Key term
WJEC AS-Level Biology 601-5290-0
Chemical Elements Are Joined Together to Form Biological Compounds
Topic overviewInorganic IonsBiological Importance of WaterCarbohydrates: Monosaccharides and DisaccharidesCarbohydrates: Polysaccharides and Alpha/Beta Glucose IsomerismLipids: Triglycerides and PhospholipidsLipids: Saturated and Unsaturated Fat in Human HealthAmino Acids and Proteins: Primary to Quaternary StructureAmino Acids and Proteins: Fibrous and Globular FormsCondensation and Hydrolysis: Peptide and GlycosidicFood Tests for Biological Molecules
Cell Structure and Organisation
Topic overviewEukaryotic Cell Ultrastructure: OrganellesEukaryotic Cell Ultrastructure: FunctionsProkaryotic Cells, Viruses and Cell Theory: Comparing Cell StructuresProkaryotic Cells, Viruses and Cell Theory: Electron MicrographsLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Tissues and OrgansLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Organ Systems and Microscope CalibrationLevels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Magnification and Scientific Drawing
Cell Membranes and Transport
Topic overviewPlasma Membrane Structure and Permeability: Fluid-Mosaic ModelPlasma Membrane Structure and Permeability: Factors Affecting PermeabilityTransport Across Membranes: Diffusion, Osmosis and Water PotentialTransport Across Membranes: Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport and PinocytosisTransport Across Membranes: Phagocytosis and Exocytosis
Biological Reactions Are Regulated by Enzymes
Topic overviewEnzymes as Biological Catalysts: Metabolism, Extracellular Action and Induced FitEnzymes as Biological Catalysts: Activation EnergyFactors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Temperature and SubstrateFactors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Enzyme Concentration, Denaturation and BuffersEnzyme InhibitionImmobilised Enzymes in Industry
Nucleic Acids and Their Functions
Topic overviewNucleotides, Chemical Energy and ATP: StructureNucleotides, Chemical Energy and ATP: Role as Energy CarrierDNA and RNA StructureSemi-conservative Replication, Meselson and Stahl experimentThe Genetic Code: Triplet CodeThe Genetic Code: Exons and IntronsProtein Synthesis: Transcription, Translation and tRNAProtein Synthesis: One Gene-One Polypeptide and Polypeptide Modification
Genetic Information Is Copied and Passed on to Daughter Cells
Topic overviewThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Interphase and StagesThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Cytokinesis, Significance in Renewal and RepairThe Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Root Tip Squash and Mitotic IndexMeiosis: Meiosis I and Meiosis II, crossing over and independent assortmentMeiosis: differences from mitosis
All Organisms Are Related Through Their Evolutionary History
Topic overviewClassification: Hierarchical Groups, Need and Tentative NatureClassification: Three Domains and Five KingdomsAssessing RelatednessSpecies Concept and Binomial SystemBiodiversity and Its Assessment: Habitat LevelBiodiversity and Its Assessment: Genetic Level and Molecular LevelNatural Selection as the Source of Biodiversity and Anatomical, Physiological and Behavioural Adaptations
Adaptations for Gas Exchange
Topic overviewSurface Area to Volume Ratio and Gas Exchange in Small Organisms: AmoebaSurface Area to Volume Ratio and Gas Exchange in Small Organisms: Flatworm and EarthwormSpecialised Respiratory Surfaces and Ventilation in Bony Fish: Counter-currentSpecialised Respiratory Surfaces and Ventilation in Bony Fish: Parallel FlowGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: Human Breathing SystemGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: VentilationGas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: the Insect Tracheal SystemThe Angiosperm Leaf: StructureThe Angiosperm Leaf: Photosynthetic RoleThe Angiosperm Leaf: Stomatal Control of Gas Exchange
Adaptations for Transport
Topic overviewVascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Earthworm and InsectVascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Fish and MammalThe Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Blood Vessels and Cardiac CycleThe Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Sino-atrial Node, Purkyne Fibres and ElectrocardiogramsBlood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Erythrocytes, Plasma and Dissociation CurvesBlood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Bohr Effect and Chloride ShiftTransport of Nutrients, Hormones, Excretory Products and HeatTissue Fluid, Lymph and OedemaWater Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Dicotyledon Root Structure and ApoplastWater Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Symplast, Vacuolar Pathways and EndodermisXylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Cohesion-Tension TheoryXylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Hydrophytes and XerophytesPhloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Mass Flow ModelsPhloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Experimental Evidence
Adaptations for Nutrition
Topic overviewModes of Nutrition: Autotrophic, Heterotrophic and HolozoicModes of Nutrition: Parasitic, and Digestion in Amoeba and Hydra to Tube GutsThe Human Gut: Adaptations to an Omnivorous DietThe Human Gut: EnzymesThe Human Gut: ConditionsHerbivore, Carnivore and Parasite Adaptations: Guts and DentitionHerbivore, Carnivore and Parasite Adaptations: Ruminants, Taenia and Pediculus
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills
Topic overviewThe A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Experimental TaskThe A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: Practical Analysis TaskIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Solving Problems in Practical ContextsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Identifying and Following InstructionsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Making and Keeping RecordsIndependent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Presenting DataNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Plotting, Interpreting Graphs and ProcessingNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Analysing Data, Margins of Error and AccuracyNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Precision and OnlineNumeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Offline Research Skills
Use of Apparatus and Techniques
Topic overviewMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: Quantitative ApparatusMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: InstrumentationMeasurement and Laboratory Technique: Glassware Including Serial DilutionsMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: Light MicroscopeMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: Annotated Drawings and Food TestsMicroscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: ChromatographyWorking with Organisms and Aseptic TechniqueViable Counts, Dissection and Fieldwork SamplingMark-Release-Recapture, Quadrats and ICT for Data Collection
Mathematical Requirements (Appendix C)
Topic overviewArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Appropriate Units, Decimal and Standard FormArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Ratios, Percentages and Estimating ResultsArithmetic and Numerical Computation: Power, Exponential and Logarithmic FunctionsHandling Data: Significant Figures, Arithmetic Means and MeanHandling Data: Median, Frequency Tables and HistogramsHandling Data: Scatter DiagramsProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Simple Probability and SelectingProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Using the Chi-squared TestProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Correlation CoefficientProbability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Standard DeviationAlgebra and Magnification: Mathematical Symbols and Changing the Subject of an EquationAlgebra and Magnification: Substituting Values, Solving Equations and Using LogarithmsGraphs: Translating Between Graphical, Plotting Two Variables and Linear RelationshipsGraphs: Intercepts, Rate of Change and Slope of a Tangent to a CurveGeometry: Circumferences, Surface Areas and Volumes of Regular Shapes
How Science Works (Appendix D)
Topic overviewDeveloping and Communicating Scientific Explanations: Using Theories, Models and IdeasDeveloping and Communicating Scientific Explanations: Posing Scientific QuestionsScientific Methodology, Evidence and Evaluation: Appropriate Methodology Including ICTScientific Methodology, Evidence and Evaluation: Analysing and Conflicting DataScience, Society and Ethics: How Scientific Knowledge Develops Over TimeScience, Society and Ethics: Risks, Ethical Treatment of Humans and Other OrganismsScience, Society and Ethics: Environment and How Society Uses Science
Adaptations for Transport
- 14 subtopics
- 41 things to know
- AS Unit 2
What Adaptations for Transport covers
Adaptations for Transport is examined on AS Unit 2 of WJEC Biology, Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems. 180 recall questions across 14 subtopics.
Where it is assessed
AS Unit 2
Biodiversity and Physiology of Body Systems.
Check the WJEC specification ↗The 14 subtopics
Each one has its own page. WJEC AS Biology students sit this topic in the first year.
- Vascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Earthworm and InsectRecall questions on Earthworm and Insect.Open →
- Vascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Fish and MammalRecall questions on Fish and Mammal.Open →
- The Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Blood Vessels and Cardiac CycleRecall questions on Blood Vessels and Cardiac Cycle.Open →
- The Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Sino-atrial Node, Purkyne Fibres and ElectrocardiogramsRecall questions on Sino-atrial Node, Purkyne Fibres and Electrocardiograms.Open →
- Blood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Erythrocytes, Plasma and Dissociation CurvesRecall questions on Erythrocytes, Plasma and Dissociation Curves.Open →
- Blood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Bohr Effect and Chloride ShiftRecall questions on Bohr Effect and Chloride Shift.Open →
- Transport of Nutrients, Hormones, Excretory Products and HeatRecall questions on Transport of Nutrients, Hormones, Excretory Products and Heat.Open →
- Tissue Fluid, Lymph and OedemaHow tissue fluid forms and returns at the two ends of a capillary through hydrostatic and oncotic pressure, its role in exchange, the lymphatic system, and the causes of oedema.Open →
- Water Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Dicotyledon Root Structure and ApoplastRecall questions on Dicotyledon Root Structure and Apoplast.Open →
- Water Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Symplast, Vacuolar Pathways and EndodermisRecall questions on Symplast, Vacuolar Pathways and Endodermis.Open →
- Xylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Cohesion-Tension TheoryRecall questions on Cohesion-Tension Theory and Environmental Factors.Open →
- Xylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Hydrophytes and XerophytesRecall questions on Hydrophytes and Xerophytes.Open →
- Phloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Mass Flow ModelsRecall questions on Mass Flow Models.Open →
- Phloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Experimental EvidenceRecall questions on Experimental Evidence.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
Key term
Name the vessels that leave the right ventricle, that return blood to the right atrium, and that supply the heart muscle.
Key term
What happens during diastole?
Numbers
Why is there a short delay at the atrioventricular node, what stops excitation passing straight to the ventricles, and what does it mean to describe cardiac muscle as myogenic?
Process
How does the Bohr effect benefit a muscle during exercise?
Key term
Name the pathways water takes across the root cortex, describe the apoplast pathway, and explain how active ion uptake helps water enter.
Key term
Name the two types of water-conducting cell in xylem, and describe a vessel element once it is functional.
Key term
How can a radioactive tracer and an autoradiograph show that sugars travel in the phloem?
Process
Why is the wall of the left ventricle much thicker than that of the right ventricle?
Key term
Under the microscope, how would you distinguish erythrocytes from white blood cells on a stained blood smear?
Process
Write out, in words, the sequence of reactions when carbon dioxide enters a red blood cell.
Process
To which organ is urea carried, and what happens to it there?
Evaluation
What is the piliferous layer?
Key term
Name the two cell types that make up the conducting part of phloem tissue.
Key term
Why does a large, active animal need a transport system when a small flatworm does not?
Key term
Name the two circuits of the mammalian circulation and state what each connects.
Evaluation
Why is a double circulation an advantage to a mammal?
Key term
How many oxygen molecules can one haemoglobin molecule carry, and what is the product called?
Key term
Which blood vessel carries absorbed nutrients from the gut to the liver?
Key term
What is tissue fluid?
Key term
How is tissue fluid formed at the arterial end of a capillary?
Key term
Describe the symplast pathway.
Key term
Describe the Casparian strip.
Key term
Why does moving air increase the rate of transpiration?
Key term
When a potometer is set up, why must the shoot be cut and the apparatus assembled under water?
Key term
Describe two features of a companion cell that can be seen with an electron microscope.
Key term
Why is diffusion rejected as an adequate explanation of transport in the phloem?
Key term
What type of circulatory system does an earthworm have?
Key term
Why is it important that the two sides of the mammalian heart are completely separated?
Key term
Which vessel returns deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart, and which chamber does it enter?
Numbers
A low-power plan of an artery measures 75 mm across and the actual artery is 3 mm in diameter. Calculate the magnification of the drawing.
Key term
What is meant by the loading and unloading of oxygen?
Key term
Name three substances other than respiratory gases that are transported in the plasma.
Key term
Name the main nitrogenous excretory product carried in the plasma and state where it is made.
Key term
Why does the hydrostatic pressure fall along the length of a capillary?
Key term
Working from the outside inwards, name the tissues you would see in a transverse section of a young dicotyledon root.
Key term
State two observations that provide evidence for root pressure
Key term
Name the two types of water-conducting cell found in xylem tissue.
Key term
Give two things you would do when setting up a potometer to make sure the readings are valid.
Key term
What is meant by a source and a sink in translocation?
Key term
How have aphids been used to study phloem transport?
Take Adaptations for Transport further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Xylem vs Phloem
Xylem: vascular tissue carrying water and mineral ions. Phloem: vascular tissue translocating organic assimilates.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Why does a large, active animal need a transport system when a small flatworm does not?
Model answer
A large animal has a small surface area to volume ratio and long diffusion distances, so diffusion alone cannot supply its cells with oxygen and nutrients fast enough to meet its metabolic demand.
- 2
Distinguish between an open and a closed circulatory system.
Model answer
In a closed system the blood stays inside vessels throughout the circuit, whereas in an open system the blood is pumped into a body cavity where it bathes the organs directly.
- 3
What type of circulatory system does an earthworm have?
Model answer
An earthworm has a closed circulatory system in which blood is pumped through vessels under pressure.
- 4
Name the two main longitudinal blood vessels of the earthworm and give the direction of flow in each.
Model answer
Blood flows forwards towards the head in the dorsal vessel and backwards towards the tail in the ventral vessel.
- 5
What pumps blood from the dorsal vessel into the ventral vessel of an earthworm?
Model answer
Five pairs of muscular pseudohearts, also called aortic arches, contract to drive blood from the dorsal vessel into the ventral vessel.
- 6
How is oxygen carried in the blood of an earthworm?
Model answer
It is carried by haemoglobin that is dissolved directly in the plasma rather than being packaged inside cells.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Adaptations for Transport revision questions
- Is Adaptations for Transport examined at AS in WJEC Biology?
- Yes. It sits in AS Unit 2, which you take in the first year, so it is on the AS paper as well as counting towards the full A level.
- What does Adaptations for Transport cover in WJEC AS-Level Biology?
- 14 subtopics: vascular systems across animal groups: earthworm and insect, vascular systems across animal groups: fish and mammal, the mammalian heart and circulation: blood vessels and cardiac cycle, the mammalian heart and circulation: sino-atrial node, purkyne fibres and electrocardiograms, blood and the transport of respiratory gases: erythrocytes, plasma and dissociation curves, blood and the transport of respiratory gases: bohr effect and chloride shift, transport of nutrients, hormones, excretory products and heat, tissue fluid, lymph and oedema, water uptake and movement through the root: dicotyledon root structure and apoplast, water uptake and movement through the root: symplast, vacuolar pathways and endodermis, xylem, the transpiration stream and plant water adaptations: cohesion-tension theory, xylem, the transpiration stream and plant water adaptations: hydrophytes and xerophytes, phloem structure and translocation from source to sink: mass flow models and phloem structure and translocation from source to sink: experimental evidence. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Adaptations for Transport organised?
- By the WJEC 601-5290-0 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Adaptations for Transport, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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