Edexcel International alevelbiology.co.

uk
Advanced Level
Biology

Unit 1: Molecules, Diet,

Transport and Health (Sample)

SPECIFICATION
Topic 1: Molecules, Transport and Health
This topic begins with a consideration of the structure and functions of
a number of molecules, including water, carbohydrates and triglycerides.
The structure and function of the cardiovascular system are also included
as an introduction to the ways in which diet and lifestyle factors may
affect the heart and circulatory system. Ideas about correlation, causation
and the concept of risks to health are covered.

Topic 2: Membranes, Proteins, DNA and Gene Expression

This topic begins with a consideration of the structure and functions
of the cell membrane and gas exchange surfaces. The structure and
properties of proteins, enzyme and nucleic acids lead to the genetic code
and protein synthesis. Principles of inheritance, gene therapy and genetic
screening are included, giving opportunities for discussion of the social
and ethical issues surrounding genetic screening for genetic conditions.
Edexcel International alevelbiology.co.uk
Advanced Level
Biology

Topic 1: Molecules, Transport

and Health

SPECIFICATION
● Understand the importance of water as a solvent in transport, including its dipole
nature
● Know the difference between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides,
including glycogen and starch (amylose and amylopectin)
● Be able to relate the structures of monosaccharides, disaccharides and
polysaccharides to their roles in providing and storing energy
● know how monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose) join together to
form disaccharides (maltose, sucrose and lactose) and polysaccharides
(glycogen, amylose and amylopectin) through condensation reactions forming
glycosidic bonds, and how these can be split through hydrolysis reactions
● Know how a triglyceride is synthesised by the formation of ester bonds during
condensation reactions between glycerol and three fatty acids
● Know the differences between saturated and unsaturated lipids
● Understand why many animals have a heart and circulation (mass transport to
overcome the limitations of diffusion in meeting the requirements of organisms)
● Understand how the structures of blood vessels (capillaries, arteries and veins)
relate to their functions
● Know the cardiac cycle (atrial systole, ventricular systole and cardiac diastole)
and relate the structure and operation of the mammalian heart, including the
major blood vessels, to its function
Edexcel International alevelbiology.co.uk
Advanced Level
Biology

Topic 1: Molecules, Transport

and Health

SPECIFICATION
● Understand the role of haemoglobin in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide
● Understand the oxygen dissociation curve of haemoglobin, the Bohr effect and the
significance of the oxygen affinity of fetal haemoglobin compared with adult
haemoglobin
● Understand the course of events that leads to atherosclerosis (endothelial dysfunction,
inflammatory response, plaque formation, raised blood pressure)
● Understand the blood clotting process (thromboplastin release, conversion of
prothrombin to thrombin and fibrinogen to fibrin) and its role in cardiovascular disease
(CVD)
● Know how factors such as genetics, diet, age, gender, high blood pressure, smoking
and inactivity increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
● Understand the link between dietary antioxidants and the risk of cardiovascular
disease (CVD)
● Be able to analyse and interpret quantitative data on illness and mortality rates to
determine health risks, including distinguishing between correlation and causation and
recognising conflicting evidence
● Be able to evaluate the design of studies used to determine health risk factors,
including sample selection and sample size used to collect data that is both valid and
reliable
● Understand why people’s perception of risks are often different from the actual risks,
including underestimating and overestimating the risks due to diet and other lifestyle
factors in the development of heart disease
Disaccharides
Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides are joined together by a
glycosidic bond. This is a condensation reaction, which involves the removal of a
molecule of water (H2O).

The diagram below shows two glucose molecules joining together to form the
disaccharide maltose. Because this bond is between carbon 1 of one molecule and
carbon 4 of the other molecule, it is called a 1-4 glycosidic bond. Bonds between other
carbon atoms are possible, leading to different shapes and branched chains.
Three common disaccharides: Sucrose (Glucose + Fructose), Lactose (Glucose + Galactose),
Maltose (Glucose + Glucose).

Image Source: OpenStax cnx

Differences Between Saturated and Unsaturated Lipids
• Lipids are broadly classified into saturated lipids and unsaturated lipids.
• Saturated lipids are derived from animal fats and unsaturated lipids are obtained from
plants.
• Saturated lipids do not melt at lower temperatures as with unsaturated lipids.
• Saturated lipids do not have double bonds in their hydrocarbon tail while unsaturated lipids
have double bonds in their hydrocarbon tails.
• Due to double bonds, unsaturated lipids tend to be fluid in state unlike the saturated lipids.
• Saturated lipids are not good for health, and increase the risk of CVDs.

Structure of A Saturated Lipid (Stearic acid)

Image Source: OpenStax CNX

Structure of an Unsaturated Lipid (Oleic acid)

Image Source: OpenStax CNX
The lifestyle of an individual plays an important role in their well being. A healthy lifestyle is
important for good health and a sound mind. It is very important to know what to eat and what
not to eat for optimum health.

Need of a heart in overcoming limitations of diffusion

For multi-cellular organisms, their large size means a small SA:V ratio. This means it is
not possible for materials to move into and out of the cell by diffusion and active
transport. Normal diffusion cannot be used as the absolute means of materials
exchange. Hence, these organisms develop organs and mass transport systems. These
developments provide a more efficient way to exchange material from the external
environment into the inside of the body. The heart is one such organ for efficient
exchange of gases at a large scale.
Heart and Circulatory System
• The heart is a vital organ that acts as a muscular pump.
• It pumps blood in and out of the lungs and around the body.
• It is divided into the right side and left side.
• The right side pumps deoxygenated blood into the lungs and the left side pumps
oxygenated blood out of the lungs to the rest of the body.

  

A Heart
Image Source: OpenStax CNX
Why Circulation is Important
• Constant movement of any fluid is referred to as circulation. In mammals, circulation of
blood is very important.
• Constant movement of blood to all parts of the body is necessary for the proper
functioning of muscles and cells.
• Blood circulation provides oxygen to all body parts.
• It promotes cell growth and proper functioning of organs.
• Cells need energy (glucose) and oxygen for proper functioning. Glucose and oxygen are
provided by the blood through circulation.
• Tissue, cells and organs also dispose of their metabolic waste in the blood.
• If circulation is hampered or obstructed in any way, it leads to cold feet, or a cold
sensation in the body part, tiredness, dizziness, etc.
• Eating healthily and exercising can help blood circulation throughout the body.
 Human Blood Circulation
Image Source: OpenStax CNX
Structure of Blood Vessels
The blood vessels include:
✓ Capillaries
✓ Veins
✓ Arteries
• Blood is pumped to various body parts and organs with the help of these blood vessels.
1. Arteries
• Arteries are thick-walled blood vessels and carry blood from the heart to all body
parts (except pulmonary artery).
• These are closer to the heart.
• These have smaller lumen that help to maintain blood pressure in the system.
2. Veins
• Veins take deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body back to the heart (except
pulmonary vein).
• They are not as thick-walled as arteries.
• These have valves that prevent the backflow of blood.
• These are wider than arteries.
3. Capillaries
• These are the smallest of all blood vessels.
• These are fine network-like structures found in tissue.
• These are only one cell thick.
• These diffuse glucose and oxygen into the cells and remove metabolic waste.

Artery and Vein

Cardiac Cycle
• The cardiac cycle is one complete contraction of the atria and relaxation of the ventricles.
• It is an ongoing process.
• The period of contraction is called systole and the period of relaxation is called diastole.
• There are three stages in a cardiac cycle.
1. Ventricular Diastole and Atrial Systole
2. Ventricular Systole and Atrial Diastole
3. Cardiac Diastole

Cardiac Cycle
Image Source: OpenStax CNX

Ventricular Diastole and Atrial Systole

• At this stage, ventricles are relaxed.
• The atria contracts releasing the blood into the ventricles.
• This causes pressure in the ventricles.

Image Source: OpenStax CNX