WJEC A-Level Biology Unit 1 Revision Tools

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WJEC A-Level Biology

Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation

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1Chemical Elements and Biological Compounds

52 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Can you distinguish between the terms: atom, molecule, element, compound, organic and inorganic?	1.1(a)
2	Can you describe the role of magnesium, iron, phosphate and calcium ions in cell metabolism?	1.1(a)
3	Can you explain the specific roles of Mg²⁺ in chlorophyll, Fe²⁺ in haemoglobin, PO₄³⁻ in nucleic acids and phospholipids, and Ca²⁺ in strengthening bones, teeth and cell walls?	1.1(a)
4	Can you draw the structure of a water molecule?	1.1(b)
5	Can you state the name of the intermolecular bond that holds water molecules together and explain why water is a polar molecule?	1.1(b)
6	Can you explain the biological importance of water in terms of its polarity, ability to form hydrogen bonds, surface tension, as a solvent, thermal properties and as a metabolite?	1.1(b)
7	Can you explain the importance of high specific heat capacity and high latent heat of vaporisation? Can you explain how water provides support and buoyancy?	1.1(b)
8	Can you name at least 4 monosaccharides and classify them based on number of carbon atoms and functional group?	1.1(c)
9	Can you name specific examples: glyceraldehyde (triose), ribose/deoxyribose (pentose), α-glucose/β-glucose/fructose/galactose (hexose)?	1.1(c)
10	Can you recognise the structure of monosaccharides?	1.1(c)
11	Can you state the functions, chemical and physical properties of monosaccharides?	1.1(c)
12	Can you state the general formula of a monosaccharide (Cₙ(H₂O)ₙ)?	1.1(c)
13	Can you define what an isomer is using glucose as an example?	1.1(d)
14	Can you identify α and β glucose from molecular structure diagrams?	1.1(d)
15	Do you know what elements make up a carbohydrate?	1.1(c)
16	Can you name three disaccharides?	1.1(c)
17	Can you name the two monosaccharides that make up each disaccharide (sucrose=glucose+fructose, maltose=α-glucose+α-glucose, lactose=glucose+galactose)?	1.1(c)
18	Can you name the bond that joins the two monosaccharides together (glycosidic bond)?	1.1(c)
19	Can you name and describe the condensation reaction when monosaccharides join together?	1.1(c)
20	Can you state the function of the three disaccharides and where each is found?	1.1(c)
21	Can you name and describe the structure and function of 5 polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin)?	1.1(c)
22	Can you describe how chitin differs from cellulose (β monomers with nitrogen-containing acetylamine groups replacing some -OH groups)?	1.1(c)
23	Do you know the role of hydrogen bonds in polysaccharides and microfibril formation?	1.1(c-e)
24	Can you explain how solubility, osmotic effect, energy content and strength relate to storage (starch/glycogen) vs structural (cellulose/chitin) polysaccharides?	1.1(e)
25	Can you describe the biological test for reducing and non-reducing sugars and for starch?	1.1 Prac
26	Do you understand the quantitative Benedicts test and the use of standard solutions to calibrate a colorimeter?	1.1 Prac
27	Can you determine the concentration of an unknown glucose solution from a calibration curve?	1.1 Prac
28	Do you know the name of the hydrolysis reaction that can break glycosidic bonds?	1.1(c)
29	Can you name the elements that make up a lipid and a phospholipid?	1.1(f)
30	Can you name the components (monomers) of a lipid and phospholipid (glycerol and fatty acids)?	1.1(f)
31	Can you name and describe the condensation reaction and ester bond formation in lipids?	1.1(f)
32	Can you describe the hydrolysis reaction that breaks ester bonds in lipids?	1.1(f)
33	Can you describe the functions of lipids/phospholipids?	1.1(f)
34	Can you describe how lipids function in insulation, energy storage and protection of organs?	1.1(f)
35	Can you explain the difference between saturated, mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids?	1.1(f)
36	Can you explain why an animal fat is solid at room temperature but a plant oil is liquid?	1.1(f)
37	Can you state the differences between lipids and phospholipids?	1.1(f)
38	Can you relate hydrophobic and hydrophilic to the structure of lipids and phospholipids?	1.1(f)
39	Can you describe the implications of saturated fat on human health?	1.1(g)
40	Can you explain how saturated fats raise LDL cholesterol levels, increasing atheroma formation in coronary arteries?	1.1(g)
41	Can you describe the emulsion test for lipids?	1.1 Prac
42	Can you draw the structure of a general amino acid and identify the amino group, carboxylic acid group and R group?	1.1(h)
43	Can you state the names and definitions of the 4 levels of protein structure?	1.1(i)
44	Can you describe condensation and hydrolysis reactions forming/breaking peptide bonds?	1.1(h)
45	Can you identify a peptide bond and dipeptide from a diagram?	1.1(h)
46	Can you state how many different amino acids there are (20) and explain how they differ (R group)?	1.1(h)
47	Can you name the bonds that hold protein structure together (peptide, hydrogen, disulphide, ionic, hydrophobic interactions)?	1.1(i)
48	Can you identify peptide bonds (primary), hydrogen bonds (secondary), and disulphide/ionic/hydrophobic interactions (tertiary) in protein structures?	1.1(i)
49	Can you recognise and interpret ribbon diagrams showing α helices and β pleated sheets?	1.1(i)
50	Can you compare the structure and functions of haemoglobin with collagen?	1.1(j)
51	Can you explain how the fibrous structure of collagen relates to its structural function, and how the globular structure of haemoglobin relates to its metabolic function?	1.1(j)
52	Can you describe the Biuret test for proteins?	1.1 Prac

2Cell Structure and Organisation

30 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Can you identify the following organelles from electron micrographs and drawings: mitochondria, chloroplast, rough ER, smooth ER, Golgi body, ribosome, vacuole, plasma membrane, centrioles, cilia, nucleus, nucleolus, nuclear envelope, nuclear pores, lysosomes, plasmodesmata and vesicles?	1.2(a)
2	Can you state the functions of all the organelles listed above?	1.2(a)
3	Do you know the relative sizes of the organelles?	1.2(a)
4	Do you understand the term organelles provide membrane-bound compartments within the cell?	1.2(a)
5	Can you describe how organelles work together in the synthesis and transport of glycoproteins?	1.2(a)
6	Can you draw a fully labelled diagram of a mitochondrion and a chloroplast?	1.2(a)
7	Can you state the similarities and differences between a chloroplast and a mitochondrion?	1.2(a)
8	Can you explain why mitochondria can look different in electron micrographs (plane of section)?	1.2(a)
9	Can you explain why most organelles can only be seen by electron microscopy?	1.2(a)
10	Can you compare the structure of a plant cell with that of an animal cell?	1.2(c)
11	Can you fully describe the fate of amino acids from entry into cell to leaving as proteins (nucleus → ribosome → RER → Golgi → vesicle → exocytosis)?	1.2(a)
12	Can you compare and contrast a prokaryotic and a eukaryotic cell?	1.2(b-c)
13	Can you recognise a prokaryotic cell from a diagram and electron micrograph?	1.2(b)
14	Can you draw and fully label a prokaryotic cell?	1.2(b)
15	Can you describe key prokaryotic features: 70S ribosomes, circular DNA without histones, murein/peptidoglycan cell wall, mesosomes as sites of respiration?	1.2(b)
16	Can you describe the basic structure of a virus?	1.2(b)
17	Can you describe the basic life cycle of a virus?	1.2(b)
18	Can you state the cell theory: new cells form from existing cells; the cell is the fundamental unit of structure, function and organisation?	1.2(c)
19	Can you explain why viruses are not considered cells (they do not show typical cell structure)?	1.2(c)
20	Can you define a tissue and an organ?	1.2(d)
21	Can you name several different tissues and organs?	1.2(d)
22	Can you describe the function of several tissues in relation to their structure?	1.2(d)
23	Can you recognise tissues from a diagram?	1.2(d)
24	Can you identify ciliated, columnar and squamous epithelia from prepared slides?	1.2(d)
25	Can you identify striated, smooth and cardiac muscle from prepared slides?	1.2(d)
26	Can you identify connective tissue from prepared slides?	1.2(d)
27	Can you calibrate the light microscope at low and high power using a graticule?	1.2 Prac
28	Can you calculate actual size using: Actual size = Image size ÷ Magnification?	1.2 Prac
29	Can you calculate magnification using: Magnification = Image size ÷ Actual size?	1.2 Prac
30	Can you prepare and produce scientific drawings of living cells with appropriate annotations?	1.2 Prac

3Cell Membranes and Transport

40 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Can you draw and fully label the cell membrane as shown by the fluid mosaic model?	1.3(a)
2	Can you explain why the cell membrane is described as the fluid mosaic model?	1.3(a)
3	Do you know the thickness of the cell membrane (7-10nm)?	1.3(a)
4	Can you explain the functions of all the components of the cell membrane?	1.3(a)
5	Can you describe the roles of intrinsic proteins (channel/carrier), extrinsic proteins, glycoproteins, glycocalyx, phospholipids and cholesterol?	1.3(a)
6	Can you describe the function of the cell membrane?	1.3(a)
7	Can you name the scientists that first described the fluid mosaic model (Singer and Nicolson)?	1.3(a)
8	Can you explain how temperature and organic solvents affect membrane permeability?	1.3(b)
9	Can you define: Diffusion, Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport and Osmosis?	1.3(c)
10	Can you relate the structure of the cell membrane to the transport of polar and non-polar substances?	1.3(c)
11	Can you name specific substances that are polar and non-polar?	1.3(c)
12	Can you state other names that mean polar (hydrophilic) and non-polar (hydrophobic)?	1.3(c)
13	Can you calculate rate and percentage change of rate from a graph?	1.3(c)
14	Can you state the factors that affect the rate of diffusion (surface area, concentration gradient, temperature, molecule size, lipid solubility, membrane thickness)?	1.3(c)
15	Can you relate the structure of the cell membrane to the size and lipid solubility of substances diffusing through it?	1.3(c)
16	Can you recognise a graph that shows diffusion occurring?	1.3(c)
17	Can you state the factors that affect the rate of facilitated diffusion?	1.3(c)
18	Can you relate the structure of the cell membrane to facilitated diffusion?	1.3(c)
19	Can you recognise a graph showing facilitated diffusion?	1.3(c)
20	Do you understand the term saturation effect and where this occurs on a graph?	1.3(c)
21	Can you explain saturation in terms of limited number of carrier/channel proteins being occupied?	1.3(c)
22	Can you draw a diagram to show facilitated diffusion occurring?	1.3(c)
23	Can you describe co-transport as a type of facilitated diffusion where two substances are transported simultaneously by a carrier protein?	1.3(c)
24	Can you state the conditions needed for active transport to occur (ATP, carrier proteins)?	1.3(c)
25	Can you relate the structure of the cell membrane to active transport?	1.3(c)
26	Can you recognise a graph showing active transport?	1.3(c)
27	Can you draw a diagram showing active transport?	1.3(c)
28	Do you know how the Na⁺/K⁺ pump works and its importance to cellular function?	1.3(c)
29	Can you explain how cyanide affects active transport by inhibiting ATP production in respiration?	1.3(c)
30	Do you understand the terms: Water Potential (ψw), Solute Potential (ψs) and Pressure Potential (ψp)?	1.3(c)
31	Can you use the equation: ψw = ψs + ψp?	1.3(c)
32	Do you understand the terms: Isotonic, Hypotonic and Hypertonic?	1.3(c)
33	Can you describe and explain the effects of osmosis on animal cells (e.g. red blood cells)?	1.3(c)
34	Can you draw a red blood cell to show the effects of isotonic, hypotonic and hypertonic solutions?	1.3(c)
35	Do you know what haemolysis and crenation mean in animal cells?	1.3(c)
36	Can you describe the effects of isotonic, hypertonic, and hypotonic solutions on plant cells?	1.3(c)
37	Do you understand the terms: turgid, plasmolysed and incipient plasmolysis?	1.3(c)
38	Do you know the important relationships between ψw, ψs and ψp when a plant cell is plasmolysed (ψp=0, so ψs=ψw), turgid (ψw=0, so ψs=ψp) and at incipient plasmolysis?	1.3(c)
39	Can you describe how to carry out plasmolysis of plant cells using a range of concentrations?	1.3 Prac
40	Can you determine the water potential of a plant tissue using the change in mass/length method?	1.3 Prac

4Biological Reactions are Regulated by Enzymes

37 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Do you know that enzymes are globular proteins that act as catalysts?	1.4(a)
2	Can you explain that enzymes have a specific tertiary structure with an active site?	1.4(b)
3	Can you explain what happens in the active site when an enzyme-substrate complex forms?	1.4(b)
4	Can you explain activation energy and how enzymes lower it?	1.4(a)
5	Can you describe and explain the lock and key model?	1.4(c)
6	Can you describe and explain the induced fit model?	1.4(c)
7	Do you know the advantages and disadvantages of the two enzyme models?	1.4(c)
8	Can you use the terms: active site, substrate, enzyme, enzyme-substrate complex, product?	1.4(b)
9	Do you know that enzymes are intracellular or extracellular?	1.4(a)
10	Do you know how temperature affects enzyme activity?	1.4(d)
11	Do you know the Q₁₀ temperature coefficient?	1.4(d)
12	Can you explain why the graph of temperature vs rate of reaction has the shape it does?	1.4(d)
13	Can you explain that enzymes denature at high temperatures (and extreme pH)?	1.4(d)
14	Can you interpret enzyme-temperature graphs when enzymes are exposed to heat for different lengths of time?	1.4(d)
15	Do you know how pH affects enzyme activity?	1.4(e)
16	Can you explain why the graph of pH vs rate of reaction has the shape it does?	1.4(e)
17	Can you explain that different enzymes have different pH optima?	1.4(e)
18	Do you know how substrate concentration affects enzyme activity?	1.4(f)
19	Can you explain why the graph of substrate concentration vs rate of reaction has the shape it does?	1.4(f)
20	Can you explain the term Vmax (maximum velocity)?	1.4(f)
21	Can you explain the term Km (Michaelis constant)?	1.4(f)
22	Do you know how enzyme concentration affects enzyme activity?	1.4(f)
23	Can you explain why the graph of enzyme concentration vs rate of reaction has the shape it does?	1.4(f)
24	Can you recognise and explain that competitive inhibitors compete with substrate for the active site?	1.4(g)
25	Can you recognise and explain that non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site (allosteric site)?	1.4(g)
26	Do you know the effect of competitive and non-competitive inhibitors on Km and Vmax?	1.4(g)
27	Can you recognise enzyme/inhibitor graphs and identify inhibitor types?	1.4(g)
28	Can you explain end-product inhibition as an example of negative feedback?	1.4(h)
29	Can you give examples of enzyme inhibitors: cyanide (cytochrome oxidase), heavy metal ions (many enzymes), organophosphates (acetylcholinesterase)?	1.4(g)
30	Can you explain what is meant by immobilised enzymes?	1.4(i)
31	Do you know the commercial and industrial advantages of using immobilised enzymes?	1.4(i)
32	Can you describe different techniques to immobilise enzymes (alginate beads, adsorption, covalent bonding, entrapment)?	1.4(i)
33	Can you describe the industrial production of lactose-free milk using immobilised enzymes?	1.4(i)
34	Can you explain the effects of bead size and flow rate on product formation?	1.4(i)
35	Can you explain the effect of increasing temperature on immobilised vs free enzymes?	1.4(i)
36	Can you describe the investigation into the effect of temperature or pH on enzyme activity?	1.4 Prac
37	Can you describe the investigation into the effect of enzyme or substrate concentration on enzyme activity?	1.4 Prac

5Nucleic Acids and Their Functions

41 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Can you list the components of a nucleotide (pentose sugar, phosphate, organic base)?	1.5(a)
2	Can you draw and recognise a nucleotide?	1.5(a)
3	Can you state the name of the phosphodiester bond formed between nucleotides?	1.5(a)
4	Can you describe the structure of the ATP molecule?	1.5(b)
5	Do you know the functions of ATP?	1.5(d)
6	Do you know the meaning of Universal Energy Currency?	1.5(d)
7	Can you explain that 30.6 kJ mol⁻¹ of energy is released when ATP is hydrolysed to ADP and phosphate?	1.5(c)
8	Do you know what endergonic and exergonic reactions are and can you give examples?	1.5(c)
9	Can you explain that ATP is formed in an endergonic reaction, with energy coming from exergonic reactions like respiration?	1.5(c)
10	Can you describe how energy is released from the ATP molecule?	1.5(d)
11	Can you describe how ATP is formed?	1.5(d)
12	Do you know the names of the 4 nitrogenous bases in DNA (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine)?	1.5(e)
13	Do you know which nitrogenous base is different in RNA (uracil instead of thymine)?	1.5(f)
14	Can you place the 4 nitrogenous bases into purines (adenine, guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine)?	1.5(e)
15	Can you differentiate between purine and pyrimidine bases when given structural formulae?	1.5(e)
16	Do you know the base pairing rule and Chargaffs ratio?	1.5(e)
17	Can you fully describe the structure of DNA?	1.5(e)
18	Can you describe antiparallel strands running 5 to 3 and 3 to 5?	1.5(e)
19	Can you compare the structure of DNA with that of RNA?	1.5(f)
20	Can you describe differences between mRNA, tRNA (cloverleaf with anticodon) and rRNA?	1.5(f)
21	Can you state the two major functions of DNA (replication and protein synthesis)?	1.5(g)
22	Can you explain how DNA replicates by semi-conservative replication?	1.5(h)
23	Can you describe the steps in DNA replication including the names and functions of DNA helicase and DNA polymerase?	1.5(h)
24	Can you draw a representative diagram of the replication fork?	1.5(h)
25	Can you interpret and explain the results of the Meselson and Stahl experiment?	1.5(h)
26	Do you know the structure of a gene in terms of exons and introns?	1.5(k)
27	Can you distinguish between discontinuous genes (with introns) in eukaryotes and continuous genes (without introns) in prokaryotes?	1.5(k)
28	Can you describe the genetic code as triplet, degenerate and non-overlapping?	1.5(i-j)
29	Can you describe the genetic code as also linear, unambiguous and universal?	1.5(i)
30	Do you know the one gene one polypeptide hypothesis?	1.5(n)
31	Can you describe the process of transcription?	1.5(l)
32	Can you describe the role of RNA polymerase linking to the template strand and inserting mRNA nucleotides according to complementary base pairing?	1.5(l)
33	Can you explain that the molecule produced is pre-mRNA containing exons and introns?	1.5(l)
34	Do you know what post-transcriptional modification (splicing) of mRNA is?	1.5(l)
35	Can you explain that splicing removes introns to produce functional mRNA?	1.5(l)
36	Can you describe the process of translation, including the function of mRNA, tRNA and rRNA?	1.5(m)
37	Can you describe that ribosomes have two attachment sites for tRNA on the large subunit and one for mRNA on the small subunit?	1.5(m)
38	Can you explain codon-anticodon interactions and peptide bond formation between amino acids?	1.5(m)
39	Can you describe how polypeptides can be modified by addition of carbohydrates, lipids or phosphate?	1.5(o)
40	Can you describe how polypeptides can be combined as exemplified by haemoglobin?	1.5(o)
41	Can you describe the simple extraction of DNA from living material (e.g. strawberries)?	1.5 Prac

6Genetic Information is Copied and Passed On

27 objectives

#	Learning Objective	Spec
1	Can you describe the stages of the cell cycle (interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis)?	1.6(a)
2	Can you recognise the cell cycle as shown on a pie graph and an X-Y (line) graph?	1.6(a)
3	Can you state the stages of mitosis in the correct order (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase)?	1.6(a)
4	Can you describe what occurs during each stage of the cell cycle?	1.6(a)
5	Can you recognise a cell in each stage of mitosis from drawings and microscope images?	1.6(a)
6	Do you know the significance of mitosis?	1.6(b)
7	Can you explain that mitosis produces daughter cells with identical copies of genes (genetically identical)?	1.6(b)
8	Can you state where mitosis occurs in plants and animals?	1.6(a)
9	Can you describe cytokinesis in plant cells (cell plate formation) vs animal cells (cleavage furrow)?	1.6(b)
10	Can you explain the significance of mitosis in repeated cell renewal?	1.6(c)
11	Can you explain the significance of mitosis in damage repair and healing?	1.6(c)
12	Can you explain how unrestricted cell division leads to cancerous growth?	1.6(c)
13	Do you know the significance of meiosis?	1.6(d-e)
14	Do you know how genetic variation occurs during meiosis?	1.6(e)
15	Can you describe pairing of homologous chromosomes, crossing over, segregation of homologous chromosomes and independent assortment?	1.6(d-e)
16	Can you compare and contrast mitosis and meiosis?	1.6(e)
17	Can you compare: number of divisions, number of cells formed, ploidy of daughter cells, genetic nature of daughter cells?	1.6(e)
18	Do you know the meaning of haploid and diploid?	1.6(d)
19	Can you recognise cells in each stage of meiosis from drawings and microscope images?	1.6(d)
20	Can you describe what events occur during each stage of meiosis I and II?	1.6(d)
21	Do you know when a cell becomes haploid and when DNA content halves during meiosis?	1.6(d)
22	Do you know the difference between a replicated and a non-replicated chromosome?	1.6(d)
23	Can you state where meiosis occurs in plants and animals?	1.6(d)
24	Can you explain that meiosis produces non-identical daughter cells (genetically different)?	1.6(e)
25	Can you prepare and produce scientific drawings of root tip cells showing stages of mitosis?	1.6 Prac
26	Can you prepare and produce scientific drawings of developing anther cells showing stages of meiosis?	1.6 Prac
27	Can you calculate the mitotic index (number of cells in mitosis ÷ total number of cells)?	1.6 Prac

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Past Paper Topic Analysis (2016-2024)

See which topics appear most frequently in WJEC Biology Unit 1 exams. Focus your revision on high-frequency topics for maximum marks.

Past Paper Topic Analysis

WJEC A-Level Biology

Unit 1: Past Paper Topic Analysis (2016-2024)

Papers Analysed

560

Total Marks

Main Topics

45%

AO2 Average

High Frequency (5+ papers)

Medium Frequency (3-4 papers)

Low Frequency (1-2 papers)

🎯 Most Examined Topics

Cell Membranes & Transport7/7
Enzymes7/7
Protein Synthesis6/7
Cell Division (Mitosis)6/7
Carbohydrate Structure5/7

⚠️ High-Mark Questions (6+)

Enzyme Inhibition (QER)9 marks
Cell Cycle/Mitosis (QER)9 marks
Protein Synthesis5-9 marks
Membrane Transport4-8 marks
DNA Replication4-6 marks

📈 Trending Topics (Recent)

Prokaryote vs Eukaryote2023, 2024
Virus Structure/Replication2016, 2024
Lipids & Membrane Fluidity2017, 2022
Meiosis Stages2019, 2024
ATP Structure & Function2018, 2023

📊 Key Patterns & Exam Trends

AO2 (Application) dominates at ~45% of marks

Students must practice applying knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. Pure recall (AO1) accounts for only ~35% of marks.

QER questions consistently worth 9 marks

Extended response questions appear in every paper. Common topics: enzyme inhibition, cell division, protein synthesis, carbohydrate structure/function.

Practical skills examined in context (15-20% of marks)

Beetroot permeability, water potential determination, enzyme investigations, and microscope calculations appear regularly.

Mathematical skills tested throughout (10-15%)

Magnification calculations, percentage calculations, graph interpretation, and rate calculations are essential.

1Chemical Elements and Biological Compounds

High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
Carbohydrate structure (α/β glucose, starch, cellulose, glycogen)	5	2-6	2016 Q42018 Q72019 Q22022 Q32024 Q4
Isomers (structural isomers, α and β glucose)	4	1-2	2016 Q42019 Q22022 Q32024 Q4
Condensation & hydrolysis reactions	5	1-3	2016 Q42018 Q42019 Q42022 Q32024 Q4
Lipids: triglycerides & phospholipids	4	2-7	2017 Q52018 Q72022 Q22022 Q4
Saturated vs unsaturated fatty acids	3	1-4	2017 Q52022 Q22022 Q4
Health implications of saturated fat	2	1-2	2017 Q52022 Q2
Protein structure (1°, 2°, 3°, 4°)	6	2-5	2016 Q22018 Q42019 Q42022 Q62023 Q12024 Q1
Peptide bond formation	4	1-2	2018 Q42019 Q42022 Q62024 Q1
Haemoglobin vs collagen (fibrous/globular)	3	2-4	2018 Q42022 Q62023 Q3
Food tests (Benedict's, Biuret, Emulsion)	3	2-4	2016 Q42019 Q32022 Q3

2Cell Structure and Organisation

High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
Organelle identification (EM/diagrams)	6	2-4	2016 Q32018 Q12019 Q22022 Q12023 Q22024 Q1
Organelle functions (RER, Golgi, mitochondria)	6	2-5	2016 Q22018 Q12019 Q22022 Q62023 Q32024 Q1
Protein synthesis pathway (secretory pathway)	5	3-5	2016 Q22018 Q12022 Q62023 Q32024 Q7
Prokaryote vs Eukaryote comparison	4	2-4	2016 Q32023 Q12024 Q12024 Q6
Virus structure & replication	2	4-10	2016 Q22024 Q5
Tissue types (epithelial, muscle)	3	1-3	2016 Q32022 Q12023 Q2
Magnification & actual size calculations	4	2-3	2017 Q32019 Q12024 Q22024 Q5

3Cell Membranes and Transport

Very High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
Fluid mosaic model structure	5	2-4	2016 Q52017 Q52022 Q22023 Q32024 Q1
Membrane components & functions	6	2-5	2016 Q52017 Q52019 Q22022 Q22023 Q32024 Q1
Diffusion vs facilitated diffusion	6	2-4	2016 Q52017 Q52019 Q22022 Q42023 Q32024 Q1
Active transport (inc. Na⁺/K⁺ pump)	4	2-4	2016 Q52019 Q22023 Q32024 Q1
Osmosis & water potential	7	2-6	2016 Q52017 Q32018 Q52019 Q22022 Q42023 Q12024 Q3
Membrane permeability (beetroot practical)	4	3-6	2017 Q52018 Q52022 Q42023 Q4
Endocytosis & exocytosis	4	1-3	2016 Q22018 Q12019 Q22024 Q5
Saturation effect (graphs)	3	2-4	2019 Q32023 Q32024 Q3

4Biological Reactions are Regulated by Enzymes

Very High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
Lock and key / Induced fit models	5	1-4	2016 Q62017 Q42019 Q52023 Q12024 Q3
Competitive inhibition	5	3-9	2016 Q6 (QER)2018 Q62019 Q52023 Q42024 Q3
Non-competitive inhibition	4	2-9	2016 Q6 (QER)2019 Q52023 Q42024 Q3
Effect of temperature on enzymes	5	2-5	2017 Q42018 Q52019 Q32022 Q42024 Q3
Effect of pH on enzymes	4	2-4	2017 Q42019 Q32023 Q12024 Q3
Substrate/enzyme concentration effects	4	2-4	2017 Q42019 Q32023 Q42024 Q3
Rate calculations from graphs	5	2-3	2017 Q42019 Q32022 Q52023 Q42024 Q2
Immobilised enzymes / Biosensors	2	3-5	2019 Q52023 Q4
Denaturation vs inactivation	3	1-2	2018 Q52022 Q42024 Q3

5Nucleic Acids and Their Functions

High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
ATP structure and function	4	2-6	2018 Q22019 Q22023 Q22024 Q2
Nucleotide structure	4	1-3	2018 Q22022 Q32023 Q22024 Q2
DNA structure (double helix, base pairing)	4	2-4	2016 Q22017 Q22022 Q32024 Q2
DNA vs RNA comparison	3	2-4	2016 Q22018 Q22024 Q2
Semi-conservative replication	3	3-6	2017 Q22022 Q32024 Q2
Meselson-Stahl experiment	2	3-5	2017 Q22024 Q2
Transcription	5	2-5	2016 Q22018 Q42019 Q42022 Q32024 Q7
Translation	6	3-5	2016 Q22018 Q12019 Q42022 Q62023 Q32024 Q7
mRNA, tRNA, rRNA functions	5	1-4	2016 Q22019 Q42022 Q62024 Q12024 Q7
Genetic code properties (triplet, degenerate)	3	2-4	2018 Q42019 Q42024 Q7
Post-transcriptional modification (splicing)	2	2-5	2018 Q42024 Q7

6Genetic Information is Copied and Passed On

High Coverage

Sub-topic	Freq	Marks	Papers & Questions
Cell cycle stages (interphase, mitosis)	6	2-9	2016 Q12017 Q7 (QER)2018 Q32019 Q12022 Q7 (QER)2024 Q6
Mitosis stages identification	5	2-4	2016 Q12018 Q32019 Q12022 Q72024 Q6
DNA/cell mass changes during cell cycle	4	3-9	2017 Q7 (QER)2018 Q32022 Q72024 Q6
Significance of mitosis	4	2-4	2016 Q12018 Q62022 Q72024 Q6
Cancer / uncontrolled cell division	3	2-4	2016 Q12018 Q62022 Q7
Meiosis stages identification	4	2-5	2018 Q32019 Q12022 Q52024 Q2
Mitosis vs meiosis comparison	4	2-4	2018 Q32019 Q12022 Q52024 Q2
Genetic variation in meiosis	3	2-3	2018 Q32019 Q12024 Q2
Mitotic index calculation	2	2-3	2019 Q12024 Q2
Haploid/diploid concepts	3	1-2	2019 Q12022 Q52024 Q2

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Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in WJEC Biology Unit 1?

Unit 1: Basic Biochemistry and Cell Organisation covers six main topics: (1) Chemical Elements and Biological Compounds – carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water and biochemical tests, (2) Cell Structure and Organisation – eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, organelles, tissues, (3) Cell Membranes and Transport – fluid mosaic model, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, (4) Enzymes – enzyme kinetics, inhibition, immobilised enzymes, (5) Nucleic Acids – DNA, RNA, replication, protein synthesis, (6) Cell Division – mitosis, meiosis and the cell cycle.

How many marks is WJEC Biology Unit 1 worth?

Unit 1 is worth 80 raw marks, converted to 100 UMS. It contributes 20% of the full A-Level qualification or 40% of the AS qualification. The exam is 1 hour 30 minutes.

What are the most common topics in WJEC Biology Unit 1 exams?

Based on analysis of past papers from 2016-2024, frequently examined topics include: enzyme kinetics and inhibition, membrane transport mechanisms, DNA replication and the Meselson-Stahl experiment, protein structure (primary to quaternary), comparing mitosis and meiosis, and water potential calculations.

How should I use the RAG checklist?

Work through each learning objective and honestly rate your confidence. Red means you need to learn the topic from scratch. Amber means you understand it but need more practice. Green means you’re confident and exam-ready. Focus your revision time on red and amber topics first.

How do I use the past paper analysis?

The analysis shows how often each sub-topic has appeared in exams from 2016-2024. High-frequency topics (5+ appearances) are most likely to appear again. Use this to prioritise your revision, but don’t ignore low-frequency topics entirely.

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Unit 1 Topics Overview

Topic	Content	Spec Ref
1. Chemical Elements & Biological Compounds	Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, biochemical tests	1.1
2. Cell Structure & Organisation	Eukaryotic/prokaryotic cells, organelles, tissues	1.2
3. Cell Membranes & Transport	Fluid mosaic model, diffusion, osmosis, active transport	1.3
4. Enzymes	Kinetics, inhibition, immobilised enzymes	1.4
5. Nucleic Acids & Their Functions	DNA/RNA structure, replication, protein synthesis	1.5
6. Cell Division	Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis	1.6

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Unit 1 Exam Information

Detail	Information
Exam Length	1 hour 30 minutes
Raw Marks	80
UMS Marks	100
A-Level Weighting	20%
AS Weighting	40%
Question Types	Short answer, structured, extended response

Created by an experienced A-Level Biology teacher with 25+ years teaching the WJEC specification.