GCE A/L Bio Systems Technology study plan

Draw and label a plant and an animal cell from memory, stating the function of each organelle and one structural difference between them

Calculate magnification, actual size and image size from given values, and convert correctly between mm, µm and nm

Compare light and electron microscopy (resolution, magnification, specimen preparation, artefacts) in a table you write yourself

Explain the induced-fit and lock-and-key models of enzyme action and describe how temperature, pH, substrate concentration and a named inhibitor affect rate

Sketch and interpret a Michaelis-Menten curve and a Lineweaver-Burk plot, and determine Km and Vmax from supplied data

Describe the structure and metabolism of a named industrial microorganism used in fermentation, distinguishing aerobic and anaerobic pathways

Outline the stages of a batch fermentation curve (lag, log, stationary, death) and explain what limits each phase

Compare batch, fed-batch and continuous culture, giving one industrial example of each

Describe sterilisation of media and equipment by autoclaving, including the parameters and why they are used

Explain how pH, temperature, aeration and agitation are monitored and controlled in a fermenter

Classify microorganisms by growth requirements and describe selective and differential media with one named example of each

Explain the bacterial growth curve and calculate generation time from given cell counts

Describe the Gram stain procedure step by step and explain the biochemical basis of the result

Explain how a named fermented food (e.g. yoghurt, tempeh or sauerkraut) is produced, including the starter culture and the biochemical changes

Outline how a named food-borne pathogen is controlled in a production line, linking to a hazard analysis approach

Describe the structure of DNA and RNA and explain semi-conservative replication, transcription and translation in sequence

Solve genetics problems using monohybrid and dihybrid crosses, including test crosses and linkage

Describe the tools of recombinant DNA technology: restriction enzymes, ligase, vectors, transformation and selection

Explain PCR, gel electrophoresis and DNA sequencing, and state what each is used for

Discuss one named application of genetic engineering in agriculture or medicine and its risks

Compare micropropagation, callus culture and somatic embryogenesis, and explain the role of each plant growth regulator

Describe the stages of an animal cell culture workflow, including aseptic technique, media and subculturing

Explain how somaclonal variation and contamination arise in tissue culture and how each is managed

Describe how a transgenic plant is produced from explant to field trial, naming the selection steps

Explain cryopreservation and a named germplasm conservation method

Describe innate and adaptive immunity and distinguish the roles of B cells, T cells, macrophages and antibodies

Explain the structure of an antibody and how monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridoma technology

Describe a named immunotechnique (ELISA, agglutination or immunochromatography) and interpret a positive and negative result

Explain the principles of wastewater treatment and one named bioremediation strategy

Describe how an industrial process can be made more sustainable, citing one example of waste valorisation

List the safety rules for a biotechnology laboratory and justify each with a specific hazard

Classify biological hazards by risk group and match each to an appropriate containment level

Explain the principles of quality assurance and quality control and distinguish them with examples

Describe how to write a standard operating procedure and a risk assessment for a named procedure

Discuss two ethical issues in genetic engineering or animal experimentation, presenting arguments on both sides

Answer a full-length timed mock paper under exam conditions and mark it against the mark scheme

Categorise every error by domain and by cause (knowledge gap, misreading, calculation, terminology)

Re-teach the three weakest sub-topics using your own notes and self-written questions

Practise structured written answers, allocating marks to points and using correct technical terminology

Review your formula sheet, diagrams and error log for final consolidation