Topics 7 & 8: Transport in plants & mammals (CIE A-level Biology)

This bundle contains 11 fully-resourced lessons which will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the following specification points in topics 7 and 8 of the CIE A-level Biology specification:

TOPIC 7

• The structure of xylem vessel elements, phloem sieve tube elements and companion cells
• The relationship between the structure and function of xylem vessel elements, phloem sieve tube elements and companion cells
• Explain how hydrogen bonding of water molecules is involved with the movement in the xylem by cohesion-tension in transpiration pull and adhesion to cell walls
• The pathways and mechanisms by which water and mineral ions are transported from the soil to the xylem and from roots to leaves
• Assimilates move between sources and sinks between phloem sieve tubes
• The mechanism by which sucrose is loaded into the phloem
• The mass flow of phloem sap down a hydrostatic pressure gradient

TOPIC 8

• The double, closed circulatory system of a mammal
• The relationship between the structure and function of arteries, veins and capillaries
• The role of haemoglobin in carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide
• The significance of the oxygen dissociation curve of adult haemoglobin at different carbon dioxide concentrations
• The external and internal structure of the heart
• The cardiac cycle
• The role of the SAN, AVN and Purkyne tissue in the initiation and conduction of the heart action

The lesson PowerPoints and accompanying resources contain a wide range of tasks which include exam-style questions with mark schemes, discussion points and quiz competitions that will check on current understanding as well as making links to previously covered topics.