.
6. Describe the specialised structures of a
heterotroph cell.
They must obtain the substances they need from
their external environment. All heterotrophic
organisms depend ultimately on the ability of
autotrophs to synthesis organics materials

investigate the 1. Define: cell, tissue, organ, system.

structure and Cell - all living things have cells. Cells are different in each
function of tissues, living thing, for example, an animal cell contains
organs and systems mitochondria, nucleus, ribosomes, chloroplast and
and relate those vacuole. They vary from each living organism. They are
functions to cell divided up into prokaryote and eukaryote cells.
differentiation and 2. Outline the need for having different cell types in
specialisation multicellular organisms.
The importance of having different cell types in
multicellular organisms is to allow the cells to work as a
‘community’ and to work together so the organism can
survive and reproduce. The cells consisted in a
multicellular organism varies and specialises. Each cell
has its own role. An example would be human, natural
products (leaves, trees, plants), and animals as well as all
other biotic organisms.
Type of plant Function Example
tissue

Dermal tissue

Vascular tissue

Ground tissue

Xylem The Xylem The xylem goes

transports water up with the plant
and nutrients up bringing along
the plant from with it food and
the roots to the water for the
leaves. This is a plant to respire.
part of
photosynthesis
 Phloem The Phloem The phloem
provides the moves glucose
plant with around the plant.
glucose, it
transports
around the
glucose/sugar
around the plant
in order for it to
survive

Explain how root hairs increase the ability of a plant to

absorb water and mineral ions:

Root hair cells are adapted to the roots of the plant which
allow the absorption of water and mineral ions quickly.

Type of animal Function Structure

tissue

Epithelial thin tissues that They form the

tissue cover the majority external skin, the
of the body. It has inner lining of the
a number of mouth, digestive
functions: tract, secretory
protection against glands, the lining
abrasion (wearing of hollow parts of
away), radiation every organ such
damage, and as the heart,
chemical stress lungs, eyes,
and invasion of ears, the
pythons. The urogenital tract,
epithelial tissue as well as the
 can be used in ventricular
absorption, system of the
secretion and brain and central
movement of canals of the
substances. spinal cord.

Muscle tissue works on its own They consist of

and is connected fibres of muscle
the the bundle cells connected
nerves around it. together in
A signal from the sheets and
brain or other fibres.
outside signals tell
the muscle tissue
to contract. It is a
specialised tissue
which is found in
animals that
functions by
contracting

Nervous tissue makes up the The structure of

nervous system the nervous
which is tissue consists of
subdivided. The neurons
central nervous (transmits
system connects signals called
with the spinal nerve impulses),
cord and the neuroglia (which
brain, which gives supports the
information so it neurons)
can send nerve
impulses that
controls the body
movements.

justify the
hierarchical
Organisati Definition Examples Examples
structural
on level in animals in plants
organisation of
organelles, cells, Organelle Structure in a
tissues, organs, cell which
systems and performs a
organisms special role

Cell The smallest

structural and
functional
 unit of an
organism,
which is
typically
microscopic
and consists
of cytoplasm
and a
nucleus
enclosed in a
membrane.

Tissue Distinct types

of material of
which
animals or
plants are
made,
consisting of
specialized
cells and
their
products.

Organ A group of
tissues in a
living
organism that
have been
adapted to
perform a
specific
function

Organ Organ
system system is a
group of
organs that
work together
to perform
one or more
functions

Organism An organism
refers to any
individual
living thing
that can react
to stimuli,
reproduce,
 grow, and
maintain
homeostasis

2. Justify the hierarchical structural organisation of

organelles, cells, tissues, organs, systems and organisms

○ transpiration-cohesion-tension theory
○ states that water in xylem is pulled upward by air's drying power, which
creates a continuous negative pressure called tension.
○

Module 3: Biological Diversity

- predation, competition, symbiosis and disease

- sampling techniques
(transects, quadrats, capture-recapture)
- explain a recent extinction event
- Niches
An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment: how its needed
for food and shelter, how it servivies and how it reproduces. A species niche includes all of
its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors of its environment
-

Module 5- Hereditary
DNA replication

1- Describe model and structure of DNA based on Watson and Crick model
Deoxyribose sugar molecule -phosphate molecule -attached at C3 and C5 of sugar. Gene
are made up of DNA.

2-Describe the forms of DNA- chromatin and chromosome structure

3- Describe how DNA replicates
4-
Polypeptide is a string of amino acids.
Anti parallel
Deoxy ribose suger -DNA
Ribose suger- RNA