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Biology Basics Pack — GCSE-Level Introduction - Leejohnston - 11-13-2025 Biology Basics Pack — GCSE-Level Introduction A clear, friendly introduction to the key ideas in GCSE Biology.  Perfect for beginners, younger learners, and revision. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Cells — The Building Blocks of Life All living things are made of cells. Animal Cell features:  • nucleus — controls the cell  • cytoplasm — where reactions happen  • cell membrane — controls what enters/leaves  • mitochondria — release energy  • ribosomes — protein synthesis  Plant Cell features (extra):  • chloroplasts — photosynthesis  • cell wall — strength and support  • vacuole — filled with cell sap  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Tissues, Organs, Systems Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism Examples: • muscle cells → muscle tissue → heart → circulatory system  • root cells → root tissue → root → plant transport system  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Types of Cells Prokaryotic (Bacteria):  • simple structure  • no true nucleus  Eukaryotic (Plants & Animals):  • complex  • have a nucleus  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. DNA & Genetics (Simple Version) DNA is your genetic material.  Genes are small sections of DNA.  Chromosomes are long strands of DNA. Humans have: • 46 chromosomes (23 pairs)  • half from each parent  Alleles: different versions of a gene. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Enzymes Enzymes are biological catalysts — they speed up reactions. Important facts: • each enzyme has an active site  • works best at an optimum temperature  • high heat denatures (damages) enzymes  • pH also affects enzyme activity  Examples: • amylase  • protease  • lipase  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Diffusion, Osmosis & Active Transport Diffusion:  Particles move from high concentration → low concentration. Osmosis:  Diffusion of water across a partially permeable membrane. Active Transport:  Particles move from low → high concentration (requires energy). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Photosynthesis Occurs in chloroplasts.  Needs: light, water, carbon dioxide. Equation: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen  (With light energy) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Respiration Releases energy. Aerobic respiration:  glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water + energy Anaerobic respiration (humans):  glucose → lactic acid + energy  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. Human Body Systems (Simple Overview) Respiratory system — breathing & gas exchange  Circulatory system — blood, heart, oxygen transport  Digestive system — breaks down food  Nervous system — communication & response  Skeletal & muscular system — movement & support  Immune system — fighting infections  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. Health, Disease & Immunity Non-communicable diseases:  • cancer  • heart disease  • diabetes  Communicable diseases:  • spread by pathogens (virus, bacteria, fungi, protists)  Vaccines: train the immune system to recognise pathogens.  ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. Ecology Basics Ecosystem: living + non-living environment  Producer: makes food (plants)  Consumer: eats other organisms  Predator/prey: feeding relationships  Food chain example:  grass → rabbit → fox ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. Common Mistakes ❌ Thinking bacteria have nuclei  ✔ They do not — they’re prokaryotic ❌ Mixing up diffusion & osmosis  ✔ Osmosis = water only ❌ Forgetting enzymes denature at high temperatures  ✔ Shape changes → no longer works ❌ Thinking photosynthesis happens in all cells  ✔ Only in cells with chloroplasts ❌ Confusing respiration with breathing  ✔ Respiration = chemical reaction, breathing = physical movement ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary This pack covers the essential GCSE biology ideas: • cells  • DNA  • enzymes  • diffusion  • body systems  • ecology  • photosynthesis & respiration  Master these and the rest of biology becomes much easier.