Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-3-surface-area-to-volume-ratio [Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [IB Diploma](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma.md) › [Biology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology.md) › [Biology: IB Diploma](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma.md) › Surface Area to Volume Ratio # Surface Area to Volume Ratio Biology: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 2.2.3 ## Surface Area to Volume Ratio The surface area to volume ratio influences how substances and heat energy can be transferred around multicellular organisms. ### Surface area ![Surface area](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/85699145-b80f-48e0-ac21-63ce9405cfc4/(s)%202.4.1.1%20-%20Surface%20area%20to%20volume%20ratio.png) - The surface area of an organism is the total surface over which substances and heat can be exchanged. - Surface area alone cannot influence the rate of exchange. - The surface area of an organism relative to their volume is more important. ### Volume ![Volume](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/85699145-b80f-48e0-ac21-63ce9405cfc4/(s)%202.4.1.1%20-%20Surface%20area%20to%20volume%20ratio.png) - The volume of an organism determines the number of substances that need to be taken in and transported out. - As the volume increases, more materials are needed for metabolism because there are more cells. ### Surface area to volume ratio ![Surface area to volume ratio](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/85699145-b80f-48e0-ac21-63ce9405cfc4/(s)%202.4.1.1%20-%20Surface%20area%20to%20volume%20ratio.png) - When an organism increases in size, its volume increases because there are more cells. - The increase in the number of cells means that there is less surface area for the exchange of materials because many cells are in contact with one another. - The surface area to volume ratio (SA : V) decreases with increasing organism size. ## Adaptations to Surface Area to Volume Ratio Some organisms have evolved adaptations that allow them to overcome a decrease in surface area to volume ratio. These adaptations include: ### Large surface area ![Large surface area](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/1.3.1%20Diffusion%20and%20active%20transport/pexels-photo-459486-min.jpg) - A large surface area allows more of a substance to diffuse at the same time. - Prokaryotic organisms have enormous SA:V, allowing them to meet the cell’s energy requirements through respiration that occurs across the plasma membrane only. - Eukaryotic cells are far larger so have a smaller SA:V, this necessitates the need for specialist organelles for respiration (mitochondria) that have huge membrane surface area in which enough proteins for respiration can be embedded to meet the larger cell’s needs. ### Thin membrane ![Thin membrane](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/1.3.1%20Diffusion%20and%20active%20transport/pages-918491_640-min.jpg) - A thin membrane reduces the diffusion distance. ### Transport systems ![Transport systems](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/2.3.2%20-%20The%20heart%20and%20circulatory%20system/lungs-min.jpg) - Some organisms have transport systems that move substances around the organism or facilitate exchange. - E.g. Blood vessels, lungs, gills, xylem. - Transport systems allow a higher concentration gradient to be maintained. - A steep concentration gradient increases the rate of transport. - Transport systems also allow substances to move closer to the cells that need to exchange them. ### Heat transfer ![Heat transfer](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/7976a7d5-bcd9-426e-b516-3b625982e3e1/shutterstock_523936120.jpg) - Some large animals have adaptations that allow heat to be transferred more efficiently. - E.g. Elephants have large, highly vascularised ears that allow heat to be transferred rapidly. - Lower latitudes have warmer climates so the animals that live there need to transfer heat to the surroundings in order not to overheat. Animals living in the polar regions must try to conserve as much heat as possible due to cold external temperatures. - A general trend in animal biology is for occupants of equivalent niches in low latitudes to be smaller than their high latitude counterparts. This is because smaller animals have larger SA:V so can transfer heat to the surroundings more efficiently. ## Test yourself on Surface Area to Volume Ratio - Why does the surface area of cells decrease when the number of cells increases? - Which of the following statements about surface area to volume ratio are true? - Which of the following animals has the largest surface area to volume ratio? - What is the adaptive advantage of a thin membrane? - Which of these statements about surface area to volume ratio adaptations are true? [Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/549189f7-f13a-4c5c-b80c-ea1bd3036d78/section/151e3503-325f-4188-95cf-a06dfbee6070/session) - Previous topic: [2.2.2 Cell Size & Surface Area](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-2-cell-size-and-surface-area.md) - Next topic: [2.2.4 Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-4-eukaryotic-vs-prokaryotic-cells.md) ## Biology: IB Diploma Higher Level contents ### 1 Unity & Diversity - Molecules - 1.1 Water - [1.1.1 The Importance of Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-1-1-the-importance-of-water.md) - [1.1.2 The Structure of Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-1-2-the-structure-of-water.md) - [1.1.3 The Properties of Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-1-3-the-properties-of-water.md) - [1.1.4 IB Multiple Choice - Water & Hydrogen Bonding](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-1-4-ib-multiple-choice-water-and-hydrogen-bonding.md) - [1.1.5 Extended Response - Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-1-5-extended-response-water.md) - 1.2 DNA Structure & Replication - [1.2.1 DNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-1-dna.md) - [1.2.2 RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-2-rna.md) - [1.2.3 Semi-Conservative DNA Replication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-3-semi-conservative-dna-replication.md) - [1.2.4 DNA Replication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-4-dna-replication.md) - [1.2.5 DNA Replication - Summary](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-5-dna-replication-summary.md) - [1.2.6 IB Multiple Choice - DNA Replication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-2-6-ib-multiple-choice-dna-replication.md) - 1.3 Transcription & Gene Expression - [1.3.1 Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-3-1-introduction-to-transcription-and-protein-synthesis.md) - [1.3.2 Types of RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-3-2-types-of-rna.md) - [1.3.3 Transcription](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-3-3-transcription.md) - [1.3.4 RNA Processing in Eukaryotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-3-4-rna-processing-in-eukaryotes.md) - [1.3.5 IB Multiple Choice - Transcription](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-3-5-ib-multiple-choice-transcription.md) - 1.4 Translation - [1.4.1 Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-4-1-translation.md) - [1.4.2 Retroviruses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-4-2-retroviruses.md) - [1.4.3 Scientific Practices: Coronavirus](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-4-3-scientific-practices-coronavirus.md) - [1.4.4 IB Multiple Choice - Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/1-4-4-ib-multiple-choice-translation.md) ### 2 Unity & Diversity - Cells - 2.1 The Origin of Cells - [2.1.1 Origins - Endosymbiosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-1-1-origins-endosymbiosis.md) - 2.2 Introduction to Cells - [2.2.1 Introduction to Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-1-introduction-to-cells.md) - [2.2.2 Cell Size & Surface Area](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-2-cell-size-and-surface-area.md) - [2.2.3 Surface Area to Volume Ratio](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-3-surface-area-to-volume-ratio.md) - [2.2.4 Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-4-eukaryotic-vs-prokaryotic-cells.md) - [2.2.5 Stem Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-5-stem-cells.md) - [2.2.6 Stem Cells in Disease](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-2-6-stem-cells-in-disease.md) - 2.3 Ultrastructure of Cells - [2.3.1 Golgi, Lysosomes & Ribosomes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-3-1-golgi-lysosomes-and-ribosomes.md) - [2.3.2 Cell Walls & Vacuole](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-3-2-cell-walls-and-vacuole.md) - [2.3.3 Prokaryotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-3-3-prokaryotes.md) - [2.3.4 Binary Fission](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-3-4-binary-fission.md) - 2.4 Cell Division - [2.4.1 The Cell Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-1-the-cell-cycle.md) - [2.4.2 Mitosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-2-mitosis.md) - [2.4.3 Regulation of the Cell Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-3-regulation-of-the-cell-cycle.md) - [2.4.4 End of Topic Quiz - The Cell Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-4-end-of-topic-quiz-the-cell-cycle.md) - [2.4.5 IB Multiple Choice - The Cell Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-5-ib-multiple-choice-the-cell-cycle.md) - [2.4.6 Extended Response - Mitosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-4-6-extended-response-mitosis.md) - 2.5 Structure of DNA & RNA - [2.5.1 DNA & RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-5-1-dna-and-rna.md) - 2.6 DNA Replication, Transcription & Translation - [2.6.1 Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-1-protein-synthesis.md) - [2.6.2 Transcription & Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-2-transcription-and-translation.md) - [2.6.3 End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-3-end-of-topic-test-dna-genes-and-protein-synthesis.md) - [2.6.4 Exam-Style Question - Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-4-exam-style-question-protein-synthesis.md) - [2.6.5 End of Topic Test - Coronavirus Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-5-end-of-topic-test-coronavirus-translation.md) - [2.6.6 IB Multiple Choice - Transcription](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-6-ib-multiple-choice-transcription.md) - [2.6.7 IB Multiple Choice - Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-6-7-ib-multiple-choice-translation.md) - 2.7 Cell Respiration - [2.7.1 Overview of Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-1-overview-of-respiration.md) - [2.7.2 Anaerobic Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-2-anaerobic-respiration.md) - [2.7.3 End of Topic Test - Anaerobic Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-3-end-of-topic-test-anaerobic-respiration.md) - [2.7.4 Respiration Experiments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-4-respiration-experiments.md) - [2.7.5 End of Topic Test - Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-5-end-of-topic-test-respiration.md) - [2.7.6 IB Multiple Choice - Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-7-6-ib-multiple-choice-respiration.md) - 2.8 Photosynthesis - [2.8.1 Overview of Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-8-1-overview-of-photosynthesis.md) - 2.9 Viruses - [2.9.1 Viruses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/2-9-1-viruses.md) ### 3 Unity & Diversity - Organisms - 3.1 Diversity of Organisms - [3.1.1 Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-1-1-chromosomal-theory-of-inheritance.md) - [3.1.2 Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-1-2-chromosomal-basis-of-inherited-disorders.md) - [3.1.3 IB Multiple Choice - Chromosomal Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-1-3-ib-multiple-choice-chromosomal-inheritance.md) - 3.2 Evidence for Evolution - [3.2.1 Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-2-1-evidence-for-evolution-fossils-and-dna.md) - [3.2.2 Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-2-2-evidence-for-evolution-anatomy-and-geography.md) - [3.2.3 IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-2-3-ib-multiple-choice-evidence-for-evolution.md) - [3.2.4 Extended Response - DNA & Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-2-4-extended-response-dna-and-evolution.md) - 3.3 Natural Selection - [3.3.1 Introduction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-1-introduction.md) - [3.3.2 Evolutionary Fitness](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-2-evolutionary-fitness.md) - [3.3.3 Natural Selection & Variation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-3-natural-selection-and-variation.md) - [3.3.4 End of Topic Quiz - Natural Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-4-end-of-topic-quiz-natural-selection.md) - [3.3.5 IB Multiple Choice - Natural Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-5-ib-multiple-choice-natural-selection.md) - [3.3.6 Speciation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/3-3-6-speciation.md) ### 4 Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems - 4.1 Classification - [4.1.1 Introduction to Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-1-1-introduction-to-biodiversity.md) - [4.1.2 Keystone Species](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-1-2-keystone-species.md) - [4.1.3 Courtship & Ancestry](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-1-3-courtship-and-ancestry.md) - [4.1.4 Classification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-1-4-classification.md) - 4.2 Cladistics - [4.2.1 Evolutionary Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-2-1-evolutionary-relationships.md) - [4.2.2 IB Multiple Choice - Species & Taxonomy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-2-2-ib-multiple-choice-species-and-taxonomy.md) - 4.3 Evolution & Speciation - [4.3.1 Evidence for Evolution - Fossils & DNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-1-evidence-for-evolution-fossils-and-dna.md) - [4.3.2 Evidence for Evolution - Anatomy & Geography](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-2-evidence-for-evolution-anatomy-and-geography.md) - [4.3.3 IB Multiple Choice - Evidence for Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-3-ib-multiple-choice-evidence-for-evolution.md) - [4.3.4 Extended Response - DNA & Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-4-extended-response-dna-and-evolution.md) - [4.3.5 Populations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-5-populations.md) - [4.3.6 Mutations, Genetic Drift, & Gene Flow](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-6-mutations-genetic-drift-and-gene-flow.md) - [4.3.7 Speciation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-7-speciation.md) - [4.3.8 Rate of Speciation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-8-rate-of-speciation.md) - [4.3.9 Allopatric & Sympatric Speciation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-3-9-allopatric-and-sympatric-speciation.md) - 4.4 Conservation of Biodiversity - [4.4.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/4-4-1-coming-soon.md) ### 5 Form & Function - Molecules - 5.1 Carbohydrates & Lipids - [5.1.1 Monosaccharides](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-1-1-monosaccharides.md) - [5.1.2 Disaccharides & Polysaccharides](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-1-2-disaccharides-and-polysaccharides.md) - [5.1.3 Triglycerides & Phospholipids](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-1-3-triglycerides-and-phospholipids.md) - [5.1.4 Cellulose](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-1-4-cellulose.md) - [5.1.5 Starch & Glycogen](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-1-5-starch-and-glycogen.md) - 5.2 Proteins - [5.2.1 Structure & Functions of Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/5-2-1-structure-and-functions-of-proteins.md) ### 6 Form & Function - Cells - 6.1 Membranes & Membrane Transport - [6.1.1 Passive Movement Across Membranes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-1-1-passive-movement-across-membranes.md) - [6.1.2 Active Movement Across Membranes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-1-2-active-movement-across-membranes.md) - [6.1.3 Endocytosis & Exocystosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-1-3-endocytosis-and-exocystosis.md) - [6.1.4 Cell Membrane Structure & Permeability](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-1-4-cell-membrane-structure-and-permeability.md) - 6.2 Organelles & Compartmentalization - [6.2.1 Eukaryotic Cells & Organelles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-2-1-eukaryotic-cells-and-organelles.md) - [6.2.2 Subcellular Components & Organelles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-2-2-subcellular-components-and-organelles.md) - 6.3 Cell Specialization - [6.3.1 Cell Specialization](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/6-3-1-cell-specialization.md) ### 7 Form & Function - Organisms - 7.1 Gas Exchange - [7.1.1 Lung Structure & Alveoli](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-1-1-lung-structure-and-alveoli.md) - [7.1.2 Ventilation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-1-2-ventilation.md) - [7.1.3 Lung Disease](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-1-3-lung-disease.md) - [7.1.4 Lung Disease Data](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-1-4-lung-disease-data.md) - 7.2 Transport - [7.2.1 The Circulatory System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-1-the-circulatory-system.md) - [7.2.2 The Heart](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-2-the-heart.md) - [7.2.3 Blood Vessels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-3-blood-vessels.md) - [7.2.4 Cardiovascular Disease](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-4-cardiovascular-disease.md) - [7.2.5 Xylem Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-5-xylem-structure.md) - [7.2.6 Cohesion-Tension Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-6-cohesion-tension-theory.md) - [7.2.7 Investigating Transpiration Rate](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-7-investigating-transpiration-rate.md) - [7.2.8 Phloem Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-8-phloem-structure.md) - [7.2.9 Translocation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-2-9-translocation.md) - 7.3 Muscle & Motility - [7.3.1 Skeletal Muscle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-3-1-skeletal-muscle.md) - [7.3.2 Sliding Filament Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-3-2-sliding-filament-theory.md) - [7.3.3 Contraction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/7-3-3-contraction.md) ### 8 Form & Function - Ecosystems - 8.1 Species, Communities & Ecosytems - [8.1.1 Population Dynamics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-1-population-dynamics.md) - [8.1.2 Communities & Measuring Diversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-2-communities-and-measuring-diversity.md) - [8.1.3 Relationships Between Populations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-3-relationships-between-populations.md) - [8.1.4 Overview of Ecosystems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-4-overview-of-ecosystems.md) - [8.1.5 Nutrient Cycles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-5-nutrient-cycles.md) - [8.1.6 Fertilisers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-6-fertilisers.md) - [8.1.7 Eutrophication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-7-eutrophication.md) - [8.1.8 Chi-Squared Test](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-1-8-chi-squared-test.md) - 8.2 Energy Flow - [8.2.1 Energy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-2-1-energy.md) - [8.2.2 Energy Flow](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-2-2-energy-flow.md) - [8.2.3 Biomass & Food Chains](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-2-3-biomass-and-food-chains.md) - [8.2.4 Heterotrophs & Autotrophs](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-2-4-heterotrophs-and-autotrophs.md) - 8.3 Carbon Cycle - [8.3.1 Carbon Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-3-1-carbon-cycle.md) - 8.4 Climate Change - [8.4.1 Carbon Dioxide](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-4-1-carbon-dioxide.md) - [8.4.2 The Greenhouse Effect](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-4-2-the-greenhouse-effect.md) - [8.4.3 Global Warming](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-4-3-global-warming.md) - [8.4.4 Maintaining Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/8-4-4-maintaining-biodiversity.md) ### 9 Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules - 9.1 Enzymes - [9.1.1 Enzymes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-1-1-enzymes.md) - [9.1.2 Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-1-2-factors-affecting-enzyme-activity.md) - [9.1.3 Enzyme-Controlled Reactions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-1-3-enzyme-controlled-reactions.md) - [9.1.4 End of Topic Test - Enzymes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-1-4-end-of-topic-test-enzymes.md) - 9.2 Metabolism - [9.2.1 Molecules to Metabolism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-2-1-molecules-to-metabolism.md) - 9.3 Cell Respiration - [9.3.1 Glycolysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-3-1-glycolysis.md) - [9.3.2 Aerobic Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-3-2-aerobic-respiration.md) - 9.4 Photosynthesis - [9.4.1 Light-Dependent Reaction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-1-light-dependent-reaction.md) - [9.4.2 Light-Independent Reaction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-2-light-independent-reaction.md) - [9.4.3 End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis Reactions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-3-end-of-topic-test-photosynthesis-reactions.md) - [9.4.4 Limiting Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-4-limiting-factors.md) - [9.4.5 Photosynthesis Experiments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-5-photosynthesis-experiments.md) - [9.4.6 End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-6-end-of-topic-test-photosynthesis.md) - [9.4.7 End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/9-4-7-end-of-topic-test-photosynthesis.md) ### 10 Interaction & Interdependence - Cells - 10.1 Chemical Signalling - [10.1.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-1-1-coming-soon.md) - 10.2 Neural Signalling - [10.2.1 Medical Application](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-1-medical-application.md) - [10.2.2 Speed of Transmission](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-2-speed-of-transmission.md) - [10.2.3 Synapses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-3-synapses.md) - [10.2.4 End of Topic Test - Nervous Comm&Coord](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-4-end-of-topic-test-nervous-commandcoord.md) - [10.2.5 Neuron Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-5-neuron-structure.md) - [10.2.6 Types of Synapse](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-6-types-of-synapse.md) - [10.2.7 End of Topic Test - Neurones & Action Potentials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-7-end-of-topic-test-neurones-and-action-potentials.md) - [10.2.8 Transmission of an Impulse](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-8-transmission-of-an-impulse.md) - [10.2.9 End of Topic Test - Synapses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-2-9-end-of-topic-test-synapses.md) - 10.3 Adaptation to Environment - [10.3.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-3-1-coming-soon.md) - 10.4 Ecological Niches - [10.4.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/10-4-1-coming-soon.md) ### 11 Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms - 11.1 Integration of Body Systems - [11.1.1 Plant Tropisms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-1-1-plant-tropisms.md) - 11.2 Defence Against Disease - [11.2.1 Immune System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-1-immune-system.md) - [11.2.2 The Immune Response](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-2-the-immune-response.md) - [11.2.3 Antibodies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-3-antibodies.md) - [11.2.4 Primary & Secondary Response](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-4-primary-and-secondary-response.md) - [11.2.5 Vaccines](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-5-vaccines.md) - [11.2.6 HIV](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-6-hiv.md) - [11.2.7 End of Topic Test - Immune System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/11-2-7-end-of-topic-test-immune-system.md) ### 12 Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems - 12.1 Populations & Communities - [12.1.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/12-1-1-coming-soon.md) - 12.2 Transfers of Energy & Matter - [12.2.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/12-2-1-coming-soon.md) ### 13 Continuity & Change - Molecules - 13.1 DNA Replication - [13.1.1 DNA Replication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-1-1-dna-replication.md) - 13.2 Protein Synthesis - [13.2.1 Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-2-1-protein-synthesis.md) - [13.2.2 Transcription & Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-2-2-transcription-and-translation.md) - [13.2.3 End of Topic Test - DNA, Genes & Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-2-3-end-of-topic-test-dna-genes-and-protein-synthesis.md) - 13.3 Mutation & Gene Editing - [13.3.1 Genes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-1-genes.md) - [13.3.2 Mutations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-2-mutations.md) - [13.3.3 DNA Technology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-3-dna-technology.md) - [13.3.4 PCR & Gel Electrophoresis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-4-pcr-and-gel-electrophoresis.md) - [13.3.5 Genetic Modification](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-5-genetic-modification.md) - [13.3.6 Cloning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/13-3-6-cloning.md) ### 14 Continuity & Change - Cells - 14.1 Gene Expression - [14.1.1 Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-1-1-introduction-to-transcription-and-protein-synthesis.md) - [14.1.2 Types of RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-1-2-types-of-rna.md) - [14.1.3 Transcription](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-1-3-transcription.md) - [14.1.4 RNA Processing in Eukaryotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-1-4-rna-processing-in-eukaryotes.md) - [14.1.5 IB Multiple Choice - Transcription](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-1-5-ib-multiple-choice-transcription.md) - 14.2 Water Potential - [14.2.1 Controlling Blood Water Potential](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/14-2-1-controlling-blood-water-potential.md) ### 15 Continuity & Change - Organisms - 15.1 Inheritance - [15.1.1 Non-Nuclear Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-1-non-nuclear-inheritance.md) - [15.1.2 Linked Genes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-2-linked-genes.md) - [15.1.3 IB Multiple Choice - Non-Mendelian Genetics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-3-ib-multiple-choice-non-mendelian-genetics.md) - [15.1.4 Extended Response - Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-4-extended-response-inheritance.md) - [15.1.5 Introduction to Non-Mendelian Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-5-introduction-to-non-mendelian-inheritance.md) - [15.1.6 Chi-Squared Test](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-6-chi-squared-test.md) - [15.1.7 End of Topic Quiz - Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-7-end-of-topic-quiz-inheritance.md) - [15.1.8 Sex-Linked Genes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-8-sex-linked-genes.md) - [15.1.9 Grade 4-5 (Scientific Practices) - Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-1-9-grade-4-5-scientific-practices-inheritance.md) - 15.2 Homeostasis - [15.2.1 Overview of Homeostasis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-1-overview-of-homeostasis.md) - [15.2.2 Blood Glucose Concentration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-2-blood-glucose-concentration.md) - [15.2.3 Controlling Blood Glucose Concentration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-3-controlling-blood-glucose-concentration.md) - [15.2.4 End of Topic Test - Blood Glucose](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-4-end-of-topic-test-blood-glucose.md) - [15.2.5 Type I & Type II Diabetes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-5-type-i-and-type-ii-diabetes.md) - [15.2.6 Human Reproductive Systems](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-6-human-reproductive-systems.md) - [15.2.7 Hormonal Control of the Menstrual Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-7-hormonal-control-of-the-menstrual-cycle.md) - [15.2.8 Kidneys & Osmoregulation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/15-2-8-kidneys-and-osmoregulation.md) ### 16 Continuity & Change - Ecosystems - 16.1 Natural Selection - [16.1.1 Natural Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-1-1-natural-selection.md) - 16.2 Stability & Change - [16.2.1 Coming Soon!](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-2-1-coming-soon.md) - 16.3 Climate Change - [16.3.1 Carbon Dioxide](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-3-1-carbon-dioxide.md) - [16.3.2 The Greenhouse Effect](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-3-2-the-greenhouse-effect.md) - [16.3.3 Global Warming](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-3-3-global-warming.md) - [16.3.4 Maintaining Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/ib-diploma/biology/biology-ib-diploma/16-3-4-maintaining-biodiversity.md)