OCR Gateway GCSE Biology revision notes
Learn the biology clearly, connect each process, and build towards harder exam-style questions.
Cell biology
3 topic guides
Cell structure and microscopy
Compare cells and use magnification calculations accurately.
Cell division and stem cells
Understand mitosis, growth and the potential uses of stem cells.
Transport in cells
Use diffusion, osmosis and active transport in unfamiliar contexts.
Organisation
3 topic guides
Digestive system and enzymes
Explain digestion and interpret enzyme experiments.
Heart, blood and circulation
Follow blood flow and explain adaptations of vessels and blood cells.
Plant tissues and transport
Explain movement through xylem and phloem and factors affecting transpiration.
Infection and response
3 topic guides
Pathogens and disease
Compare pathogen types and describe how diseases spread.
Human defence systems
Explain barriers, immune responses and antibody specificity.
Vaccination, drugs and development
Explain vaccination and evaluate how new medicines are tested.
Bioenergetics
3 topic guides
Photosynthesis
Use the photosynthesis equation and interpret limiting-factor graphs.
Respiration
Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration and explain energy demand.
Exercise and metabolism
Explain responses to exercise and how metabolism supports the body.
Homeostasis and response
3 topic guides
Nervous system and reflexes
Trace reflex pathways and explain fast responses.
Hormones and blood glucose
Explain endocrine control and negative feedback.
Reproduction and fertility
Use reproductive hormones to explain cycles and fertility treatments.
Inheritance, variation and evolution
3 topic guides
DNA, genes and inheritance
Use genetic terminology and interpret simple crosses.
Variation and evolution
Explain natural selection using variation, competition and reproduction.
Classification and genetic engineering
Organise living things and describe genetic engineering steps.
Ecology
3 topic guides
Communities and ecosystems
Explain interdependence and responses to environmental change.
Sampling and biodiversity
Use quadrats and transects and evaluate sampling methods.
Cycles, food security and climate
Follow material cycles and evaluate human impacts on ecosystems.
Understand the process, connect each step, then attempt the harder question.