Module 5.2: Photosynthesis & Respiration (OCR A-level Biology A)

Photosynthesis and respiration are two of the most commonly-assessed topics in the terminal A-level exams but are often poorly understood by students. These 16 lessons have been intricately planned to contain a wide range of activities that will engage and motivate the students whilst covering the key detail to try to deepen their understanding and includes exam-style questions so they are prepared for these assessments.

The following specification points in modules 5.2.1 and 5.2.2 of the OCR A-level Biology A course are covered by these lessons:

• The structure of a chloroplast and the sites of the two main stages of photosynthesis
• The importance of the photosynthetic pigments
• Using thin-layer chromatography to separate photosynthetic pigments
• The light-dependent stage of photosynthesis
• The fixation of carbon dioxide and the light-independent stage of photosynthesis
• The uses of triose phosphate
• Factors affecting photosynthesis
• The need for cellular respiration
• The structure of the mitochondrion
• The process and site of glycolysis
• The link reaction and its site in the cell
• The process and site of the Krebs cycle
• The importance of coenzymes in cellular respiration
• The process and site of oxidative phosphorylation
• The chemiosmostic theory
• The process of anaerobic respiration in eukaryotes
• The relative energy values of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins as respiratory substrates
• The use of the respiratory quotient

Due to the detail of these lessons, it is estimated that it will take in excess of 2 months of A-level lessons to cover this module

If you would like to sample the quality of the lessons, download the uses of triose phosphate, link reaction and respiratory substrates lessons as these have been shared for free