AQA A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide (7402)
AQA · A-Level
AQA A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
A question-and-answer revision guide for AQA A-Level Biology, built to be worked in three passes rather than read.
- AQA
- A-Level
- Specification 7402
- 8 topics
The 3-step active recall method
Re-reading notes is a futile process when your aim is to remember the information and successfully apply it in exam settings. Active recall is the method you use to ensure the information sticks for a long period of time.
But even active recall can be futile unless you have a structured way of implementing it. This is where the 3-step active recall method comes in, a structured method that is signature to the Levo Learning guides.
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Step 1
Answer up to 10 questions cold, closed book, even if you are unsure on the topic.
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Step 2
Answer the same questions again, but open book. Write the correct answer down even if it seems pointless.
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Step 3
Repeat as step 1 and answer the questions closed book again.
Worked across the AQA A-Level Biology specification, one subtopic at a time.
The subject, and what is assessed
AQA A-Level Biology (specification 7402) is assessed by three written papers taken at the end of the two-year course, each lasting 2 hours.
Paper 1 covers topics 1 to 4 and Paper 2 covers topics 5 to 8, both carrying 91 marks.
Paper 3 carries 78 marks and can draw on any of the eight topics, with structured questions on practical techniques, a critical analysis of experimental data, and one essay from a choice of two.
Practical skills are assessed across all three papers and separately through the practical endorsement.
| Paper | Length | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 2 hours | 91 marks | 35% |
| Paper 2 | 2 hours | 91 marks | 35% |
| Paper 3 | 2 hours | 78 marks | 30% |
Memorisation, then application
Marks are given for applying content to the question that has been set, which cannot happen while the content is still being looked up. Step 1 shows what is actually held.
Step 2 puts the correct wording in front of you while the gap is still fresh. Step 3 repeats the cold test, and the difference between the first and third attempt is the part that has moved.
Every question in the guide is paired with its answer in the same document, so step 2 is done from the guide itself rather than from a separate set of notes.
What is inside the guide
Questions are grouped by topic and then by subtopic, following the AQA specification. Open a topic to see its subtopics.
Biological Molecules10 subtopics
Biological molecules is the first topic and is examined on Paper 1.
It covers the monomers and polymers everything else is built from, the four groups of molecule at the centre of biology, the enzymes that control every reaction, and the water and ions the whole system depends on.
- Monomers and polymers13
- Carbohydrates43
- Lipids24
- General properties of proteins33
- Many proteins are enzymes36
- Structure of DNA and RNA35
- DNA replication25
- ATP14
- Water17
- Inorganic ions16
Cells6 subtopics
Cells is the second topic and is examined on Paper 1.
It covers what a eukaryotic cell contains and how a prokaryote differs, the microscopy used to see any of it, how cells divide, how substances cross a membrane, and how the immune system tells self from non-self.
- Structure of eukaryotic cells39
- Structure of prokaryotic cells and of viruses19
- Methods of studying cells48
- All cells arise from other cells56
- Transport across cell membranes46
- Cell recognition and the immune system79
Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment5 subtopics
Organisms exchange substances with their environment is the third topic and is examined on Paper 1.
It covers why size forces an organism to develop exchange surfaces, gas exchange in insects, fish and mammals, digestion and absorption, and the mass transport systems of animals and plants.
- Surface area to volume ratio17
- Gas exchange60
- Digestion and absorption39
- Mass transport in animals82
- Mass transport in plants50
Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms7 subtopics
Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms is the fourth topic and is examined on Paper 1.
It covers how genetic information is stored and read, how mutation and meiosis create variation, how selection acts on that variation, and how species are classified and diversity measured.
- DNA, genes and chromosomes31
- DNA and protein synthesis31
- Genetic diversity can arise as a result of mutation or during meiosis28
- Genetic diversity and adaptation51
- Species and taxonomy29
- Biodiversity within a community17
- Investigating diversity20
Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms (A-Level Only)4 subtopics
- Photosynthesis (A-level only)37
- Respiration (A-level only)40
- Energy and ecosystems (A-level only)34
- Nutrient cycles (A-level only)45
Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments (A-Level Only)9 subtopics
- Survival and response (A-level only)27
- Receptors (A-level only)35
- Control of heart rate (A-level only)23
- Nerve impulses (A-level only)41
- Synaptic transmission (A-level only)46
- Skeletal muscles are stimulated to contract by nerves and act as effectors (A-level only)45
- Principles of homeostasis and negative feedback (A-level only)23
- Control of blood glucose concentration (A-level only)46
- Control of blood water potential (A-level only)41
Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems (A-Level Only)4 subtopics
- Inheritance (A-level only)34
- Populations (A-level only)19
- Evolution may lead to speciation (A-level only)30
- Populations in ecosystems (A-level only)35
The Control of Gene Expression (A-Level Only)8 subtopics
- Alteration of the sequence of bases in DNA can alter the structure of proteins (A-level only)23
- Most of a cell's DNA is not translated (A-level only)19
- Regulation of transcription and translation (A-level only)33
- Gene expression and cancer (A-level only)28
- Using genome projects (A-level only)11
- Recombinant DNA technology (A-level only)51
- Differences in DNA between individuals of the same species can be exploited for identification and diagnosis of heritable conditions (A-level only)22
- Genetic fingerprinting (A-level only)25
Sample questions
Taken from the AQA A-Level Biology guide. Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Biological Molecules
What fundamental principle underlies the biochemistry of all living organisms, regardless of their diversity?
Show the answer
The biochemical basis of life is similar for all living things, despite the extensive variety of life both past and present. -
Cells
What is the primary function of the cell-surface membrane?
Show the answer
It controls the entry and exit of substances into and out of the cell. -
Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment
What happens to the surface area to volume ratio of an organism as its size increases?
Show the answer
The surface area to volume ratio decreases. -
Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms
Are prokaryotic DNA molecules associated with proteins?
Show the answer
No, prokaryotic DNA is not associated with proteins. -
Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms (A-Level Only)
What happens when chlorophyll absorbs light energy?
Show the answer
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which causes photoionisation of chlorophyll molecules. -
Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments (A-Level Only)
Why do organisms respond to changes in their environment?
Show the answer
To increase their chance of survival. -
Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems (A-Level Only)
What is meant by the term genotype?
Show the answer
The genetic constitution of an organism. -
The Control of Gene Expression (A-Level Only)
Can gene mutations occur without any external cause?
Show the answer
Yes, gene mutations can occur spontaneously without external cause
Questions about this guide
How do you use active recall for AQA A-Level Biology?
Answer up to 10 questions cold and closed book. Answer the same questions again open book, writing the correct answer down.
Then answer them closed book one more time. The difference between the first and third attempt is what has moved into recall.
How is AQA A-Level Biology assessed?
AQA A-Level Biology is assessed by 3 components: Paper 1 (2 hours, 91 marks, 35%); Paper 2 (2 hours, 91 marks, 35%); Paper 3 (2 hours, 78 marks, 30%).
What topics does the AQA A-Level Biology active recall guide cover?
It covers Biological Molecules, Cells, Organisms Exchange Substances with Their Environment, Genetic Information, Variation and Relationships Between Organisms, Energy Transfers in and Between Organisms (A-Level Only), Organisms Respond to Changes in Their Internal and External Environments (A-Level Only), Genetics, Populations, Evolution and Ecosystems (A-Level Only) and The Control of Gene Expression (A-Level Only).
Is the AQA A-Level Biology guide a PDF?
Yes. It is a digital PDF sent to the email address on your order after purchase.
Check the address is correct at checkout, and check junk or spam if it has not arrived.
Does the guide include the answers?
Yes. Every question has its answer in the same document, grouped by topic, so step 2 of the method is done from the guide.
AQA A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
Every question paired with its answer, grouped by topic, ready to work in three passes.