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A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.

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A Science teacher by trade, I've also been known to be found teaching Maths and PE! However, strange as it may seem, my real love is designing resources that can be used by other teachers to maximise the experience of the students. I am constantly thinking of new ways to engage a student with a topic and try to implement that in the design of the lessons.
Topics 5.1 & 5.2: Respiration & photosynthesis (AQA A-level Biology)
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Topics 5.1 & 5.2: Respiration & photosynthesis (AQA A-level Biology)

11 Resources
Respiration and photosynthesis are two of the most commonly-assessed topics in the terminal A-level exams but can be the least well understood by students. These 11 lessons have been intricately planned to contain a wide range of activities that will engage the students whilst covering the key detail to try to deepen their understanding and include exam-style questions so they are prepared for these assessments. The following specification points in topics 5.1 and 5.2 of the AQA A-level Biology course are covered by these lessons: The photoionisation of chlorophyll The production of ATP and reduced NADP through the transfer of electrons and pumping of protons across the thylakoid membrane Photolysis of water to produce protons, electrons and oxygen The use of the products of the light-dependent reaction in the Calvin cycle Carbon fixation involving RUBISCO The reduction of GP to TP The regeneration of RuBP from TP The conversion of TP to organic substances The environmental factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis Respiration produces ATP Glycolysis as the first stage of aerobic and anaerobic respiration The conversion of pyruvate to ethanol or lactate using reduced NAD The key details of the Link reaction, Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation The metabolic pathways of other respiratory substrates Due to the detail of these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of a month of A-level lessons to cover these specification points If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons, download the chloroplast structure, anaerobic respiration and oxidative phosphorylation lessons as these have been shared for free
Light-independent reaction (AQA A-level Biology)
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Light-independent reaction (AQA A-level Biology)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the light independent reaction of photosynthesis and explains how reduced NADP is used to form a simple sugar. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the second part of point 5.1 of the AQA A-level Biology specification and lengthy planning has ensured that links are continually made to the previous lesson on the light-dependent reaction so that students can understand how the products of that stage are essential for the Calvin cycle The lesson begins with an existing knowledge check where the students are challenged to recall the names of structures, substances and reactions from the light-dependent stage in order to reveal the abbreviations of the main 3 substances in the light-independent stage. This immediately introduces RuBP, GP and TP and students are then shown how these substances fit into the cycle. The main section of the lesson focuses on the three phases of the Calvin cycle and time is taken to explore the key details of each phase and includes: The role of RuBisCO in carbon fixation The role of the products of the light-dependent stage, ATP and reduced NADP, in the reduction of GP to TP The use of the majority of the TP in the regeneration of RuBP A step-by-step guide, with selected questions for the class to consider together, is used to show how 6 turns of the cycle are needed to form the TP that will then be used to synthesise 1 molecule of glucose. A series of exam-style questions are included at appropriate points of the lesson and this will introduce limiting factors as well as testing their ability to answer questions about this stage when presented with an unfamiliar scientific investigation. The mark schemes are included in the PowerPoint so students can assess their understanding and any misconceptions are immediately addressed. This lesson has been specifically written to tie in with the previous lessons on the structure of a chloroplast and the light-dependent stage as well as upcoming lesson on limiting factors
Light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis (AQA A-level Biology)
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Light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis (AQA A-level Biology)

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This detailed lesson describes the light-dependent reaction of photosynthesis and focuses on the transfer of electrons and proton pumping. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover the first part of point 5.1 of the AQA A-level Biology specification and has been planned to link with the previous lesson on the structure of the chloroplast and to prepare the students for the next lesson on the light-independent reaction. The light-dependent reaction is a topic which students tend to find difficult so this lesson has been planned to walk them through all of the key details. Time is taken to describe the roles of the major protein complexes that are embedded in the thylakoid membrane and this includes the two photosystems, the cytochrome proton pump and ATP synthase. A series of exam-style questions have been written that link to other biological topics in this course such as cell structure and membrane transport as well as application questions to challenge them to apply their understanding. Some of these resources have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and to be pushed at the same time. Students will learn that there are two pathways that the electron can take from PSI and at the completion of the two tasks which describe each of these pathways, they will understand how ATP is generated in non-cyclic and cyclic fashion. The final task of the lesson asks them to compare these two forms of photophosphorylation to check that they understand when photolysis is involved and reduced NADP is formed. Due to the detail included in this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2.5 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to complete.
Chloroplast structure (AQA A-level Biology)
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Chloroplast structure (AQA A-level Biology)

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This engaging and fully-resourced lesson describes the relationship between the structure of the chloroplast and its role as the site of photosynthesis. The PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to prepare the students for topic 5.1 (Photosynthesis) of the AQA A-level Biology course Students were introduced to the cell structures in eukaryotic cells in topic 2.1 so this lesson has been written to build on that knowledge. A version of the quiz show POINTLESS runs throughout the lesson and this maintains engagement whilst challenging the students to recall the parts of the chloroplast based on a description which is related to their function. The following structures are covered in this lesson: double membrane thylakoids (grana) stroma intergranal lamellae starch grains chloroplast DNA and ribosomes Once each structure has been recalled, a range of activities are used to ensure that key details are understood such as the role of the thylakoid membranes in the light-dependent reactions and the importance of ATP and reduced NADP for the reduction of GP to TP in the Calvin cycle. This lesson has been specifically written to prepare students for the upcoming lessons on the light-dependent and light-independent reactions
ATP as the energy currency (Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A)
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ATP as the energy currency (Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A)

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This lesson describes how the hydrolysis of ATP supplies energy for biological processes and how the phosphorylation of ADP requires energy. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover point 5.6 of the Pearson Edexcel A-level Biology A specification and also describes how ATP is made in the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis and is needed in the light-independent stage. The start of the lesson focuses on the structure of this energy currency and challenges the students to use their knowledge of nucleotides and specifically RNA nucleotides to recognise the components of ATP. As a result, they will learn that this molecule consists of adenine, ribose and three phosphate groups. In order to release the stored energy, ATP must be broken down and students will be given time to discuss which reaction will be involved as well as the products of this reaction. Time is taken to describe how the hydrolysis of ATP can be coupled to energy-requiring reactions within cells and the examples of skeletal muscle contraction are used as this is covered in greater detail in topic 7. The final part of the lesson considers how ATP is formed when ADP is phosphorylated and students will learn that this occurs in the mitochondria and chloroplast during aerobic respiration and photosynthesis respectively, so that it ties in with the upcoming lessons in topic 5 and 7.
Topic 5: Energy for biological processes (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Topic 5: Energy for biological processes (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

10 Resources
Respiration and photosynthesis are two of the most important biological processes, which can be poorly understood by students but unsurprisingly are commonly assessed in the terminal exams. These 8 lessons have been intricately planned so that they contain a wide range of activities that will engage the students whilst covering the key detail to try to deepen their understanding and include exam-style questions so they are prepared for the assessments. The following specification points in topic 5 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B course are covered by these 9 fully-resourced lessons: Cellular respiration yields ATP The different stages of aerobic respiration The conversion of glucose to pyruvate during glycolysis The mitochondrial matrix as the site of the Link reaction and Krebs cycle The production of carbon dioxide, reduced NAD and ATP in the Krebs cycle Oxidative phosphorylation The yield of ATP from anaerobic respiration The production of lactate in mammalian muscles Ethanol formation in plants The structure of the chloroplasts The role of thylakoid membranes in the light-dependent stage The process of cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation The use of reduced NADP and ATP in the Calvin cycle Understand how GALP is used as a raw material in the production of monosaccharides, amino acids and other molecules Factors that limit photosynthesis including carbon dioxide, light intensity and temperature Due to the detail of these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of a month of A-level lessons to cover these lessons If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons, download the link reaction, Krebs cycle and light-independent stage lessons as these have been shared for free
Light-dependent stage (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Light-dependent stage (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the light-dependent stage, including the production of ATP by cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover specification points 5.7 (ii) & (iii) of the Edexcel A-level Biology course and has been planned to link with the previous lesson on the structure of the chloroplast and to prepare for the next lesson on the light-independent stage. This is a topic which students tend to find difficult so this lesson has been intricately planned to walk them through each of the key steps of the light-dependent stage. Time is taken to describe the roles of the major protein complexes that are embedded in the thylakoid membrane and this includes the two photosystems, the proton pump and ATP synthase. A series of exam-style questions have been written that link to other biological topics in this course such as cell structure and membrane transport as well as application questions to challenge them to apply their understanding. Some of these resources have been differentiated to allow students of differing abilities to access the work and to be pushed at the same time. Students will learn that there are two pathways that the electron can take from PSI and at the completion of the two tasks which describe each of these pathways, they will understand how ATP is generated in non-cyclic and cyclic fashion. The final task of the lesson asks them to compare these two forms of photophosphorylation to check that they understand when photolysis is involved and reduced NADP is formed. Due to the detail included in this lesson, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2.5 hours of allocated A-level teaching time to complete.
Structure of chloroplasts (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Structure of chloroplasts (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the relationship between the structure of the chloroplast and its role as the site of photosynthesis. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover specification point 5.7 (i) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B course. Students were introduced to the ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells in topic 2 so this lesson has been written to build on that knowledge. A version of the quiz show POINTLESS runs throughout the lesson and this maintains engagement whilst challenging the students to recall the parts of the chloroplast based on a description which is related to their function. The following structures are covered in this lesson: double membrane thylakoids (grana) stroma intergranal lamellae starch grains chloroplast DNA and ribosomes Once each structure has been recalled, a range of activities are used to ensure that key details are understood such as the role of the thylakoid membranes in the light-dependent stage and the importance of ATP and reduced NADP for the Calvin cycle. This lesson has been specifically written to prepare students for the upcoming lessons on the light-dependent stage and light-independent stage
Light-independent stage (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Light-independent stage (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the reactions of the light independent stage of photosynthesis that takes place in the chloroplast stroma. The detailed PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover points 5.7 (iv, v & vi) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and lengthy planning has ensured that links are continually made to the previous lesson on the light-dependent stage so that students can understand how the products of that stage are essential for the Calvin cycle The lesson begins with an existing knowledge check where the students are challenged to recall the names of structures, substances and reactions from the light-dependent stage in order to reveal the abbreviations of the main 3 substances in the light-independent stage. This immediately introduces RuBP, GP and GALP and students are then shown how these substances fit into the cycle. The main section of the lesson focuses on the three phases of the Calvin cycle and time is taken to explore the key details of each phase and includes: The role of RuBisCO in carbon fixation The role of the products of the light-dependent stage, ATP and reduced NADP, in the reduction of GP to GALP The use of the majority of the GALP in the regeneration of RuBP A step-by-step guide, with selected questions for the class to consider together, is used to show how 6 turns of the cycle are needed to form the GALP that will then be used to synthesise 1 molecule of glucose. A series of exam-style questions are included at appropriate points of the lesson and this will introduce limiting factors as well as testing their ability to answer questions about this stage when presented with an unfamiliar scientific investigation. The mark schemes are included in the PowerPoint so students can assess their understanding and any misconceptions are immediately addressed. This lesson has been specifically written to tie in with the previous lessons on the structure of a chloroplast and the light-dependent stage as well as upcoming lessons on the synthesis of organic molecules from GALP and limiting factors
Anaerobic respiration (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Anaerobic respiration (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes how respiration in the absence of oxygen produces a limited yield of ATP and results in lactate or ethanol formation. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying differentiated resources have been designed to cover all of the specification points under point 5.5 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and explains how pyruvate must be converted to lactate or ethanol using the hydrogen atoms released from reduced NAD to reoxidise this coenzyme to allow glycolysis to continue. The lesson begins with a focus on the coenzyme, NAD, and students are challenged to recall details of its role in the oxidation of glycerate-3-phosphate. Students will recall that oxidative phosphorylation in aerobic respiration allows these coenzymes to be reoxidised and therefore recognise that another metabolic pathway has to operate when there is no oxygen available. Time is taken to go through the details of the lactate and ethanol fermentation pathways and students are encouraged to discuss the conversions before applying their knowledge to complete diagrams and passages about the pathways. Understanding checks in a range of forms are used to enable the students to assess their progress whilst prior knowledge checks allow them to recognise the links to earlier topics. This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on glycolysis and the stages of aerobic respiration as detailed in points 5.1 - 5.5.
Oxidative phosphorylation (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Oxidative phosphorylation (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This clear and detailed lesson describes how ATP is formed by chemiosmosis during the process of oxidative phosphorylation. The PowerPoint has been designed to cover all of the specification points under point 5.4 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and includes details of the electron transport chain, proton gradients and ATP synthase including the roles of the electron carriers, the mitochondrial membranes and oxygen. The lesson begins with a discussion about the starting point of the reaction. In the previous stages, the starting molecule was the final product of the last stage but in this stage, it is the reduced coenzymes which release their hydrogen atoms. Moving forwards, the process of oxidative phosphorylation is covered in 7 detailed steps and at each point, key facts are discussed and explored in further detail to enable a deep understanding to be developed. Students will see how the proton gradient across the inner membrane is created and that the flow of protons down the channel associated with ATP synthase results in a conformational change and the addition of phosphate groups to ADP by oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding checks are included throughout the lesson to enable the students to assess their progress and prior knowledge checks allow them to recognise the clear links to other topics and modules. This lesson has been written to tie in with the other uploaded lessons on the previous stages of aerobic respiration - glycolysis, the Link reaction and the Krebs cycle.
Link reaction & Krebs cycle (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Link reaction & Krebs cycle (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This detailed lesson describes how the Link reaction and the Krebs cycle, that take place in the matrix, result in the complete oxidation of pyruvate. The PowerPoint and the accompanying resource have been designed to cover points 5.3 (i) & (ii) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and describes how these reactions result in carbon dioxide, reduced NAD (and FAD) and ATP The lesson begins with a challenge, where the students have to recall the details of glycolysis in order to form the word matrix. This introduces the key point that these two stages occur in this part of the mitochondria and time is taken to explain why the reactions occur in the matrix as opposed to the cytoplasm like glycolysis. Moving forwards, the Link reaction is covered in 5 detailed bullet points and students have to add the key information to these points using their prior knowledge as well as knowledge provided in terms of NAD. The students will recognise that this reaction occurs twice per molecule of glucose and a quick quiz competition is used to test their understanding of the numbers of the different products of this stage. This is just one of the range of methods that are used to check understanding and all answers are explained to allow students to assess their progress. The rest of the lesson focuses on the Krebs cycle. In line with the detail of the specification, students will understand how decarboxylation and dehydrogenation reactions result in the regeneration of the oxaloacetate It is estimated that it will take about 2 hours of A-level teaching time to cover the detail of the lesson and therefore the detail of the specification point 5.3
Glycolysis (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Glycolysis (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This fully-resourced lesson describes the conversion of glucose to pyruvate during glycolysis in the cytoplasm and produces ATP and reduced NAD. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying differentiated resources have been designed to cover point 5.1 (i) as detailed in the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and includes the phosphorylation of glucose, the breakdown to glycerate-3-phosphate and the subsequent oxidation to produce ATP and the reduced coenzyme. The lesson begins with the introduction of the name of the stage and then explains how the phosphorylation of the monosaccharides, the breakdown into GP and the production of the ATP, reduced coenzymes and pyruvate are the stages that need to be known for this specification. Time is taken to go through each of these stages and key points such as the use of ATP in phosphorylation are explained so that students can understand how this affects the net yield. A quick quiz competition is used to introduce NAD and the students will learn that the reduction of this coenzyme, which is followed by the transport of the protons and electrons to the cristae for the electron transport chain is critical for the overall production of ATP. Understanding checks, in a range of forms, are included throughout the lesson so that students can assess their progress and any misconceptions are immediately addressed.
Aerobic respiration (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Aerobic respiration (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This detailed lesson describes each of the 4 stages of aerobic respiration and explains how this cellular reaction yields ATP and generates heat. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover points 5.1 (i) and (ii) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specificaiton and acts as a clear introduction for the upcoming lessons where the finer details of glycolysis, the Link reaction and Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation are described The lesson begins with an introduction to glycolysis and students will learn how this first stage of aerobic respiration is also the first stage when oxygen is not present. This stage involves 10 reactions and an opportunity is taken to explain how each of these reactions is catalysed by a different, specific intracellular enzyme. A version of “GUESS WHO” challenges students to use a series of structural clues to whittle the 6 organelles down to just the mitochondrion so that they can learn how the other three stages take place inside this organelle. Moving forwards, the key components of the organelle are identified on a diagram. Students are introduced to the stages of respiration so that they can make a link to the parts of the cell and the mitochondria where each stage occurs. Students will learn that the presence of decarboxylase and dehydrogenase enzymes in the matrix along with coenzymes and oxaloacetate allows the link reaction and the Krebs cycle to run and that these stages produce the waste product of carbon dioxide. Finally, time is taken to introduce the electron transport chain and the enzyme, ATP synthase, so that students can begin to understand how the flow of protons across the inner membrane results in the production of ATP and the the formation of water when oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor.
Topic 1: Biological molecules (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Topic 1: Biological molecules (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

18 Resources
The biological molecules topic is incredibly important, not just because it is found at the start of the course, but also because of its detailed content which must be well understood to promote success with the other 9 Edexcel A-level Biology B topics. Many hours of intricate planning has gone into the design of all of the 18 lessons that are included in this bundle to ensure that the content is covered in detail, understanding is constantly checked and misconceptions addressed and that engagement is high. This is achieved through the wide variety of tasks in the PowerPoints and accompanying worksheets which include exam-style questions with clear answers, discussion points, differentiated tasks and quick quiz competitions. The following specification points are covered by the lessons within this bundle: The differences between monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides The structure of glucose and ribose The formation of disaccharides and polysaccharides from monosaccharides The structure of starch, glycogen and cellulose The synthesis of a triglyceride The differences between saturated and unsaturated lipids The relationship between the structure of lipids and their roles The structure and properties of phospholipids The structure of an amino acid The formation of polypeptides and proteins The role of ionic, hydrogen and disulphide bonding in proteins The levels of protein structure The structure of collagen and haemoglobin The structure of DNA The semi-conservative replication of DNA A gene is a sequence of bases on DNA that codes for an amino acid sequence The structure of mRNA The structure of tRNA The process of transcription The process of translation Base deletions, insertions and substitutions as gene mutations The effect of point mutations on amino acid sequences The structure of enzymes as globular proteins The concept of specificity and the induced-fit hypothesis Enzymes are catalysts that reduce activation energy Understand how temperature affects enzyme activity Enzymes catalyse a wide range of intracellular reactions as well as extracellular ones The importance of water for living organisms Due to the detail included in these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 months of allocated A-level teaching time to complete. If you would like to see the quality of the lessons then download the monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides, glucose and ribose, triglycerides, structure of DNA and transcription lessons as these have been uploaded for free.
Topic 1.4: DNA and protein synthesis (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Topic 1.4: DNA and protein synthesis (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

6 Resources
This bundle of 6 fully-resourced lessons have been designed to cover the content as detailed in topic 1.4 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification. The specification points in this DNA and protein synthesis topic which are covered by the lessons are as follows: The structure of DNA The semi-conservative replication of DNA A gene is a sequence of bases on DNA that codes for an amino acid sequence The structure of mRNA The structure of tRNA The process of transcription The process of translation Base deletions, insertions and substitutions as gene mutations The effect of point mutations on amino acid sequences The engaging PowerPoint lessons and accompanying resources contain a wide range of activities and tasks that include exam-style questions with displayed mark schemes, quick quiz competitions, useful hints and discussion periods. If you would like to see the quality of the lessons then download the structure of DNA and transcription lessons as these have been uploaded for free.
The significance of water (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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The significance of water (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This detailed lesson describes the importance of the dipole nature of water and its numerous properties to living organisms. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resource have been designed to cover the details of specification point 1.7 of the Edexcel A-level Biology B course and the intricate planning ensures that each role is illustrated using a specific example. As the final lesson in the biological molecules topic, not only does this lesson cover the important content related to water but also acts as a revision tool as it checks on key topic 1 content such as condensation and hydrolysis reactions. A wide range of tasks are used to check on current understanding and prior knowledge and quick quiz competitions introduce key terms and values in a memorable way. The start of the lesson considers the structure of water molecules, focusing on the covalent and hydrogen bonds, and the dipole nature of this molecule. Time is taken to emphasise the importance of these bonds and this property for the numerous roles of water and then over the remainder of the lesson, the following properties are described and discussed and linked to real-life examples: high specific heat capacity polar solvent surface tension incompressibility maximum density at 4 degrees Celsius
Collagen & haemoglobin (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Collagen & haemoglobin (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This detailed lesson describes how the structure of collagen and haemoglobin are related to their function. The engaging PowerPoint and accompanying worksheet have been designed to cover specification point 1.3 (v) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B course and also introduces fibrous and globular proteins as a result. The first part of the lesson looks at the structure of haemoglobin, and describes how the presence of an iron-containing haem group on the outside of the 4 polypeptide chains explains its ability to form oxyhaemoglobin. Moving forwards, the importance of the solubility of this protein is considered and related to the direction that the hydrophobic R groups point. At this point of the lesson, the students are challenged to construct a comparison table which can be filled in as the lesson progresses and as they are given more details of collagen. The section of the lesson concerning collagen begins with the introduction of its function in the artery wall so that students can recognise how fibrous proteins have roles associated with mechanical strength. Time is taken to discuss their solubility as well as the presence of repetitive amino acid sequences. The remainder of the lesson considers four more proteins and the final task challenges the students to use their completed table to write a summary passage comparing globular and fibrous proteins.
Formation of polypeptides & protein structures (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Formation of polypeptides & protein structures (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This lesson describes the formation of dipeptides & polypeptides and the different levels of protein structure. Both the engaging PowerPoint and accompanying resources have been designed to cover specification points 1.3 (ii), (iii) & (iv) of the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and also makes continual links to previous lessons such as amino acids as well as to upcoming lessons like antibodies and enzymes so students can understand where proteins are involved. The start of the lesson focuses on the formation of a peptide bond during a condensation reaction so that students can understand how a dipeptide is formed and therefore how a polypeptide forms when multiple reactions occur. The main part of the lesson describes the different levels of protein structure. A step by step guide is used to demonstrate how the sequences of bases in a gene acts as a template to form a sequence of codons on a mRNA strand and how this is translated into a particular sequence of amino acids known as the primary structure. The students are then challenged to apply their understanding of this process by using three more gene sequences to work out three primary structures and recognise how different genes lead to different sequences. Moving forwards, students will learn how the order of amino acids in the primary structure determines the shape of the protein molecule, through its secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure and time is taken to consider the details of each of these. There is a particular focus on the different bonds that hold the 3D shape firmly in place and a quick quiz round then introduces the importance of this shape as exemplified by enzymes, antibodies and hormones. Students will see the differences between globular and fibrous protein and again biological examples are used to increase relevance. The lesson concludes with one final quiz round called STRUC by NUMBERS where the students have to use their understanding of the protein structures to calculate a numerical answer.
Structure of an amino acid (Edexcel A-level Biology B)
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Structure of an amino acid (Edexcel A-level Biology B)

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This engaging lesson acts as an introduction to topic 1.3 (proteins) by introducing the general structure of an amino acid. The PowerPoint lesson has been designed to cover point 1.3 (i) as detailed in the Edexcel A-level Biology B specification and provides a clear introduction to the following lesson on the formation of polypeptides, protein structures and globular and fibrous proteins. The lesson begins with a prior knowledge check, where the students have to use the 1st letters of 4 answers to uncover a key term. This 4-letter key term is gene and the lesson begins with this word because it is important for students to understand that these sequences of bases on DNA determine the specific sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide. Moving forwards, students are given discussion time to work out that there are 64 different DNA triplets and will learn that these encode for the 20 amino acids that are common to all organisms. The main task of the lesson is an observational one, where students are given time to study the displayed formula of 4 amino acids. They are not allowed to draw anything during this time but will be challenged with 3 multiple choice questions at the end. This task has been designed to allow the students to visualise how the 20 amino acids share common features in an amine and an acid group. A quick quiz round introduces the R group and time is taken to explain how the structure of this side chain is the only structural difference, before cysteine is considered in greater detail due to the presence of sulfur atoms. Students are briefly introduced to disulfide bridges so they will recognise how particular bonds form between the R groups in the tertiary structure which is covered in the next lesson. One more quiz round called LINK TO THE FUTURE is used to conclude the lesson and demonstrates the range of roles performed by amino acids in the latter part of the course including translation at the ribosomes.