PREPARATORY TASKS. A-Level Biology

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1 Biology A-level Name: PREPARATORY TASKS A-Level Biology In preparation for starting your course in A-Level Biology, you should complete the tasks in this booklet and hand it in to your teacher during your first Biology lesson in September. Please have a go even if you find it difficult. It is better for your teachers to know what you find hard, so they can help you fix it. Teacher feedback Comment and how to improve Student comments 1

2 1. Introduction to Biology Watch the hyperlinked video What is Biology? Biology is the study of all aspects of life, from the smallest unit of DNA in a cell s nucleus to the massive algal blooms on the ocean s surface. Scientists who study biology are called biologists. Since biology is a science, biologists use the scientific method, a specific set of steps designed to test answers to a problem, when they do their experiments. Biology is a very broad science; some scientists claim that there are over fifty branches of biology but there are five principles that unify all fields of modern biology. Describe the importance of each fundamental principle in Biology

3 Biological Molecules There are several biological molecules that are fundamentally important to the Biology course content you will study. You will need to know the structure of each so that you can learn about how they interact. For each of the biological molecules below, draw their structure. Carbohydrates α-glucose Proteins - Amino acid 3

4 Lipids - Triglyceride 3. Cell structure Cells are often designed to perform a particular function. Depending on that function, each cell has an internal structure that suits it for its job. You will need to build upon your GCSE understanding of cell structure to enable you to apply your understanding at A-Level. An important cell in Biology is an epithelial cell. Below are several key organelles found in an epithelial cell. Research the function of each and fill in the table. Cell organelle Nucleus Function Nucleolus Mitochondrion Cristae Rough endoplasmic reticulum Smooth endoplasmic reticulum Golgi apparatus Lysosomes Ribosomes 4

5 4. Enzymes Complete the following paragraphs filling in the missing words. Enzymes are biological catalysts, reducing the energy of reactions. They are composed of proteins with a specific tertiary structure. In the hypothesis, the substrate shape is complementary to the shape of the active site. In the hypothesis the active site alters to fit the substrate. Increasing temperature increases the energy of the enzyme and substrate molecules, with high temperature causing the enzyme to become irreversibly. Enzymes operate in a ph range, with changing ph around the enzyme disrupting the. Increasing enzyme concentration causes a increase in the rate of an enzymecatalysed reaction, whereas increasing substrate concentration also increases rate but only until a is reached where all active sites are. Some of the words in this box may be useful. Activation Denatured Enzyme Fibrous Globular Indirect Induced fit Kinetic Linear Lock and key Maximum rate Minimum rate Narrow Potential Saturated Shape of the active site Shape of the substrate Substrate Unsaturated Wide 5

6 Draw a labelled sketch graph to show how temperature affects enzyme activity Explain in your own words, with a scientific reason, why this curve shape is produced Draw a labelled sketch graph to show how ph affects enzyme activity 6

7 Explain in your own words, with a scientific reason, why this curve shape is produced. Draw a labelled sketch graph to show how substrate concentration affects enzyme activity. Explain in your own words, with a scientific reason, why this curve shape is produced. Draw a labelled sketch graph to show how enzyme concentration affects enzyme activity. 7

8 Explain in your own words, with a scientific reason, why this curve shape is produced 5. Extended writing You will be required to write in extended form (this key skill forms a large part of the final exam paper you will take in Y13) during your Biology course Disease forms a key part of the Biology syllabus content. In the first unit, you will learn about several different types of heart and lung disease. Write a short essay in the space below on heart and lung disease. Choose at least two different types of each and discuss their causes, who is at risk and the effect on the body. 8

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