Topic 5: Energy transfers in and between organisms (AQA A-level Biology)

Normally the first topic to be taught in the second year of the AQA A-level Biology course, topic 5 contains some very important biological processes which include photosynthesis, respiration and energy transfer between organisms. All 17 lessons included in this bundle are highly detailed and have been planned at length to ensure that students remain motivated and engaged whilst being constantly challenged on their current understanding. Links to previously-covered topics are also made throughout the lessons.

The following specification points are covered in these lessons:

TOPIC 5.1

• The light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis
• The use of reduced NADP and ATP from the light-dependent reaction in the light-independent reaction
• The light-independent reaction of photosynthesis
• Environmental factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis

TOPIC 5.2

• Respiration produces ATP
• Glycolysis as the first stage of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
• The conversion of pyruvate to lactate or ethanol in the anaerobic pathways
• The link reaction and the Krebs cycle
• Synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation
• Other respiratory substrates

TOPIC 5.3

• Gross primary production and net primary production
• The net production of consumers
• Farming practices designed to increase the efficiency of energy transfer

TOPIC 5.4

• The role of microorganisms in the nitrogen cycle
• The phosphorus cycle, including the role of saprobionts and mycorrrhizae
• The use of artificial and natural fertilisers
• The environmental issues arising from the use of fertilisers including leaching and eutrophication.

If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons in this bundle, then download the chloroplast structure, anaerobic respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, GPP and phosphorus cycle lessons as these have been uploaded for free