WJEC A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
WJEC · A-Level
WJEC A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
A question-and-answer revision guide for WJEC A-Level Biology, built to be worked in three passes rather than read.
- WJEC
- A-Level
- 36 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 WJEC A-Level Biology specification, one subtopic at a time.
The subject, and what is assessed
WJEC A-Level Biology is assessed by five units, two taken at AS and three at A2. The two AS units each last 1 hour 30 minutes and are worth 20% of the A-Level. A2 Unit 3 and A2 Unit 4 each last 2 hours and are worth 25%. A2 Unit 5 is a practical examination worth 10%. AS content remains examinable at A2, so first year material stays in use through the second year.
| Paper | Covers | Length | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS Unit 1 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 20% | |
| AS Unit 2 | 1 hour 30 minutes | 20% | |
| A2 Unit 3 | 2 hours | 25% | |
| A2 Unit 4 | 2 hours | 25% | |
| A2 Unit 5 | Practical examination | 10% |
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 WJEC specification. Open a topic to see its subtopics.
Chemical Elements Are Joined Together to Form Biological Compounds5 subtopics
- Inorganic Ions and the Biological Importance of Water22
- Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides and Alpha/Beta Glucose Isomerism26
- Lipids: Triglycerides, Phospholipids and Saturated and Unsaturated Fat in Human Health22
- Amino Acids and Proteins: Primary to Quaternary Structure, Fibrous and Globular Forms24
- Condensation and Hydrolysis: Peptide, Glycosidic and Ester Bonds, and Food Tests for Biological Molecules26
Cell Structure and Organisation3 subtopics
- Eukaryotic Cell Ultrastructure: Organelles and Their Functions29
- Prokaryotic Cells, Viruses and Cell Theory: Comparing Cell Structures and Electron Micrographs25
- Levels of Organisation and Light Microscopy: Tissues, Organs, Organ Systems, Microscope Calibration, Magnification and Scientific Drawing30
Cell Membranes and Transport2 subtopics
- Plasma Membrane Structure and Permeability: the Fluid-Mosaic Model and Factors Affecting Permeability (Beetroot Investigation)25
- Transport Across Membranes: Diffusion, Osmosis and Water Potential, Facilitated Diffusion, Active Transport, Pinocytosis, Phagocytosis and Exocytosis (Water and Solute Potential Determinations)30
Biological Reactions Are Regulated by Enzymes3 subtopics
- Enzymes as Biological Catalysts: Metabolism, Protein Nature, Intracellular and Extracellular Action, Active Sites, Induced Fit and Activation Energy28
- Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity: Temperature, pH, Substrate and Enzyme Concentration, Denaturation and Buffers (Specified Investigations)28
- Enzyme Inhibition (Competitive and Non-competitive) and Immobilised Enzymes in Industry24
Nucleic Acids and Their Functions4 subtopics
- Nucleotides, Chemical Energy and ATP: Structure and Role as Energy Carrier21
- DNA and RNA Structure and Semi-conservative Replication, Including Meselson and Stahl (DNA Extraction Practical)31
- The Genetic Code: Triplet Code, Exons and Introns18
- Protein Synthesis: Transcription, Translation, tRNA, One Gene-One Polypeptide and Polypeptide Modification27
Genetic Information Is Copied and Passed on to Daughter Cells2 subtopics
- The Cell Cycle and Mitosis: Interphase, Stages, Cytokinesis and Significance in Renewal, Repair and Cancerous Growth (Root Tip Drawing)30
- Meiosis and Its Differences from Mitosis (Developing Anther Drawing)24
All Organisms Are Related through Their Evolutionary History4 subtopics
- Classification: Hierarchical Groups, Its Need and Tentative Nature, Three Domains and the Five Kingdoms24
- Assessing Relatedness, the Species Concept and the Binomial System20
- Biodiversity and Its Assessment: Habitat Level (Simpson's Diversity Index), Genetic Level and Molecular Level (Habitat Investigation)30
- Natural Selection as the Source of Biodiversity and Anatomical, Physiological and Behavioural Adaptations19
Adaptations for Gas Exchange4 subtopics
- Surface Area to Volume Ratio and Gas Exchange in Small Organisms: Amoeba, Flatworm and Earthworm20
- Specialised Respiratory Surfaces and Ventilation in Bony Fish: Counter-current versus Parallel Flow (Fish Head Dissection)25
- Gas Exchange in Terrestrial Animals: the Human Breathing System, Ventilation, and the Insect Tracheal System30
- The Angiosperm Leaf: Structure, Photosynthetic Role and Stomatal Control of Gas Exchange (Stomatal Numbers and T.S. Leaf Plan)30
Adaptations for Transport7 subtopics
- Vascular Systems Across Animal Groups: Earthworm, Insect, Fish and Mammal22
- The Mammalian Heart and Circulation: Blood Vessels, Cardiac Cycle, Sino-atrial Node, Purkyne Fibres and Electrocardiograms (Heart Dissection, T.S. Artery and Vein Plan)30
- Blood and the Transport of Respiratory Gases: Erythrocytes, Plasma, Dissociation Curves, the Bohr Effect and Chloride Shift26
- Transport of Nutrients, Hormones, Excretory Products and Heat, and the Formation of Tissue Fluid22
- Water Uptake and Movement Through the Root: Dicotyledon Root Structure, Apoplast, Symplast and Vacuolar Pathways and the Endodermis24
- Xylem, the Transpiration Stream and Plant Water Adaptations: Cohesion-Tension Theory, Environmental Factors, Hydrophytes and Xerophytes (Potometer Investigation)30
- Phloem Structure and Translocation from Source to Sink: Mass Flow Models and Experimental Evidence26
Adaptations for Nutrition3 subtopics
- Modes of Nutrition: Autotrophic and Heterotrophic, Saprotrophic, Holozoic and Parasitic, and Digestion in Amoeba and Hydra to Tube Guts27
- The Human Gut: Adaptations to an Omnivorous Diet and Enzymes and Conditions for Digesting Different Food Substances24
- Herbivore, Carnivore and Parasite Adaptations: Guts, Dentition, Ruminants, Taenia and Pediculus28
Importance of ATP1 subtopic
- ATP Synthesis and Chemiosmosis: ATP Synthetase, Proton and Electrochemical Gradients, Proton Pumps and the Electron Transport Chain (Dehydrogenase Activity Investigation)30
Photosynthesis Uses Light Energy to Synthesise Organic Molecules4 subtopics
- Chloroplasts and Light Harvesting: Distribution, Transduction, Pigments, Wavelengths and Photosystems I and II (Chromatography of Chloroplast Pigments)30
- The Light-dependent Stage: Cyclic and Non-cyclic Photophosphorylation, Photolysis and Reduction of NADP23
- The Light-independent Stage: Rubisco, Glycerate-3-phosphate, Triose Phosphate, RuBP Regeneration and Synthesis of Carbohydrates, Lipids and Amino Acids22
- Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis and the Role of Nitrogen and Magnesium in Plant Metabolism (Rate of Photosynthesis and Mineral Nutrition Investigations)30
Respiration Releases Chemical Energy in Biological Processes2 subtopics
- Glycolysis, Acetyl Coenzyme A and the Krebs Cycle: Triose Phosphate, Pyruvate, Reduced NAD and FAD as Electron and Proton Sources29
- Energy Budgets of Aerobic and Anaerobic Glucose Breakdown and the Use of Lipids and Amino Acids in Respiration (Yeast Respiration Investigation)33
Microbiology1 subtopic
- Bacterial Classification by Shape and Gram Stain, Culturing Microorganisms and Monitoring Population Growth by Aseptic Technique, Serial Dilution, Plating and Viable Counts (Bacteria in Fresh and Stale Milk)35
Population Size and Ecosystems5 subtopics
- Population Growth and Its Regulation: Birth and Death Rates, Immigration and Emigration, Competition, Carrying Capacity, Density Dependent and Density Independent Factors25
- Sampling Techniques for the Abundance and Distribution of Organisms in a Habitat (Fieldwork Investigation)25
- Ecosystems, Habitats and Communities, the Sun as Energy Source, and Biomass Transfer Through Trophic Levels (Gross and Net Production, Pyramids of Biomass)31
- Succession: Primary and Secondary Succession, Pioneers, Seres and Climax Communities19
- Nutrient Cycles and Human Impact: Organic Breakdown, the Carbon Cycle and Climate Change, the Nitrogen Cycle, Nitrification, Fertilisers and Eutrophication35
Human Impact on the Environment2 subtopics
- Endangered Species, Causes of Extinction and Conservation of Gene Pools in the Wild and in Captivity20
- Agricultural Exploitation and Conservation Conflicts, Sustainability, Science-informed Political Decisions and Planetary Boundaries25
Homeostasis and the Kidney3 subtopics
- Homeostasis: Dynamic Equilibrium, Negative Feedback and Positive Feedback19
- Kidney and Nephron Structure and Function: Nitrogenous Excretion, Water Regulation and Proximal Tubule Reabsorption (Kidney Dissection and Microscopy)34
- Hormonal Control of Water Balance (Posterior Pituitary and ADH), Kidney Failure and Its Treatment, and Loop of Henle and Excretory Adaptations in Different Environments34
The Nervous System3 subtopics
- Organisation of the Nervous Response: Receptors to Effectors, the Spinal Cord, Spinal Nerves and Dorsal and Ventral Roots, the Simple Reflex Arc, and the Cnidarian Nerve Net Compared with the Nervous Systems of More Complex Organisms28
- Neurones and the Nerve Impulse: Motor Neurone Structure, Nature and Transmission of the Impulse, Oscilloscope Traces and Speed of Conduction30
- Synapses: Structure, Synaptic Transmission and the Effects of Organophosphates and Psychoactive Drugs26
Sexual Reproduction in Humans2 subtopics
- Human Reproductive Systems and Gametogenesis: Ovary and Testis Histology, Spermatogenesis, Oogenesis, Fertilisation and Implantation30
- Endocrine Control of Reproduction: the Menstrual Cycle, Birth, Lactation and the Role of the Placenta30
Sexual Reproduction in Plants3 subtopics
- Flower Structure and Pollination: Wind and Insect Pollinated Flowers, Cross and Self Pollination (Flower Dissection)26
- Development of Pollen and Ovules and Double Fertilisation (Low-power Plan of Anther)30
- Seed and Fruit Formation, Germination of Vicia faba and the Effect of Gibberellin (Starch Agar Digestion by Germinating Seeds)30
Inheritance3 subtopics
- Mendelian Inheritance: Alleles, Monohybrid Crosses with Codominance and Dihybrid Crosses with Linkage27
- Testing Genetic Outcomes and Sex Linkage: the Chi-squared Test, Haemophilia and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Gene Segregation Experiment)28
- Mutation and Control of Gene Expression: Sickle Cell Anaemia, Down's Syndrome, Mutagens, Carcinogens, Oncogenes and Epigenetics30
Variation and Evolution3 subtopics
- Variation and Selection Pressures: Genetic and Environmental Causes, Continuous and Discontinuous, Heritable and Non-heritable Variation, Inter- and Intra-specific Competition and Selective Agencies (Continuous Variation Investigation with Student's t Test)30
- Population Genetics: Gene Pool, Genetic Drift, Changing Allele Frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg Principle and Its Conditions26
- Isolation, Speciation and Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection24
Application of Reproduction and Genetics3 subtopics
- Genome Sequencing and Its Ethics: the Human Genome Project, the 100K Genome Project, Genomes of Other Organisms and Screening of Embryos22
- Genetic Fingerprinting and Recombinant DNA Technology: PCR, Electrophoresis, Forensic Use, Bacterial Plasmids, Insulin and GM Crops32
- Gene Therapy, Genomics in Future Healthcare and the Use of Stem Cells24
Disease2 subtopics
- Disease Terminology, the Human Body as a Host and Viral Pathogenicity27
- Named Infectious Diseases: Cholera, Tuberculosis, Smallpox, Influenza and Malaria - Organism, Source, Tissue, Transmission, Prevention, Control and Treatment37
Antibiotics1 subtopic
- Antibiotics: Bacteriostatic and Bactericidal Action, Broad and Narrow Spectrum, Penicillin and Tetracycline, Gram Negative Cell Walls and Antibiotic Resistance32
Immune Response3 subtopics
- Non-specific Defences: Skin Flora, Connective Tissue, Inflammation, Phagocytosis, Clotting, Tears, Mucus and Ciliated Epithelium23
- Specific Immunity: Development of Responses to Foreign Antigens, Humoral and Cell-mediated Immunity and the Roles of T and B Lymphocytes26
- Active and Passive Immunity, Immunisation Programmes, Their Effectiveness and Their Ethics26
Skeletal Tissues3 subtopics
- Cartilage and Compact Bone: Hyaline, Yellow Elastic and White Fibrous Cartilage, Organic and Inorganic Matrix Components and Haversian Systems26
- Bone Remodelling and Bone Disorders: Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts, Rickets, Osteomalacia, Osteoporosis and Brittle Bone Disease25
- Skeletal Muscle: Structure and Ultrastructure, the Sliding Filament Theory, Fast and Slow Twitch Fibres, Creatine Phosphate, Lactic Acid and Energy Sources38
Structure and Function of Human Skeleton1 subtopic
- The Human Skeleton: Axial and Appendicular Structure, the Vertebral Column and Vertebra Types, Fractures, Postural Deformities and Functions of the Skeleton35
Joints2 subtopics
- Types of Joint, Synovial Joint Structure, Joints as First, Second and Third Order Levers and Antagonistic Muscle Action in the Forelimb29
- Arthritis: Causes and Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis21
The Brain3 subtopics
- Structure and Functions of the Human Brain: Cerebrum, Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, Cerebellum and Medulla Oblongata21
- Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems and the Hypothalamus as the Nervous-Endocrine Link23
- The Cerebral Cortex: Sensory and Motor Areas, the Sensory and Motor Homunculi and Language and Speech Areas23
Neuroscience1 subtopic
- Studying the Brain and Brain Development: fMRI, CT, PET and EEG, Critical Periods, Neuroplasticity and Gene Expression in Behaviour and Mental Illness33
Behaviour3 subtopics
- Innate and Learned Behaviour: Escape Reflexes, Kineses and Taxes in Woodlice, Habituation, Imprinting, Classical and Operant Conditioning35
- Social Behaviour: Primate Societies, Imitation and Insight, Advantages and Disadvantages of Group Living, Insect Caste Systems and Vertebrate Dominance Hierarchies27
- Territorial and Courtship Behaviour and the Role of Sexual Selection in Their Evolution22
Working Scientifically: Practical Skills3 subtopics
- The A2 Unit 5 Practical Examination Tasks: the Experimental Task (Following a Provided Method with Supplied Apparatus, with Direct Assessment of Practical Skills) and the Practical Analysis Task (Analysing Provided Experimental Data, Including Theoretical Assessment of Microscope Skills)21
- Independent Thinking and Use of Scientific Methods and Practices: Solving Problems in Practical Contexts, Applying Knowledge and Investigative Approaches, Safe Use of Equipment, Identifying and Controlling Variables, Following Instructions, Making and Recording Observations, Keeping Records, Presenting Data, Using Software, Evaluating Results Against Uncertainties and Errors, and Commenting on Experimental Design34
- Numeracy in Practical Contexts, Research and Referencing: Plotting and Interpreting Graphs, Processing and Analysing Data, Margins of Error, Accuracy and Precision, Online and Offline Research Skills and Correct Citation of Sources43
Use of Apparatus and Techniques3 subtopics
- Measurement and Laboratory Technique: Quantitative Apparatus, Instrumentation (Colorimeter, Potometer) and Glassware Including Serial Dilutions27
- Microscopy, Scientific Drawing and Separation and Identification Techniques: Light Microscope and Graticule, Annotated Drawings, Qualitative Reagents, Chromatography and Electrophoresis34
- Working with Organisms, Aseptic Technique, Dissection, Fieldwork Sampling and ICT for Data Collection and Processing32
Mathematical Requirements (Appendix C)6 subtopics
- Arithmetic and Numerical Computation: Appropriate Units, Decimal and Standard Form, Ratios, Fractions and Percentages, Estimating Results, and Power, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions28
- Handling Data: Significant Figures, Arithmetic Means, Mean, Median and Mode, Frequency Tables, Bar Charts, Histograms and Scatter Diagrams25
- Probability, Sampling, Statistical Tests and Uncertainty: Simple Probability, Principles of Sampling, Selecting and Using the Chi-squared Test, the Student's t-test and the Correlation Coefficient, Standard Deviation and Range, and Percentage Error in Combined Measurements38
- Algebra and Magnification: Mathematical Symbols, Order of Magnitude Calculations, Changing the Subject of an Equation, Substituting Values, Solving Equations and Using Logarithms25
- Graphs: Translating Between Graphical, Numerical and Algebraic Forms, Plotting Two Variables, Linear Relationships (y = mx + c), Intercepts, Rate of Change and the Slope of a Tangent to a Curve26
- Geometry: Circumferences, Surface Areas and Volumes of Regular Shapes13
How Science Works (Appendix D)3 subtopics
- Developing and Communicating Scientific Explanations: Using Theories, Models and Ideas, Posing Scientific Questions, Defining Problems, Presenting Scientific Arguments, and Communicating Ideas Using Appropriate Terminology20
- Scientific Methodology, Evidence and Evaluation: Appropriate Methodology Including ICT, Experimental and Investigative Activities with Risk Management, Analysing and Interpreting Data for Correlation and Causation, and Evaluating Methodology, Evidence and Conflicting Data25
- Science, Society and Ethics: How Scientific Knowledge Develops Over Time, Applications and Implications with Their Benefits and Risks, Ethical Treatment of Humans, Other Organisms and the Environment, Validation by the Scientific Community, and How Society Uses Science to Inform Decision Making26
Sample questions
Taken from the WJEC A-Level Biology guide. Answer each one closed book first, then open the answer.
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Chemical Elements Are Joined Together to Form Biological Compounds
What is the main biological role of the magnesium ion in plants?
Show the answer
Mg²⁺ is a constituent of the chlorophyll molecule, so it is essential for photosynthesis. -
Cell Structure and Organisation
What is the function of the mitochondrion?
Show the answer
It is the site of aerobic respiration, in which most of the cell's ATP is produced. -
Cell Membranes and Transport
Why is the membrane model described as fluid-mosaic?
Show the answer
It is fluid because the phospholipid molecules are free to move sideways within their layer, and it is a mosaic because the protein molecules are scattered irregularly through the bilayer like the tiles of a mosaic. -
Biological Reactions Are Regulated by Enzymes
What does it mean to say that an enzyme is a catalyst?
Show the answer
It speeds up a reaction but is unchanged at the end of it, so a single molecule can be used over and over again, and it does not alter the position of the equilibrium. -
Nucleic Acids and Their Functions
What type of reaction joins the three components of a nucleotide together?
Show the answer
A condensation reaction, which removes a molecule of water at each linkage. -
Genetic Information Is Copied and Passed on to Daughter Cells
Which stage of the cell cycle occupies most of the time, and why?
Show the answer
Interphase, because the cell must grow, make new organelles and proteins and copy all of its DNA before it can divide. -
All Organisms Are Related through Their Evolutionary History
What is meant by a hierarchical classification?
Show the answer
Organisms are placed in a series of groups of increasing size, with each group contained entirely within the next larger one. -
Adaptations for Gas Exchange
What happens to the surface area to volume ratio of an organism as it becomes larger?
Show the answer
The ratio falls, because volume increases more rapidly than surface area.
Questions about this guide
How do you use active recall for WJEC 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 WJEC A-Level Biology assessed?
WJEC A-Level Biology is assessed by 5 components: AS Unit 1 (1 hour 30 minutes, 20%); AS Unit 2 (1 hour 30 minutes, 20%); A2 Unit 3 (2 hours, 25%); A2 Unit 4 (2 hours, 25%); A2 Unit 5, practical examination (10%).
What topics does the WJEC A-Level Biology active recall guide cover?
It covers Chemical Elements Are Joined Together to Form Biological Compounds, Cell Structure and Organisation, Cell Membranes and Transport, Biological Reactions Are Regulated by Enzymes, Nucleic Acids and Their Functions, Genetic Information Is Copied and Passed on to Daughter Cells, All Organisms Are Related through Their Evolutionary History, Adaptations for Gas Exchange, Adaptations for Transport, Adaptations for Nutrition, Importance of ATP, Photosynthesis Uses Light Energy to Synthesise Organic Molecules, Respiration Releases Chemical Energy in Biological Processes and Microbiology. The full list is set out on this page.
Is the WJEC 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.
WJEC A-Level Biology Active Recall Guide
Every question paired with its answer, grouped by topic, ready to work in three passes.