GCE A/L Bio Systems Technology study guide
GCE A/L Bio Systems Technology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Bio Systems Technology is an Advanced Level subject in Sri Lanka's technology stream, taken alongside Engineering Technology and Science for Technology. It suits candidates who want to work in laboratories, diagnostics, agriculture, food processing, fermentation, or quality assurance, and it also opens degree pathways in biotechnology, microbiology, food science and agriculture. The GCE A/L Bio Systems Technology study guide has 13 sections and about 3,746 words.
01Introduction to Bio Systems Technology and Laboratory Safety
Bio Systems Technology combines biological science with engineered systems, measurement, and quality control. The introductory domain tests whether you can work safely and reproducibly: hazard assessment, containment, sterilization, waste routes, and documentation.
328 words, about 2 min02Cell Biology
Cell Biology tests structure-function relationships from membranes to organelles, the cell cycle, and differences between cell types. The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins; small nonpolar molecules diffuse, while ions and polar solutes need channels or carriers.
320 words, about 2 min03Microscopy and Biological Techniques
Microscopy and Biological Techniques tests whether you can choose an instrument, prepare a specimen, and interpret an image quantitatively. Magnification enlarges; resolution separates two points.
278 words, about 1 min04Microbiology and Applied Microbiology
Microbiology and Applied Microbiology tests cultivation, control, enumeration, and identification of microorganisms, plus their industrial and environmental uses. Media may be selective, differential, or both.
288 words, about 1 min05Plant and Animal Tissue Culture and Propagation
Plant and Animal Tissue Culture and Propagation tests aseptic establishment, culture media, growth regulators, regeneration, and scale-up of plant and animal cells. Plant micropropagation starts with an explant, surface sterilization, and culture on a nutrient medium such as MS salts with sucrose, vitamins, and growth regulators.
280 words, about 1 min06Biochemistry
Biochemistry tests the structure and function of biological molecules, acid-base behavior, bioenergetics, and quantitative assays. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are built by condensation and broken by hydrolysis.
284 words, about 1 min07Enzymes and Fermentation Technology
Enzymes and Fermentation Technology tests kinetic control of biocatalysts and the design, operation, and yield of fermentation processes. Enzymes lower activation energy and are not consumed.
276 words, about 1 min08Genetics
Genetics tests inheritance, linkage, mutation, gene interaction, and population-level change. Mendel's laws apply to nuclear genes: segregation of alleles and independent assortment of unlinked genes.
254 words, about 1 min09Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering
Recombinant DNA and Genetic Engineering tests cloning design, vector choice, transformation, selection, screening, and regulated editing. Restriction endonucleases cut specific palindromic sequences, often leaving sticky ends.
295 words, about 1 min10Immunology and Immunotechnology
Immunology and Immunotechnology tests innate and adaptive immunity, antibody structure, antigen recognition, and diagnostic applications. Innate immunity is rapid and nonspecific; adaptive immunity is slower, antigen-specific, and retains memory.
283 words, about 1 min11Agricultural and Food Biotechnology
Agricultural and Food Biotechnology tests the application of biology to crop improvement, animal production, food fermentation, preservation, and food safety. Plant breeding combines selection, hybridization, mutation, and marker-assisted selection.
279 words, about 1 min12Environmental and Industrial Bio Systems Technology
Environmental and Industrial Bio Systems Technology tests biological treatment, bioremediation, bioprocessing, and the measurement of environmental load. BOD measures oxygen consumed by microorganisms degrading organic matter; COD measures oxygen demand from chemical oxidation and is usually higher.
290 words, about 1 min13Bioethics, Biosafety and Quality Assurance
Bioethics, Biosafety and Quality Assurance tests responsible conduct, containment, animal and human subject protection, and documented quality systems. Ethical review requires informed consent, confidentiality, harm minimization, and independent approval.
291 words, about 1 min