The function of the kidney, kidney failure and the formation of urea (Edexcel GCSE Biology)

This detailed resource has been designed to cover the content of points 7.19, 7.20, 7.21 and 7.22 (The structure and function of the nephron of the kidney, kidney failure and the production of urea) as set out in topic 7 of the Edexcel GCSE Biology specification. This resource contains an engaging and detailed PowerPoint (66 slides) and accompanying worksheets, which have been differentiated so that students of different abilities can access the work. The detail of the content and this resource means that it is likely to take at least 2 lessons to go through the tasks.

The resource is filled with a wide range of activities, each of which has been designed to engage and motivate the students whilst ensuring that the key Biological content is covered in good detail. Understanding checks are included throughout so that the students can assess their grasp of the content. In addition, prior knowledge checks make links to content from earlier topics such as homeostasis, osmosis and diabetes.

The following content is covered in this lesson:

• The formation of urea by the break down of excess amino acids in the liver
• Filtration of the blood in the glomerulus and the Bowman’s capsule
• The selective reabsorption of glucose
• The reabsorption of water
• The effect of ADH on the permeability of the collecting duct and the production of concentrated urine
• Treatment of kidney failure by dialysis or organ transplant

As stated at the top, this lesson has been designed for GCSE-aged students who are studying the Edexcel GCSE Biology course, but it can be used with A-level students who need to go back over the key points before looking at the function of the nephron in more detail