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Biology Notes PDF
Biology Notes PDF
A word of caution
These revision notes are designed to help you, NOT do the job of revision
for you. Ultimately, only you can learn this material: you cant pay, cajole
or persuade anyone to do it for you! Additionally, these notes are the bare
bones (your text book and class notes are almost certainly better sources
of information if youre aiming for the highest grades). So treat these
notes as a minimalist approach for someone aiming for a solid B grade. At
this point you might want to get your own notes to cross-reference with
the material here. Why not add your own annotations to improve whats
already here?
Edexcel AS Revision
Property
Less dense as a solid
High SHC
Present naturally in all
three states
Transparent
Cohesion
Good solvent
Immiscible with
hydrophobic molecules
High latent heat of
evaporation
Buffer
Explanation
Arctic ecosystems float, ice insulates water beneath it
etc
Cells do not heat up or cool down easily, therefore can
hold a fairly stable temp. (cf enzymes)
Allows the water cycle to function
Allows photosynthesis underwater
Generates surface tension, capillary uptake,
transpiration etc
Essential role in transport in biological systems
Allows membranes to form and, therefore, control
movement in / out of cells
Evaporation of water has a strong cooling effect and
comparatively little water is required to lose a lot of
heat
Water is capable of accepting and donating protons,
therefore acts as a buffer
1.1.3
Saccharides are made from sugar molecules, which are made from
combinations of the elements Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen only
Saccharides are used for;
1. Fuels for respiration (e.g. glucose)
2. Energy storage molecules (e.g. starch and glycogen)
3. Structural molecules (e.g. cellulose)
Monosaccharides one sugar molecule only
Disaccharides two sugar molecules joined together
Oligosaccharides a few sugar molecules joined together
Polysaccharides many sugar molecules joined together
Disaccharide Name
Maltose
Sucrose
Lactose
Component monosaccharides
Glucose + Glucose
Glucose + Fructose
Glucose + Galactose
OH
Glucose
Glucose
Starch
Cellulose
1.1.4
1.1.5
Triglycerides are either fats or oils. They are made from the
elements C, H & O only.
Triglycerides are used for;
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The C=C bonds form kinks in the fatty acid chains, which push
adjacent triglycerides away from each other. This lowers the
effect of intermolecular forces (e.g. van der vaals forces), which
lowers the boiling and melting temp.
Test for a triglyceride (Emulsion test):
1. Add ethanol (dissolves fat)
2. Add water
3. White precipitate indicates a positive result
1.1.6
Ficks law:
Rate of Diffusion
Surface Area
Conc Gradient
Distance
If we apply this to a cube, the rate at which O2 reaches the centre
of the cube is a product of the ratio of the Surface Area compared
to the Volume (i.e. SA:Vol)
Amoeba
Human
1.1.7
You need to know;
1. the names of the 4 chambers of the heart
2. the names of the 2 arteries and 2 veins attached to the heart
3. The names of the two sets of valves in the heart
4. The cardiac cycle
5. The initiation and conduction pathways of the heartbeat
Vena Cava
Aorta
Pulmonary Artery
Semi-lunar Valve
Cuspid Valve
Vena Cava
Contraction in the heart:
0 0.2s
Atrial Systole
0.2 0.3s
Ventricular
Systole
0.3 0.4s
Diastole
0.4 0.7s
Diastole
1.1.8
Artery:
collagen &
connective tissue
smooth muscle
& elastic tissue
lumen (blood)
0.1-10mm
Arteries carry high pressure blood away from the heart.
Key Points:
Vein:
collagen &
connective tissue
smooth muscle
& elastic tissue
semilunar valve
lumen (blood)
0.1-20mm
Veins carry low pressure blood towards the heart.
Key Points:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Capillary:
basement
Small holemembrane
(collagen)
endothelium cell
red blood cell
8 m
Capillaries are adapted for exchange they are not connected
directly to the heart.
Key Points:
1. Walls are one cell thick (cells are called endothelial cells)
2. Lumen is the same width as one RBC (therefore more of RBC
in contact with wall, therefore smaller diffusion distance)
3. No muscle or elastic tissue
4. Tiny (compare the scales and remind yourself what a m is)
1.1.9
Dig up your Daphnia Core Practical notes in the Practical
Handbook
1.1.10 & 1.1.11
Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the wall of arteries becomes
furred up with fatty deposits called plaques or atheromas. The
sequence of atherosclerosis is as follows;
1. Endothelial layer on the inside of an artery is damaged
2. Inflammation (an A2 topic) of the artery wall occurs
3. White blood cells move into the artery wall
4. Cholesterol begins to accumulate at the site of damage
5. Atheroma forms
6. Lumen narrows
7. Pressure increases
Clot formation:
1. Platelets are activated by substances released by the
damaged artery wall
2. Platelets become sticky and form a platelet plug on the
surface of the atheroma
3. Platelet plus releases chemicals which activate thromboplastin
4. Thromboplastin initiates the clotting cascade
Thromboplastin
1.1.12
Risk factors for CVD. There are lots, but these 7 are specifically
mentioned on your syllabus
Risk Factor
Age
Gender
Explanation
Atherosclerosis occurs naturally as our arteries become
less elastic with age. Less elastic = higher pressure
during systole, hypertension, atherosclerosis
bummer.
Girls have less atherosclerosis: fact. Two explanations;
1. Girls make oestrogen, which has a protective effect
against atherosclerosis. Evidence to support this theory
is that incidence of atherosclerosis in post-menopausal
women rises to that of men.
1.1.13
Drug treatments for atherosclerosis and their side effects;
Antihypertensives
Diuretics The Loop of Henle is the part of the nephron (in the
kidney) that regulates water reabsorption. Essentially, it puts Na+
back into the blood by active transport. This lowers the water
potential in the blood, so water follows the Na+ by osmosis. Most
diuretics block the protein that actively transports the Na+, so less
water is returned to the blood, thus reducing the pressure.
Three problems with this, however;
1. The blood gets more viscous, which makes the heart beat
harder
2. Dehydration can occur
3. Only treating the symptom
Blockers block the adrenaline receptor in the heart. This stops
the heart from beating harder in response to stress and, therefore,
reduces hypertension.
There are some side effects in some cases (e.g. sleep disturbance,
depression, vasoconstriction of the extremities) but generally
theyre pretty good. One of the main problems is bradycardia,
which can become serious if you have CHD. Can you explain why?
Ca2+ channel blockers stop the heart muscle from contracting too
hard. You dont need to know why, but if youre interested look up
Starlings Law of the heart
Major side effect is arrhythmia, which can develop into fibrillation
and infarction.
An
intermediate,
also circulating in
the blood
Statins
Two effects;
1. Block an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol.
2. Remove LDL from the circulation
Associated with liver failure.
Anticoagulants
As the second stage of atherosclerosis is associated with blood
clotting (thrombosis), anticoagulants block the clotting process.
There are many, many different ways of doing this.
Blood clots slowly.
Platelet inhibitory drugs
These work in the same way as anticoagulants but target platelets,
which are required to activate the clotting process. They,
therefore, have the same side-effects.
1.1.14
Cholesterol is the major component in atheromas. High blood
cholesterol level is, therefore, a bad thing. We get cholesterol from
two sources;
1. Diet
2. It is made by the liver
Lipoproteins (also made by the liver) ferry cholesterol around in the
bloodstream and play a role in pushing the liver towards making
more cholesterol, or excreting more cholesterol. There are two
types of lipoprotein;
1.1.15
You need to understand that scientists use their scientific
knowledge of the effects of diet, exercise and smoking to try and
predict risk of CVD and, therefore, to give people advice about how
to reduce their risk.
1.1.16
Dig up your Vitamin C Core Practical notes in the Practical
Handbook
1.1.17
Body Mass Index
Mass
(Height)2
< 18.5
between 18.5 and 25
between 25 and 30
> 40
Underweight
Normal
Overweight
Obese
End of Topic 1
Edexcel AS Revision
Notes
Unit 1: Lifestyle,
Lifestyle, Transport, Genes &
Health
1.2.3
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules from high
concentration to low concentration through a partially permeable
membrane.
Water molecules cannot pass through the bilayer itself because
they are charged and are repulsed by the fatty acid tails. There
are a few theories about how the water actually gets through, but
these are the best so far;
1. Passes through special channels called aquaporins
2. Moves through ion channel as ligands on ion complexes (e.g.
with Na+ or Mg2+)
1.2.4
How do molecules move in / out of the membrane?
1. Uncharged hydrophobic molecules (e.g. steroid hormones,
cholesterol, ethanol) pass freely between fatty acid tails by
diffusion
2. Large hydrophilic molecules (e.g. enzymes) move in by
endocytosis and out by exocytosis
3. Small hydrophilic molecules (e.g. glucose, mineral ions, water)
move in and out via proteins in the membrane. There are 3
types of these;
Channel Proteins
1.2.5
Dig up your Beetroot Core Practical notes in the Practical
Handbook
1.2.6
Ficks law:
Rate of Diffusion
Surface Area
x
Distance
Conc Gradient
Bronchus
Intercostal Muscle
Diaphragm
Thoracic Cavity
contained within
pleural membranes
Conc Gradient
Adaptation
Each alveolus has a small SA, but there are
millions, which produces a huge total SA
Each alveolus is one cell thick, as are the
capillaries which surround them. Therefore, the
total diffusion distance is only two cells!
Ventilation maintains a constantly high PO2 in
the alveoli. Additionally, as soon as O2 has been
collected by haemoglobin the circulation
removes it, therefore maintaining a low PO2 in
the blood. This keeps the concentration
gradient high!
Remind yourself why humans need lungs in the first place, why
cant we just breathe through our skin like Amoeba do?
1.2.7
Proteins are polymers of
amino acids. There are
~20 amino acids, each of
which has the same basic
structure with a different
variable group (R group)
In the Lock and Key hypothesis, the active site and the substrate
are completely complementary.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.2.9
Dig up your Enzyme Core Practical notes in the Practical
Handbook
1.2.10
DNA is made from many nucleotides joined together. It is,
therefore, a polynucleotide
Each nucleotide contains 3 things;
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Sugar molecule,
Nitrogenous base
Phosphate group (negatively charged)
H / OH
Ribose nucleotides
Deoxyribone nucltodies
- make RNA
- make DNA
DNA
RNA
1.2.11
DNA Synthesis:
1.2.12
1.2.14
Protein Synthesis occurs in two stages;
(i)
Transcription
(ii)
Translation
CTA
GCA
CGC, which
Transcription:
Takes place in nucleus
A complementary copy of the gene is made using RNA
1. Gene opens up. Hydrogen bonds break between bases
2. RNA nucleotides attracted to complementary bases and form
hydrogen bonds.
3. RNA nucleotides joined together by enzyme RNA Polymerase.
4. Complementary RNA copy of gene now made. It is called mRNA
(messenger RNA)
5. Single stranded mRNA molecule diffuses out of gene
6. mRNA molecule leaves nucleus through nuclear pore (large holes
in nuclear envelope)
7. Many mRNA strands are made before gene closes.
MRNA is complementary, not a copy!
DNA
mRNA.
Translation:
Takes place in cytoplasm
MRNA code read by ribosome and amino acids assembled in
correct order to make protein
1. mRNA strand binds to cleft in ribosome. Start AUG codon fits
into bottom of P site
2. tRNA diffuses into P site and recognises the mRNA codon using
its specific anticodon
1.2.15
Neutral mutations
Deletion mutations
Insertion mutations
Frame-shift
mutations
Non-sense mutations
Explanation
The function of the protein is unchanged after the
mutation (i.e. the protein still does its job as well as it
did before the mutation). There are 2 possible causes;
One codon is altered. However, the codon still codes
for the same amino acid. Therefore, the protein is the
same
A codon is changed, leading to a different amino acid in
the primary protein. However, this protein is not in a
place crucial for folding, so the protein is still the same
shape and functions the same.
A nucleotide is deleted from the DNA code, which
changes all the codons after the deletion. This causes
frame-shift.
A nucleotide is inserted into the DNA code, which
changes all the codons after the insertion. This causes
frame-shift.
All the codons in the sequence are altered, meaning
that every amino acid after the addition / deletion is
different. Normally, this has a huge impact on the
function of the protein.
One of the altered codons in the frame-shifted
sequence changes to become a stop codon. Protein
synthesis stops half-way through the gene, resulting in
only half of the protein being made. Almost always the
protein does not function.
Any mutation in the CFTR gene that stops / impairs the function of
the CFTR protein causes Cystic Fibrosis. To date over 2000
different mutations have been catalogued, each of which causes CF.
1.2.16
Key Definitions:
Gene: a sequence of DNA coding for a specific protein
Allele: an alternative version of a gene
Genotype: the pair of alleles an individual possesses
Phenotype: the physical appearance
Recessive: allele does not affect the phenotype in the presence of a
Dominant allele
Dominant: always affects the phenotype
Homozygote: individual possesses two copies of the same allele
Heterozygote: individual possesses two different alleles
A Genetic Diagram
Parents Phenotype:
Brown eyes
Brown eyes
Parents Genotype:
Bb
Bb
Gametes:
F1 Genotype:
F1 Phenotype:
BB
Bb
Bb
bb
Disease
Heritability
Recessive
Thalassaemia
Recessive
Achondroplasia
Dominant
Albinism
Recessive
Effect
A mutation in the haemoglobin genes Cause
haemoglobin molecules to stick together inside
red blood cells. RBCs become distorted into a
sickle shape. They can become stuck inside
capillaries leading to clots and stroke. RBCs have
limited oxygen carrying capacity.
A mutation in (usually) the gene coding for alpha
haem causes very slow haemoglobin production.
This results in anaemia and reduced haemocrit (%
RBCs per unit volume of blood). Regular
transfusions are required.
Caused by a mutation in one of genes controlling
collagen production in bones. As a result bone
growth plates fuse too early, leading to
shortening of the long bones. Homozygous
dominant genotype is fatal.
A mutation in the gene coding for melanin protein
stops melanocytes from producing melanin.
Melanin colours hair, skin etc and provides
protection from UV rays.
1.2.17
Goblet cells secrete mucus onto the surface of the epithelium,
which lines the lungs. Epithelial cells regulate the water content of
mucus. In the alveoli mucus is very watery to allow it to be wafted
easily by cilia. However, higher up the lungs water is drawn out of
mucus to reduce its volume: one cannot fit the mucus from 6 small
bronchioles into one larger one, so water is removed.
In Cystic Fibrosis the mechanism controlling the water content of
the mucus does not work properly and the water removal process is
constantly switched on in all parts of the lung. This means the
mucus is too sticky in the alveoli and cannot be wafted.
Normally:
Water
Cl-
Water
Tissue Fluid
Na
Cystic Fibrosis:
Mucus
Water
X
Cl-
Tissue Fluid
Na+
Water
Tissue
Lungs
Reproductive
system
Digestion
Effect of CF
Mucus produced is too sticky and blocks the
alveoli. This makes the person breathless. The
mucus also provides ideal conditions for bacteria,
so chest infections are common.
Mucus blocks the vas deferens in boys and the
fallopian tubes in girls, making the individual
infertile
Mucus blocks the bile duct and the pancreatic
duct. Enzymes do not reach the small intestine and
food is not digested properly.
1.2.18
The problem with genetic diseases is that they are caused by a
mutation that is present in every cell of the body. In order to cure
the disease you need to change the DNA in every cell of the body,
which is impossible. However, in the case of CF because the CFTR
protein is only transcribed by epithelial cells (the cells lining the
lungs, digestive system and reproductive tracts) only these cells
need to be targeted.
So how can you change DNA inside living cells? Answer: use gene
therapy, which attempts to add a normal copy of the CFTR gene to
the DNA inside epithelial cells.
Gene Therapy (in humans no plasmids are used)
Step 1: cut out a working copy of the gene from normal DNA using a
restriction enzyme. OR use reverse transcriptase enzyme to make
a copy of the gene from CFTR mRNA
Step 2: add the gene to a vector, which will insert the new gene into
the DNA of the target cell
Step 3: hope the gene is successfully incorporated in the DNA in
the nucleus
Vectors are used to get the working gene into the epithelial cells.
Vector
Liposome
Virus
Explanation
An artificial vesicle. A little bubble of
membrane in which the CFTR gene is placed.
When the liposome is inhaled the gene can
enter the epithelial cell by endocytosis.
Viruses naturally insert their own DNA into
host cells DNA. So, if we remove the viral
DNA and replace it with the CFTR gene that
ought to be inserted instead.
1.2.19
Genetic screening is used to determine whether a person has a
genetic disease or not.
Method
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus
sampling
Pre-implantation
genetic diagnosis
(PIGD)
Summary
A long needle is inserted through the mothers
abdomen into the amniotic fluid of the developing
embryo. As this is produced by the embryo it will
contain embryionic cells and, therefore, embryo
DNA
As above, but cells are taken from the placenta,
which is also made by the embryo.
Gametes are fertilized in vitro (outside of the
body) and the resultant embryos are then tested.
Only embryos known NOT to have the disease are
implanted in the uterus.
1.2.20
Advantages of genetic testing
Can opt for termination
Can get counselling
Can buy special medical
equipment
/
care
in
preparation for birth
Can opt not to have children
(if parents are tested)
Utilitarian argument
End of Topic 2
Edexcel AS Revision
Unit 2:
2: Development, Plants & the
Environment
Topic 3: The Voice of the Genome
2.3.2 & 2.3.3
Prokaryotic Cell
Prokaryotic Organelles:
Ribosomes. Same function as eukaryotic cells (protein synthesis),
but are smaller (70s rather than 80s).
Nuclear Zone. The region of the cytoplasm that contains DNA.
There is no nuclear membrane.
DNA. Always circular, and not in chromosome form.
Plasmid. Very small circles of DNA, containing non-esential genes.
Can be exchanged between different bacterial cells.
Prokaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells
Always unicellular
Often multicellular
No cytoskeleton
Has a cytoskeleton
2.3.4
Amino acids are stuck together in the correct order during
translation. This take place using ribosomes, which are therefore
the site of protein synthesis.
After synthesis, proteins are put into the rER, which folds primary
proteins into their specific secondary and tertiary forms. 20 and 30
proteins are packaged into vesicles and sent to the Golgi
In the Golgi, 30 proteins are stuck together to form completed 40
proteins. They are packaged into large secretory vesicles, which
bud off the Golgi and go the cell membrane for exocytosis. The
Golgi also makes lysosomes.
2.3.5
Tissue: a group of specialized cells, which all carry out the same
function.
Organ: a group of different tissues.
Although every cell contains the entire library of genes, each tissue
only expresses a select few of them. This is because, as cells
become specialized, they progressively switch off genes. This is
called cell differentiation.
The Cell Cycle
2.3.6
G1 Phase:
Growth phase
Approximately 40% of cell cycle
S Phase:
G2 Phase:
Mitosis:
Cell divides
Approximately 10% of cell cycle
Cytokinesis:
Stage
Explanation
Stage is: Prophase
1.
2.
3.
4.
2.3.7
Dig up your Mitosis Core Practical notes in the
Practical Handbook
2.3.8
Mitosis produces genetically identical daughter cells, whereas
Meiosis produces genetically dissimilar gametes. The variation in
gametes comes from;
1. Random fusion of gametes
Each individual makes many gametes, each of which is
genetically different. This creates a huge number of
potentially different embryos as which two gametes are
selected for fertilization is largely random.
If the number of different gametes made by both parents is
n, therefore the total number of possibilities is n2, which is
huge!
2. Independent assortment
During meiosis, chromosomes pair up at the equator (they
dont at during mitosis). Whichever way up the pair are aligned
will affect the combination of alleles in the gamete.
i.e.
AA BB AB
aa bb ab
aa BB aB
AA bb Ab
3. Crossing Over
When the chromosomes are paired up during metaphase
sections of DNA are swapped between chromatids (this is
called crossing over). This means that alleles which were
previously linked with others (i.e. in set combinations of
alleles) become unlinked, thus increasing the potential
number of combinations of alleles
2.3.9
A Mammalian Ovum:
Follicle cells (from ovary)
Zona Pellucida
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Lysosomes
Lipid droplets
Cell membrane
Adaptations:
Part of Ovum
Nucleus
Adapted for
Contains only one copy of each chromosome
(haploid)
Follicle cells
Cytoplasm
Lipid droplets
Zona pelludica
Lysosomes
A Mammalian Sperm:
Adaptations:
Part of Ovum
Nucleus
Adapted for
Contains only one copy of each chromosome
(haploid)
Head
Middle
Tail
Acrosome
Cytoplasm
2.3.10
Fertilization is the successful fusion of two haploid gametes to
create a diploid cell (a zygote). The zygote then divides rapidly by
mitosis to become an embryo.
Mammalian fertilisation:
1. The sperm is attracted to the ovum by hormones released
by the follicle cells surrounding the ovum
2. When the sperm reaches the ovum it embeds its head in
the zona pellucida, triggering the acrosome reaction
3. The acrosome swells and bursts, releasing proteolytic
enzymes
4. The enzymes digest a hole into the ovum
5. Sperm membrane fuses with ovum membrane and the
sperm nucleus enters the ovum by endocytosis
6. Lysosomes in the ovum cause the zona pellucida to harden
once the sperms nucleus has entered the ovum, stopping
further sperm from penetrating the ovum.
Plant fertilisation:
1. The pollen grain (male gamete) lands on the stigma
2. Pollen grain grows a pollen tube down into the stigma. The
pollen nucleus is at the tip of the tube
3. The pollen tube enters the ovule
4. The pollen tube reaches an ovum and the nucleus enters it
by endocytosis forming a zygote.
5. Many pollen grains may fertilize many ova
2.3.11
Stem Cell: an undifferentiated cell (i.e. a cell that can grow into
more than one type of cell).
Totipotent Cell: an undifferentiated cell capable of growing into a
new embryo
Pluripotent Cell: an undifferentiated cell capable of growing into
any cell, but not a new embryo
Multipotent Cell: an undifferentiated cell capable of growing into a
few types of cell
Stem Cells are very useful because they can be used to grow
replacement organs. However, it is not yet possible to get a
differentiated cell to revert to being a stem cell. Therefore, stem
cells tend to be harvested from embryos, which causes serious
ethical problems.
You might like to consider;
2.3.12
Dig up your Plant Culture Core Practical notes in the
Practical Handbook
2.3.13
Cells become specialized (or differentiated) by progressively
switching genes off. This is sometimes done by adding methyl
groups to the gene, which stop it being opened in transcription. The
2.3.14
The phenotype is a product of the genotype and the environment.
For some genes the environment has minimal effect (e.g. blood
group), but for the majority the environment plays a significant
role. You need to know 4 examples
Animal Hair Colour:
Some animals have fur colour that is a product of the environment
e.g. Siamese cats should have black fur all over as their genotype
codes for the enzyme tyrosinase that converts tyrosine into
melanin (which is a dark protein remind yourself of Albimism in
1.2.16). However, the enzyme is denatured by body heat, so only the
cold parts of the animal are black (tail, ears etc) and teh rest is
white.
Human Height:
Is controlled by many genes, each with a range of alleles, making it
an example of polygenetic inheritance (i.e. controlled by lots of
genes). In addition, diet has a huge effect on height.
Mono Amine Oxidase A (MAOA):
MAOA enzymes break down neurotransmitters released by nerves
in the brain. High levels of MAOA have been linked to risk-taking
and aggression, whereas low levels of MAOA can cause depression
2.3.15
Discontinuous variation: phenotypes appear in discrete categories
(i.e. blood group). Usually controlled by one gene where the
environment has little effect.
Continuous variation: phenotypes appear in a range of categories
(i.e. height). Usually controlled by many gene (polygenes) where the
environment has a large effect.
End of Topic 3
Edexcel AS Revision
Notes
Unit 2:
2: Development, Plants & the
Environment
Topic 4: Biodiversity & Natural Resources
2.4.2
Animal and plant cells are both eukaryotic cells, they have common
eukaruyotic features. However, plant cells also have some features
unique to them.
Cell wall: A structure made from cellulose fibrils and pectin crosslinks. It strengthens the cell and allows it to be turgid without
bursting.
Amyloplast: A membrane-bound organelle full of starch (starch
grain)
Chloroplast: Site of photosynthesis.
Vacuole: A water-filled membrane-bound organelle that helps a cell
maintain turgor pressure
2.4.3
Plant cells are strong because they are wrapped in a protective
layer of cellulose. This forms the cell wall.
Cellulose is a polysaccharide made from glucose monomers.
Alternate glucose molecules flip over in the chain, forming
hydrogen bonds between adjacent cellulose chains. Because
cellulose has no side branches the chains can be packed closely
which increases the strength of the hydrogen bonds further.
2.4.4
Primary cell wall: First to form, cellulose fibres laid down in the
same direction
Secondary cell wall: Forms later, cellulose fibres laid down at right
angles to those in the primary wall. Provides much greater strength.
Collenchyma: found around the outside of the stem have their cell
walls further strengthened with more cellulose (secondary
thickening) to form thick supporting cells.
Sclerenchyma: in larger plants strings of collenchyma begin to lay
down the protein lignin in their cell walls to form very strong fibres
within the stem. These tend to form as a cap to the vascular
bundles in the stem. Sometimes the sclerenchyma can be extracted
by humans for making into rope (e.g. hessian) or clothes (e.g. flax or
jute).
2.4.5
Vessel
Xylem
Phloem
Sclerenchyma
Collenchyma
Location in stem
Inside of vascular
bundle
Middle of vascular
bundle
Cap on vascular
bundle
Inside epidermis
Purpose
Carries water and minerals up
the stem
Carries sucrose up & down the
stem
Support for the stem
Lesser support for the stem
2.4.6
Plant materials are used for three main reasons;
1. Sustainable - they are not a limited resource as, although
they are used, they can be replanted.
2. Carbon neutral - do not contribute to rising CO2 levels
(although they may give off CO2, replanting uses the CO2
up again).
3. Biodegrade.
Plant materials are used as fibres (wood, cotton etc) as they have a
high tensile strength and can be used in clothing, building industry
etc. Oils from plants can be used as biofuels and starch can be used
in packaging, glues, absorbants as well as for food.
2.4.7
Xylem
Sclerenchyma
2.4.8
Dig up your Celery Fibres Core Practical notes in the
Practical Handbook
2.4.9
Mineral
Nitrate
Calcium
Magnesium
Function in plant
Used to make amino acids, which the plant uses to form
proteins
Used to make pectin for cell walls
Central ion in the chlorophyll molecule.
Photosynthesis (~5%)
Cooling via transpiration (~90%)
Transport of substances (e.g. sucrose, mineral ions)
Maintain turgor
Solvent for chemical reactions
Gamete distribution
2.4.10
Dig up your Plant Mineral Deficiencies Core Practical notes
in the Practical Handbook
2.4.11
Dig up your Mint / Garlic Core Practical notes in the
Practical Handbook
2.4.12
William Withering experimented with foxglove extract as a cure
for dropsy (oedema caused by congestive heart failure). He gave
the drug in increasing amounts until the patient became ill, then he
Clinical Trials
Phase 1
Clinical Trials
Phase 2
Clinical Trials
Phase 3
Purpose of stage
1. Proposed drug is tested in a lab with cultured cells to
see the general effects of the drug
2. Proposed drug is given to animals to see the effects on
a whole animal. Any side effects away from target cells
are noted.
1. A small group of healthy volunteers are given different
doses of the drug. They are told what the drug does
2. The distribution, absorbance rate, metabolism &
excretion profile of the drug are assessed.
3. The effects of the different doses are assessed to try
and determine the optimum dose
4. An independent organisation (UK Medicines Control
Agency) assesses whether it is appropriate to move to
Phase 2
1. A small group of people with the disease are given the
drug.
2. Studies are very similar to Phase 1
3. The optimum dose is worked out
1. A large group of people with the disease are given
optimum doses of the drug
2. The patients are either given the drug or a placebo in a
double-blind test
3. The results are analysed
4. If the drug has had a significant positive effect in the
treatment of the disease it is put forward to licensing
authority
2.4.13
Biodiversity: The number of species, the number of individuals
within those species and the number and variety of alleles those
individuals.
Endemic: Where a species is found only within a particular niche in a
particular ecosystem.
Species richness: is a measure of biodiversity where the number
and variety of species in an area is recorded. Can be measured in
different ways;
Indicator species i.e. the presence of specific species (usually
those least tolerant to pollution / climate change etc) are
used to indicate the health of the ecosystem.
Population of keystone species i.e. the population of crucial
species (usually those providing prey for the rest) are used to
measure the health of the ecosystem
Quantitative sampling a direct way of sampling the
biodiversity using quadrats
Capture / recapture a direct way of working out populations
of species.
Genetic diversity: the number of different alleles within the gene
pool. The greater the diversity, the more likely the species is to
survive environmental change or disease.
2.4.14
A niche is the specific part of the ecosystem in which a species
lives and any adaptations the species has that make it successful
there. Adaptations can be;
Behavioural e.g. Iguana on the Galapagos islands dive for seaweed they are the only lizards to venture into the sea.
2.4.15
Darwin made two observations and a conclusion;
O1: More offspring are born than can survive
O2: There is variation within a species
Conclusion: There is a struggle for survival only the fittest can
survive and reproduce. This is Natural Selection
In order for NS to lead to evolution a few extra conditions are
required;
1. Isolation (see table below) so no flow of alleles
2. Small population & inbreeding
3. Mutation (generates new fitter alleles)
4. Mutations accumulate within population
5. Eventually the isolated population cannot reproduce with
the originals. At this point a new species has formed
(speciation)
Method of isolation
Ecological isolation
Temporal isolation
Behavioural isolation
Physical incompatibility
Hybrid inviability
Hybrid sterility
Description
The species occupy different parts of the
habitat
The species exist in the same area, but
reproduce at different times
The species exist in the same area, but do not
respond to each others courtship behaviour
Species coexist, but there are physical
reasons which stop them from copulating
In some species, hybrids are produces but
they do not survive long enough to breed
Hybrids survive to reproductive age, but
cannot reproduce
Allopatric speciation occurs when species are far from each other
Sympatric speciation occurs when species are close to each other
2.4.16
The taxonomic classification system follows a hierarchy of groups
(the 5 Kingdoms at the top, individual species at the bottom) in
which all species are categorised according to their anatomy.
However, this is not necessarily the best approach as species with
similar anatomies (e.g. dolphin and shark) are not necessarily closely
related. A better system is based on molecular phylogeny i.e.
comparing the molecules species are comprised of. The best
molecule to examine is DNA.
A recent proposal along this line (the three domain theory) argues
that all organisms evolved into three broad groups;
Bacteria prokaryotes, fundamentally different structures
Archaea those species that exhibit characteristics of both (i.e.
early eukaryotes and their descendents)
Eukaryotes eukaryotes, fundamentally different structures
2.4.17
Seed banks and Zoos help because they allow us to preserve
biodiversity, reintroduce species, set up captive breeding
programmes, educate people about ecology and generate money
from tourism.
However, be aware that some species (those that have a lot of
leaned behaviours e.g. tigers) do not tend to fare well on
reintroduction programmes.
vascular
tissue
epidermis
cortex
endodermis
pericycle
phloem
cambium
xylem
root
hairs
casparian
cell
cell
cytoplasm
vacuole
strip
wall membrane
Xylem Tissue
lignin
rings
remains
of end wall
perforated
end walls
Lignin makes the xylem vessels very strong, so that they dont collapse under
pressure, and they also make woody stems strong. The xylem vessels form
continuous pipes from the roots to the leaves. Water can move up through these
pipes at a rate of 8m h-1, and can reach a height of over 100m.
Water molecules are polar and bind to each other by hydrogen
bonds forming a strong column of water (for its diameter the
column is stronger than steel!)
End of Topic 4
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