Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Edexcel Board
Biology B2
Topic 1
Topic 2
Life Processes
Topic 3
Organ Systems
Edexcel
IGCSE
Edexcel Board
Biology B2
Topic 1
Edexcel
INSIDE BACTERIA
Light microscopes can magnify specimens more than 1500 times:
Edexcel
this allows us to also see inside bacteria single-celled organisms that are
much smaller than animals or plant cells
o E.g light microscopes can show that bacteria dont have nuclei
In the 1930s the electron microscope was invented - this uses a beam of electrons to
magnify specimens up to about 2,000,000 times!
electron microscopes can allow us to study the structure of cells in even more detail
E.g electron microscopes have shown us that bacterial cells:
o have two types of DNA:
Chromosomal DNA giant loop of DNA containing most of the genetic
material
Plasmid DNA comes in small loops and carries extra information
o have a cell wall:
Its different to the cell wall in plants it is not made of cellulose, and it
is more flexible
However, it does a similar job (i.e provides support and shape)
o (some) have flagella on the outside:
These are long, whip-like structures that bacteria can use to move
themselves along
DNA
Chromosomes inside nuclei (plural of nucleus) contain the genetic material they are
made of DNA
Sections of DNA are called genes:
o Each gene codes (i.e carries instructions) for a specific protein
o Often, genes work together to produce what is needed for a particular feature:
E.g eye colour is determined by lots of different proteins that are coded
by several different genes
The structure of DNA:
A DNA molecule consists of two strands that are coiled together to form a spiral known as a double helix
The two strands of DNA are linked together at regular intervals by chemicals called
bases
Bases always pair up in the same way because they have complementary (i.e matching)
shapes:
o Adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T)
o Guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C)
o The matching bases are known as complementary base pairs
Base pairs are joined together by weak hydrogen bonds
The order of the bases in DNA (i.e the DNA sequence) determines the proteins that
are made in the body
We each have a slightly different order of bases in our DNA/genesall of us make
slightly different proteins this is what makes us all different
DNA DISCOVERY
o
Edexcel
In the 1950s, Wilkins and Franklin were investigating the structure of DNA:
o They directed beams of x-rays at purified DNA and used photos to record how
the DNA molecules scattered the x-rays
At the same time, Watson and Crick were trying to build a 3D molecular model of DNA,
using data obtained by other scientists:
o The detailed x-ray images of Wilkins and Franklin gave Watson and Crick the
clues they needed to come up with their double helix model
At the time, when Watson and Crick published their findings, Wilkins and Franklin were
barely mentioned
Eventually, though, it became clear that all 4 scientists (i.e not just Watson and Crick)
were key to the discovery of the structure of DNAthey were all (except for
Franklin, who died beforehand) awarded Nobel Prizes
The human genome:
The human genome project (HGP) involved finding out the sequence (order) of the 3
billion base pairs that make up the human genome
o The HGP was a huge international effort, involving scientists in 18 different
countries it took 13 years
Although each human being has a unique DNA sequence, everyone has at least 99.9% of
their DNA in common (its that 0.01% that makes us different)
Knowing the sequence of the human genome has many implications for science and
medicine - it is being used to develop:
o improved testing for genetic disorders
o new ways of finding genes that may increase the risk of certain diseases
o new treatments and cures for disorders
e.g gene therapy, where scientists try to replace faulty genes that cause
a disorder with normal genes
o new ways of looking at changes in the genome over time i.e how humans have
evolved
o personalised medicines these are medicines that work best (i.e are more
effective and have fewer side-effects) on certain people
GENETIC ENGINEERING
Scientists can remove a gene from one organism and insert it into the DNA of another
organism this process is called genetic engineering
E.g production of human insulin by genetically modified bacteria:
Scientists can insert the gene for human insulin into bacterial plasmid DNA
Stages of process:
o 1. Bacterial plasmid DNA is removed from bacteria
o 2. Bacterial plasmid DNA is cut by cutting enzymes
o 3. Bit of the chromosome that contains the human insulin gene is cut by cutting
enzymes
o 4. The human insulin gene is stuck onto the bacterial plasmid DNA by sticking
enzymes
Edexcel
5. The bacterial plasmid DNA, with the additional human insulin gene, is
reinserted into bacteria
The genetically modified (GM) bacteria now have the human insulin gene in their
plasmid DNAcan make human insulin, which is used by people with diabetes
Organisms like these GM bacteria are known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Advantages of producing human insulin using GM bacteria:
o In the past, insulin used to be extracted from dead cattle and pigs:
Although similar, the insulin from dead cattle and pigs is not the same as
human insulin
The supply of the animal insulin could be affected by animal diseases or
by the numbers of animals slaughtered
o Human insulin produced by GM bacteria doesnt have these drawbacks:
It is the same as the insulin produced by body cells in the pancreas
It can be used by vegans (vegans dont eat any animal products would
not take animal insulin)
It can be made in vast quantities and more cheaply
The slight disadvantage of producing human insulin using GM bacteria is that different
bacteria produce insulin slightly differentlythis may not suit everyone
E.g2 beta-carotene in golden rice to reduce vitamin A deficiency in humans:
Lack of vitamin A:
o can cause the immune system to stop working properlycan lead to death
o can cause blindness
Beta-carotene is needed by humans to make vitamin A
Two extra genes can be inserted into normal rice plants to make them produce betacarotene in their grains
o Rice plants that make beta-carotene in their grains are called golden rice plants
and they make yellow rice
Disadvantages of this process:
o 1. Some people are concerned that the GM rice will crossbreed with wild rice
plants and contaminate the wild rice DNA
o 2. Others worry that eating GM organisms might be harmful (though there is no
evidence for this)
o 3. Some people say the levels of beta-carotene in golden rice are not high
enough to make much of a difference
o 4. GMOs can be expensive
E.g3 production of herbicide-resistant crop plants:
Herbicides are used to kill weeds
Scientists have added genes to some plants to make them herbicide resistant
o This means farmers can use one large spray of herbicide rather than several
smaller doses (reduces the amount of crop spraying needed)
Possible disadvantages of this process:
o
Edexcel
1. Cross-pollination can take place between plants and weeds (i.e they fertilise
each other)
some weeds may inherit the herbicide resistance genes
weeds can become herbicide resistant (i.e theyre no longer killed by
herbicides)
o 2. Fewer weeds surviveloss of food and shelter for animals
MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS
Mitosis:
All human body cells (i.e all cells except sperm and egg cells) contain two sets of 23
chromosomes (46 in total) in their nucleus
o One set of 23 chromosomes comes from the father and the other set of 23
chromosomes comes from the mother
o So human body cells contain two copies of each chromosometheyre said to be
diploid
To make more cells during growth and/or to repair damaged cells, body cells divide by a
process called mitosis:
o 1. Chromosomes first make copies of themselves - this process is called DNA
replication
o 2. The copies of the chromosomes separate and then the cell divides
o 3. This division produces two daughter cells, which are:
diploid (each daughter cell has 46 chromosomes in their nucleusso they
have two copies of each chromosome)
genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell
Note: n = 23 chromosomes in nucleus2n = 46 , 4n = 92
o
Edexcel
As well as in growth and repair, cell division by mitosis also occurs in asexual
reproduction
o Asexual reproduction is when organisms reproduce by themselves (i.e without a
partner)
Bacterial cells often reproduce asexually by splitting in half
Some plants can also reproduce asexually
Sexual reproduction:
Sex cells (i.e sperm cells and egg cells) are called gametes
o Gametes are different to body cells as they only contain one set of
chromosomes in their nucleus (so have a total of 23 chromosomes)
o gametes are haploid cells
When a sperm cell fertilises an egg cell, the gametes fuse to produce a diploid body
cell (with 46 chromosomes two sets of 23) called the zygote
o The zygote develops into a ball of cells called the embryo, which then develops
to form a new individual
Note: it is important that gametes only have 23 chromosomes, because if they had 46,
then after fusion, the body cells formed would end up with 92 chromosomes in their
nuclei!
Meiosis:
In order for haploid gametes to be produced, a different type of cell division called
meiosis is required
o 1. First step is DNA replication (this first step is the same as in mitosis)
o 2. This is followed by two cell divisions - i.e the cell is first divided into two and
then divided again into four
o 3. This produces 4 haploid daughter cells, each containing one set of (23)
chromosomes (i.e the haploid daughter cells have half the number of
chromosomes in the nucleus than diploid cells)
Chromosome pairs in a diploid cell contain the same genes but may have different
versions of the genes (i.e different alleles) because they come from different
parentschromosomes in a pair are slightly different
In meiosis, these slightly different chromosomes are split between the daughter cells
in a random waythe haploid gametes produced in meiosis are genetically different
from each other
Edexcel
Edexcel
1. A diploid nucleus is removed from a body cell of the animal that is going to be cloned
2. The diploid nucleus is inserted into an enucleated egg cell (i.e a cell that has had its
nucleus removed)
3. The egg cell is stimulated to start dividing by mitosis
4. It is then implanted into the uterus (womb) of a surrogate mother where it will
develop into a new individual
o Note: the surrogate mother hosts the embryo but isnt actually the mother
because the organism being produced doesnt have any of the surrogate
mothers DNA/genes
STEM CELLS
When stem cells divide, they not only produce more stem cells but they can also
develop into specialised (differentiated) cells - e.g muscle cells, skin cells
o Once a cell becomes specialised, it cannot turn into another type of cell
There are two types of stem cells:
o Embryonic stem cells these can develop into nearly all types of cells
o Adult stem cells - these can develop into only a few types of cells
The ability of embryonic stem cells (in particular) to develop into lots of different
types of cells means they could be used to treat many medical problems...
Two steps:
o 1. Embryonic stem cells first need to be extracted (see below for problems
associated with this)
o 2. They are then put wherever in the body they are needed so that they can
develop into the appropriate specialised cell
e.g if the patient has a heart problem, embryonic stem cells are put in
the heart so they can develop into a specialised heart cell
General risks of using stem cells:
o If stem cells are put into the body, they could produce the wrong kind of cells
or even create cancer cellsmore research is needed to make sure stem cells
are safe
o People may try to use embryonic stem cells to produce human clones this is
illegal
Problems associated with extracting embryonic stem cells:
One way of extracting embryonic stem cells is to use leftover embryos created for
couples having fertility treatment
o However, extracting the embryonic stem cells kills the embryo
o This is controversial because some people think that because embryos go on to
develop into people, destroying embryos is the same as murder
Two ways scientists are trying to solve this issue:
o 1. Use adult stem cells to make cloned embryos - the embryonic stem cells could
then be extracted from the clones without any natural embryos having to be
killed
Edexcel
2. Turn specialised body cells into stem cells by reprogramming them if this
works, it will help to completely avoid the ethical problem of using embryos
Treating leukaemia:
Due to the ethical issues associated with extracting embryonic stem cells, most
established methods use adult stem cells, which are easier to extract
e.g adult stem cells are used in bone marrow transplants to treat leukaemia (a cancer
of white blood vessels)
Note: remember, though, that adult stem cells cant develop into as many different
types of cellsthe number of diseases they can treat is limited
PROTEIN MANUFACTURE (SYNTHESIS)
Protein synthesis takes place in two stages transcription and translation
Transcription:
Transcription takes place inside the nucleus
The DNA is first unzipped by breaking the weak hydrogen bonds between the bases in
the double helix this separates the two strands of DNA
One of the DNA strands then acts as a template:
o RNA bases that are complementary (i.e that match) to the bases on the DNA
strand link together
o This forms a strand of messenger RNA (mRNA) that is complementary to the
DNA template strand - see diagram below
o
RNA vs DNA:
o RNA only has one strand (not two like DNA has)
o RNA has a base called uracil (U) instead of thymine (T)
in RNA: adenine (A) bases pair with uracil (U) bases
in DNA: adenine (A) bases pair with thymine (T) bases
in the diagram above
an adenine (A) base on the strand of DNA is matched by a
complementary uracil (U) base on the mRNA strand
a thymine (T) base on the strand of DNA is matched by a
complementary adenine (A) base on the mRNA strand
Translation:
Edexcel
Translation takes place on ribosomes (an organelle found inside the cytoplasm)
mRNA is small enough to leave the nucleus, enter the cytoplasm and then attach itself
to a small structure called a ribosome
In the ribosome are also transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules:
o These each have attached a triplet of bases (i.e 3 bases) and an amino acid
o The triplet of bases on the tRNA controls which amino acid is attached
o tRNA (like mRNA) contains uracil (U) bases instead of thymine (T) bases
Process:
o The ribosome moves along the mRNA, decoding it in groups of 3 these base
triplets on the mRNA strand are known as codons
o As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, the tRNA with complementary triplet
of bases lines up with the codon
o The tRNA then releases the amino acid it was carrying
The amino acid joins on to the growing amino acid chain
The tRNA is now free to collect another amino acid
o The ribosome then moves onto the next codon and the process continues until
the chain of amino acids is long enough
Edexcel
Each protein is made up of a different sequence (i.e different number and order) of
amino acids
The sequence of amino acids affects the way the polypeptide chain folds up gives the
protein its specific 3D shape
o Some proteins form long fibrous molecules (e.g keratin - found in human hair and
nails)
o Other proteins have a round globular shape (e.g insulin, haemoglobin, enzymes)
The shape of proteins is important for their function:
o E.g the round shape of haemoglobin helps it move around inside cells and around
the rest of the body easily
o E.g2 enzymes are specific to one reaction - their shape determines which
reaction this is (see enzyme sections below for more details)
The effect of mutations:
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases in the DNA (genetic code)
Some mutations (i.e some changes in the genetic code) have no effect on the amino acid
sequenceshape of the protein produced is not affected
Other mutations result in one amino acid being replaced by anotherprotein folds up
differently (different 3D shape)this affects the way the protein works...
o E.g sickle cell anaemia:
mutation in the gene that produces haemoglobin causes red blood cells to
become sickle-shaped and pointy
they stick together in long fibres and get stuck in small blood vessels
Mutations can sometimes be beneficial to the organism:
o E.g some mutations make bacteria resistant to the effects of antibiotics (i.e
theyre not killed by antibiotics)
ENZYMES
What are enzymes?
Each reaction that is going on in the body is controlled by a particular group of proteins
called enzymes
A substance that helps a chemical reaction go faster without itself being changed by
the reaction is called a catalyst enzymes are biological catalysts
o Without enzymes, the reactions may still happen, but at too slow a rate for cells
to do all they need to do to stay alive
Some enzymes help break a large substance into smaller molecules (e.g in digestion)
Other enzymes help smaller molecules join together to make larger ones (synthesis)
Enzymes catalyse (i.e speed up) reactions inside cells:
During DNA replication in mitosis and meiosis:
o The weak hydrogen bonds holding the two strands of DNA together are broken
downthe DNA double helix unwinds this reaction is catalysed (i.e sped up) by
a specific enzyme
o As new bases line up along each separate DNA strand, a different enzyme
catalyses the reaction joining the complementary base pairs together
Edexcel
o
o
This makes two DNA molecules that are identical to each other and to the
original DNA molecule
The enzymes are unchangedthe process can be repeated when needed
Enzymes are also used to speed up reactions during protein synthesis e.g the reaction
that joins one amino acid to another (in the formation of a polypeptide chain) is
catalysed by a specific enzyme
Enzymes catalyse reactions outside cells:
Food molecules (e.g carbohydrates, proteins and fats) are too large to pass across the
cell membranes of the gut wall and into the bloodthey first need to be broken down
in a process called digestion
o The reactions that take place during digestion are catalysed by different
enzymes that are released into the mouth, stomach, and small intestine
Microorganisms and fungi also release digestive enzymes:
o However, microorganisms and fungi dont have a gutthey grow on the food
theyre digesting this can be seen as mould on e.g fruits
After the enzymes have digested the food, microorganisms absorb the small food
molecules through their cell walls
Some of the enzymes that are involved in digestion are now used in laundry detergents
to help digest (remove) food and other large molecules on dirty/stained clothes
ENZYME ACTION
Enzymes work by binding to molecules called substrates once bound, enzymes
catalyse the change of substrate molecules into product molecules
Each enzyme only works with a particular substrate or a small group of similar
substratesenzymes are highly specific for their substrate
Explanation using the lock and key hypothesis:
o Substrates bind to an enzymes active site this is where the reaction turning
the substrates into products takes place
o The active site has a different shape in different enzymes
Edexcel
In order for substrates to bind to the enzymes active site, they must have a
complementary (i.e matching) shapeall substrates that fit into a particular
enzymes active site have the same 3D shape
o The analogy is the that the enzymes active site is the lock and the substrate is
the key only the substrate (key) with the right shape can fit into the active
site (lock)
Factors affecting enzyme action:
There are 3 main factors that affect how well an enzyme works (i.e how well it can
catalyse/speed up a chemical reaction)
1. Temperature:
o Most enzymes work best at normal body temperature - i.e they have an
optimum temperature of around 40C
(37.5C to be exact)
o
2.
pH:
Most enzymes work best at about pH7
(neutral)
However, some enzymes work best at other pH values e.g enzymes in the
stomach have a much lower optimum pH
Small changes in pH or temperature (away from optimum conditions):
o change the shape of the enzymes active sitesubstrates dont fit as well
enzyme activity is reducedrate of reaction is reduced
o
This is partly what happens when you get a fever (body temperature
risesenzymes dont work as wellreactions take place more
slowlyyou feel ill)
Large changes in pH or temperature (away from optimum conditions):
o can cause bonds within the enzyme to breakactive site is destroyed (it
completely loses its shape)substrates can no longer fit into the active site
Edexcel
An enzyme that has lost its specific 3D shape/structure (under conditions of extreme
temperatures and pH) is said to be denatured
3. Substrate concentration:
o As the substrate concentration increases, there are more molecules that can
bind to the active sites of enzymesrate of reaction increases
o However, at very high substrate concentrations, all the active sites of the
enzymes are occupied all the time
the enzymes cant work any faster
adding more substrate will make no difference to the rate of reaction
Edexcel
AEROBIC RESPIRATION
All cells in the body need energy - this energy is released in a process known as
respiration
Cells that are more active need more energy - e.g during exercise, muscles contract to
cause movement this requires a lot of energy from respiration
Aerobic respiration respiration in the presence of oxygen:
o Equation: glucose + oxygen carbon dioxide + water (+ energy released)
o The energy released during aerobic respiration can then be used by cells
o Aerobic respiration takes place inside organelles called mitochondria
Delivering glucose and oxygen to respiring cells:
In humans, glucose and oxygen needed for aerobic respiration are carried around the
body by the blood
The blood also carries waste carbon dioxide (product of aerobic respiration)
Glucose, oxygen and carbon dioxide move between respiring cells and tiny (one cell
thick) blood vessels called capillaries by a process called diffusion
o Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an
area of lower concentration
i.e particles diffuse down a concentration gradient
o Respiring cells produce carbon dioxidecarbon dioxide concentration is higher
in respiring cells than in the bloodcarbon dioxide diffuses down its
concentration gradient into the blood
o Respiring cells use up oxygen and glucoseconcentrations of glucose and oxygen
are higher in the blood than in the respiring cellsglucose and oxygen diffuse
down their concentration gradients into the respiring cells
Gas exchange:
Tiny air sacs called alveoli in the lungs are surrounded by capillaries
Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel
Unlike animals/humans, plants can make their own glucose by a process called
photosynthesis
Equation for photosynthesis:
Edexcel
Note:
o Water needed for photosynthesis does NOT enter through stomata in the leaf it is taken up in the roots and then transported to the leaf in xylem vessels (see
water transport section below)
LIMITING FACTORS
The higher the rate of photosynthesis, the more glucose that is produced - glucose is
needed by plants for growth and for respiration
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis:
o Concentration of carbon dioxide
o Water
o Light intensity
o Temperature (reactions in photosynthesis are catalysed by enzymes
temperature can also affect the rate of photosynthesis)
In any process that is affected by several factors, the maximum rate at which the
process can occur is controlled by the factor that is in the shortest supply the factor
in the shortest supply is the limiting factor
o I.e the limiting factor is the factor that is responsible for slowing down the
rate of photosynthesis
E.g:
o If a plant has lots of carbon dioxide, lots of water, is grown at the right
temperature but in dim light, it will photosynthesise slowly
o Increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide, or giving the plant more water
or increasing the temperature will not increase the rate of photosynthesis
o Only increasing the amount of light will increase the rate of photosynthesis
in this example, the limiting factor is light (intensity)
Interpreting graphs:
At point x:
Increasing light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis
initially light intensity is the limiting factor
At point y:
Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel
Edexcel
Other species of plants may be able to survive with less lightyou might
find some in darker, more sheltered parts of the field
Other factors such as temperature or soil/water pH may also have an effect on the
distribution of organisms in a habitat
When investigating changes in a habitat caused by one environmental factor, its
sometimes useful to carry out systematic sampling along a line:
o Using systematic sampling makes it easier to spot patternsmakes it easier to
see the effect that the environmental factor is having on the distribution of
organisms in a habitat
o Systematic sampling can be done by placing quadrats at regular intervals along a
straight line
Edexcel
Edexcel
The 50th percentile indicates that 50% of the data points are the same or lower
than this valuethe 50th percentile is the median value of the sample
Growth in plants:
Plants have special areas called meristems found on the tips of roots and shoots
these are the sites of plant growth
Processes contributing to plant growth
o Cell division: cells in meristems keep dividing constantly (each division doubles
the number of cells)
o Elongation: once the cells have divided, they get longer this is called
elongation
o Differentiation: as a plant continues to grow, the older meristem cells start to
develop into specialised cells this process is called differentiation
A meristem can differentiate (develop) into any type of plant cell (so
theyre like the equivalent of embryonic stem cells in animals)
E.g a meristem cell in the root can develop into a specialised root hair cell
Growth in animals:
Growth in animals also involves cell divisionbut unlike plants, animals stop growing
when they become adults
In an animal, cells that can differentiate to form many different types of specialised
cells are called stem cells:
o Embryonic stem cells can differentiate and form almost any type of cell in the
body
o However, adult stem cells can only develop into a limited range of cells
This is why most animals cant re-grow a damaged limb or body part, but
plants can grow new shoots, roots and leaves
BLOOD
Blood contains many different types of specialised cells these have all differentiated
from blood stem cells
Blood is made up of four main components
1. Plasma (55% of the blood):
Plasma is the liquid (yellow colour) component of the blood
It transports dissolved substances such as carbon dioxide, food substances and
hormones
2. Red blood cells (45% of the blood):
Function:
o Red blood cells contain the red pigment haemoglobin
o When blood in capillaries arrives at the alveoli it contains little oxygen oxygen
diffuses from the alveoli into the red blood cells
o In the red blood cells, oxygen combines with haemoglobin to form
oxyhaemoglobin (the reaction is reversible)
haemoglobin + oxygen oxyhaemoglobin
o Oxyhaemoglobin is then transported in red blood cells around the body
o
Edexcel
Structure:
o Biconcave disc (i.e red blood cells have a dimple on both sides)
This gives red blood cells a large surface area to volume ratio for oxygen
to diffuse into and out of the cell
o No nucleus
This means theres more roomred blood cells can contain more
haemoglobincan transport more oxygen
3. White blood cells (less than 1% of blood):
Structure:
o All white blood cells have a nucleus
o White blood cells are bigger than red blood cells
Function:
o White blood cells are part of the bodys defence against disease i.e they are
part of the bodys immune system
o Some white blood cells make antibodies:
Antibodies are proteins that bind to microorganisms that cause disease
and destroy them
o Other white blood cells destroy any foreign cells that enter the body by
surrounding (engulfing) them
4. Platelets (less than 1% of blood):
Structure: platelets are tiny fragments of cellsdont have nuclei
Function:
o Platelets are important in clotting blood (when blood vessels are damaged)
o The clot dries out and forms a scab this stops microorganisms getting into the
body
THE HEART
The structure and function of the heart:
Blood coming in from the tissues is low in oxygen (deoxygenated)
It is pumped by the heart to the lungs where haemoglobin in red blood cells picks up
oxygen (i.e combines to form oxyhaemoglobin)blood becomes oxygenated
This oxygenated blood returns to the heart where it is then pumped around the body
to the tissues and cells (so that cells receive oxygen for use in aerobic respiration)
Edexcel
The heart is split into right and left sideseach side is split into two chambers an
atrium (atria plural) and a ventricle
A vein called the vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from the body into the right
atrium
o Superior vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from upper body
o Inferior vena cava brings deoxygenated blood from lower body
When the right atrium is full, muscles in the wall contract and the deoxygenated blood
is forced through valves and into the right ventricle
o Valves are flaps of tissue that prevent backflow of blood (i.e stop blood going
back the way it came)
o Valves are prevented from turning inside out by tendons
When the right ventricle is full of blood, the muscles of the ventricle wall contract and
the blood is forced out through some other valves into the pulmonary artery
o The pulmonary artery carries the deoxygenated blood to the lungs where it
picks up oxygen and becomes oxygenated
The oxygenated blood is then transported by the pulmonary vein from the lungs to the
left atrium of the heart
When the left atrium is full, it contracts and the oxygenated blood is forced through
valves and into the left ventricle
Once the left ventricle is full of oxygenated blood, the muscles of the ventricle wall
contract and the blood is forced out through some other valves into an artery called
the aorta
o The aorta carries oxygenated blood around the body (supplying cells with
oxygen for use in aerobic respiration)
The cycle then repeats (note: right and left sides of the heart work together, filling
and emptying at the same time its just easier to explain the way the heart works by
looking at each side in turn)
Edexcel
Important details:
1.
o the left ventricle has to pump blood all the way round the body
o the right ventricle only has to pump blood to the lungs
o the muscle wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the muscle wall of the
right ventricle
2.
o The septum separates the right and left sides of the heart:
The right side of the heart (i.e the right atrium and right ventricle)
pumps deoxygenated blood
The left side of the heart (i.e the left atrium and the left ventricle)
pumps oxygenated blood
o the septum is important so that the oxygenated blood and deoxygenated
blood do not mix
THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
Cells, tissues and organs:
Groups of specialised cells working together are called tissues
o E.g muscle tissue is made of a group of specialised muscle cells
Tissues that work together (to carry out a particular function) form organs
Groups of organs that work together are called organ systems
E.g:
o The heart is an organblood vessels are also organs
o The heart and blood vessels form an organ system called the circulatory
system
Blood vessels:
Blood vessels are tube-shaped organs that carry blood
There are 3 types of blood vessels arteries, veins and capillaries
1. Arteries (e.g pulmonary artery, aorta):
Edexcel
Alimentary canal i.e the route the food takes from the mouth to the anus:
1. Mouth:
o The mouth is where food enters the body
o During chewing, teeth break up food into small pieces
Edexcel
Edexcel
Gall bladder:
o The gall bladder is a small organ that stores bile made by the liver
o It releases the bile into the small intestine when needed (i.e after a fatty meal
when there is fat that needs to be broken down)
BREAKING DOWN FOOD
The chemical breakdown of food (from large insoluble molecules into small soluble
molecules) depends on the action of digestive enzymes
Different types of digestive enzymes break down the three main types of food
molecules carbohydrates, proteins and fats
Digesting carbohydrates:
Digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates are called carbohydrases
Amylase is a carbohydrase enzyme:
o One type of amylase is present in salivaa different type of amylase is made in
the pancreas and released into the small intestine
o Amylase breaks starch down into sugars:
Sugars can then either
be absorbed by the small intestine or
be broken down into glucose (a simple sugar) by other
carbohydrases
Digesting proteins:
Protease enzymes break down proteins into shorter polypeptide chains and then into
amino acids
Pepsin is a protease produced in the stomach:
o The contents of the stomach are acidicpepsin has an optimum pH of around
pH2 or pH3
I.e pepsin works best (breaks down proteins fastest) in acidic conditions
Some other proteases are produced by the pancreas and then released into the small
intestine
o The contents of the small intestine are weakly alkaline
o proteases that are released into the small intestine have an optimum pH of
around pH8
Digesting fats:
Lipases are enzymes that break down fat molecules into fatty acids and glycerol
However, fats are insolubleform large globules in the watery digestive juices:
o Large globules have a small surface area to volume ratio
o lipases would only be able to break down the fat molecules very slowly
Role of bile:
o After a fatty meal, bile is released by the gall bladder into the small intestine
o 1. Bile breaks down large fat globules into tiny droplets, forming an emulsion
(i.e bile emulsifies fats)
Edexcel
The smaller droplets have a larger surface arealipases can break down
the fat molecules more quickly
2. Bile is alkaline
neutralises stomach acid
produces a slightly alkaline environment for protease enzymes of the
small intestine to work best in
VILLI
Once food molecules are broken down in the small intestine, they pass into the blood by
diffusion
The lining of the small intestine contains millions of folds called villi
The structure of villi allows efficient absorption of soluble food molecules from the
small intestine into the blood
1. Large surface area:
o Villi are finger-like (i.e long and thin) projectionsthey have a very large
surface area
o more diffusion can take place
2. Large capillary network:
o The large capillary network that surrounds villi means soluble food molecules are
constantly moved away in the blood and delivered to cells where they are
needed
o theres always a lower concentration of soluble food molecules in the blood
than inside the small intestine
This steep concentration gradient means soluble food molecules can
rapidly diffuse from the small intestine into the blood
3. Single layer of cells:
o There is only a single layer of cells between the small intestine and the blood
vessels (capillaries) in the villi
o theres only a short distance over which the soluble food molecules need to
diffuse
Evidence for the importance of villi coeliac disease:
In coeliac disease, villi may be lost
o People affected with coeliac disease cannot absorb the products of digestion
properlybecome very thin
This shows the importance of villi in ensuring that the products of digestion are
efficiently absorbed into the bloodstream so that they can then be transported to
cells that need them
PROBIOTICS AND PREBIOTICS
The digestive system contains millions and millions of bacteria some can cause
problems, but most provide health benefits
o E.g they can help break down food and protect against disease-causing
microorganisms
Edexcel
Bacteria in the digestive system that have health benefits are called beneficial
bacteria
Probiotics:
Probiotics contain live beneficial bacteria these are usually Lactobacillus and
Bifidobacteria, which produce lactic acid in the gut
The makers of foods containing probiotics (e.g yoghurt) claim that they will make you
healthier by
o improving your digestive system
o helping your body protect itself against disease
o reducing allergies
However
o A study in 2010 by the European Food Safety Agency concluded that there
wasnt enough evidence to support these health claims
Prebiotics:
Prebiotics are substances that the body cant digest they provide food for the
beneficial bacteria in the gut and encourage their growth
Tomatoes, bananas, onions and asparagus all contain oligosaccharides a common form
of prebiotic
There is good evidence that prebiotics can increase the number of beneficial bacteria
in the gut (by promoting their growth)help maintain good health
Plant stanol esters:
Plant stanol esters are oily substances found in plants
Scientists have discovered that these oily substances can stop the small intestine
absorbing cholesterol (lowering cholesterol levels in the blood)
o High cholesterol levels in the blood are linked to raised risk of heart disease
plant stanol esters could reduce the risk of heart disease
o There is clear evidence for this effect!
Plant stanol esters are now used in many foods - e.g yogurt
Note: foods that claim to make people healthier (e.g yogurt) are called functional
foods
Edexcel
Friday 10 June
5BI2H
Science Unit 2:
Wednesday 15 June
5CH2H
Science Unit 2:
Friday 17 June
5PH2H
Science Unit 2:
Edexcel