Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-1-introduction-to-photosynthesis

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [International A Level](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level.md) › [Biology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology.md) › [Cambridge International](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international.md) › Introduction to Photosynthesis

# Introduction to Photosynthesis

Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 13.1.1

## Importance of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is essential to all life on earth. Both plants and animals depend on the ability of this process to capture energy originating in outer space and convert it into chemical compounds.

### Photoautotrophs

![Photoautotrophs](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/2.5.1%20-%20Plant%20tissues%201/forest%20sun-min.jpg)

- Plants, algae and a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria are the only organisms capable of performing photosynthesis. 
 - These organisms manufacture their own food using light energy and are therefore called photoautotrophs (self-feeders using light). 
 - Other organisms, like animals, fungi and most other bacteria are called heterotrophs (other feeders), as they rely on sugars produced by photosynthetic organisms for their energy.

### Storing energy

![Storing energy](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/2.5.1%20-%20Plant%20tissues%201/stems.jpg)

- Photosynthesis is important not only for capturing sunlight's energy, but also for storing it in the carbon-carbon bonds of carbohydrate molecules. 
 - These carbohydrates are the energy source that heterotrophs use for synthesising ATP by respiration.
 - Through a chain of energy transfers, photosynthesis powers 99% of Earth's ecosystems.

## Equation for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a multi-step process that requires sunlight, carbon dioxide (which is low in energy) and water as substrates. It produces simple carbohydrate molecules and oxygen as a byproduct.

### Chemical equation

![Chemical equation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/4.1.1%20Photosynthesis/forest-2960091_640-min.jpg)

- $$Carbon\ dioxide + Water \rightarrow Glucose + Oxygen$$
 - This basic equation is deceptively simple, as the process takes place in many steps involving intermediate reactants and products.

### Photosynthesis and respiration

![Photosynthesis and respiration](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/6.2.1%20Reversible%20reactions%20and%20energy%20changes/arrow-2085195_640.jpg)

- $$Carbon\ dioxide + Water \rightarrow Glucose + Oxygen$$
 - You may also have noticed that the photosynthesis reaction is the reverse of the reaction for respiration.
   - This makes sense, as respiration is about releasing energy, whereas photosynthesis is the process by which energy is captured and stored.

## Structure of the Leaf

In plants, photosynthesis generally takes place in the leaves, which consist of several layers of cells. Photosynthesis occurs in a middle layer called the mesophyll.

### Stomata

![Stomata](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/2.3.2%20Stomata%20and%20Guard%20cells.png)

- The gas exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen occurs through small, regulated openings in the underside of the leaf, called stomata. 
 - Stomata are also involved in water balance, with guard cells regulating the opening and closing of the stomata by swelling or shrinking in response to osmotic changes.

### Chloroplasts

![Chloroplasts](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/d78f1264-3936-4410-8582-02a7a6f1a2e4/cell-organelle-chloroplast-plant-.jpg)

- In all autotrophic eukaryotes, photosynthesis takes place inside an organelle called a chloroplast. 
 - Chloroplasts have a double membrane envelope (comprising an outer and inner membrane) and contain chloroplast DNA.

### Thylakoids

![Thylakoids](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/cf98a38d-6db8-4092-be09-f7fe1650444a/thylakoid-cell-chloroplast.jpg)

- Within a chloroplast are stacked, disc-shaped structures called thylakoids.
 - Embedded in the thylakoid membrane are:
   - Chlorophyll, a pigment (light-absorbing molecule) responsible for the initial interaction between light and plant material. 
   - Proteins which make up the electron transport chain.
- A stack of thylakoids is called a granum and the liquid-filled space surrounding the granum is the stroma.

## Test yourself on Introduction to Photosynthesis

- What is the name given to organisms who CANNOT perform photosynthesis?
- Which of these statements are true?
- Which of these equations for photosynthesis is correct?
- Which molecules feature in the photosynthesis equation?
- Why is photosynthesis such an important reaction for ecosystems?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/8d1a05c1-df92-4b13-9a69-b60acc7af79a/section/3dbe5301-3f17-41a6-94a9-b02d42db872d/session)

- Previous topic: [12.2.8 A-A* (AO3/4) - Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-8-a-a-ao34-respiration.md)
- Next topic: [13.1.2 Light-Dependent Reactions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-2-light-dependent-reactions.md)

## Biology: Cambridge International A Level contents

### 1 Cell Structure
- 1.1 Cell Structure
  - [1.1.1 Studying Cells - Microscopes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-1-studying-cells-microscopes.md)
  - [1.1.2 Introduction to Eukaryotic & Prokaryotic Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-2-introduction-to-eukaryotic-and-prokaryotic-cells.md)
  - [1.1.3 Ultrastructure of Eukaryotic Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-3-ultrastructure-of-eukaryotic-cells.md)
  - [1.1.4 Ultrastructure of Eukaryotic Cells 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-4-ultrastructure-of-eukaryotic-cells-2.md)
  - [1.1.5 Ultrastructure of Eukaryotic Cells 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-5-ultrastructure-of-eukaryotic-cells-3.md)
  - [1.1.6 Prokaryotic Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-6-prokaryotic-cells.md)
  - [1.1.7 Viruses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-7-viruses.md)
  - [1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Cell Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-8-end-of-topic-test-cell-structure.md)
  - [1.1.9 Exam-Style Question - Microscopes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-9-exam-style-question-microscopes.md)
  - [1.1.10 A-A* (AO2/3) - Cell Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/1-1-10-a-a-ao23-cell-structure.md)

### 2 Biological Molecules
- 2.1 Testing for Biological Modules
  - [2.1.1 Tests for Sugars & Starch](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-1-1-tests-for-sugars-and-starch.md)
  - [2.1.2 Tests for Lipids & Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-1-2-tests-for-lipids-and-proteins.md)
- 2.2 Carbohydrates & Lipids
  - [2.2.1 Monomers & Polymers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-1-monomers-and-polymers.md)
  - [2.2.2 Carbohydrates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-2-carbohydrates.md)
  - [2.2.3 Examples of Carbohydrates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-3-examples-of-carbohydrates.md)
  - [2.2.4 Triglycerides & Phospholipids](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-4-triglycerides-and-phospholipids.md)
  - [2.2.5 Types of Fatty Acids](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-5-types-of-fatty-acids.md)
  - [2.2.6 Exam-Style Question - Carbohydrates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-6-exam-style-question-carbohydrates.md)
  - [2.2.7 End of Topic Test - Carbohydrates & Lipids](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-2-7-end-of-topic-test-carbohydrates-and-lipids.md)
- 2.3 Proteins
  - [2.3.1 Amino Acids & Overview of Protein Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-1-amino-acids-and-overview-of-protein-structure.md)
  - [2.3.2 Primary & Secondary Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-2-primary-and-secondary-structure.md)
  - [2.3.3 Tertiary & Quaternary Structure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-3-tertiary-and-quaternary-structure.md)
  - [2.3.4 Globular & Fibrous Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-4-globular-and-fibrous-proteins.md)
  - [2.3.5 Haemoglobin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-5-haemoglobin.md)
  - [2.3.6 Collagen](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-6-collagen.md)
  - [2.3.7 End of Topic Test  - Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-3-7-end-of-topic-test-proteins.md)
- 2.4 Water
  - [2.4.1 Water Structure & Function](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-4-1-water-structure-and-function.md)
  - [2.4.2 End of Topic Test - Water](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/2-4-2-end-of-topic-test-water.md)

### 3 Enzymes
- 3.1 Enzymes
  - [3.1.1 Enzyme Action](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/3-1-1-enzyme-action.md)
  - [3.1.2 Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/3-1-2-factors-affecting-enzyme-activity.md)
  - [3.1.3 Factors Affecting Enzyme Activity 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/3-1-3-factors-affecting-enzyme-activity-2.md)
  - [3.1.4 A-A* (AO2/3) - Enzymes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/3-1-4-a-a-ao23-enzymes.md)

### 4 Cell Membranes & Transport
- 4.1 Biological Membranes
  - [4.1.1 Fluid Mosaic Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-1-1-fluid-mosaic-model.md)
  - [4.1.2 Cell Signalling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-1-2-cell-signalling.md)
  - [4.1.3 End of Topic Test - Biological Membranes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-1-3-end-of-topic-test-biological-membranes.md)
  - [4.1.4 Exam-Style Question - Membranes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-1-4-exam-style-question-membranes.md)
- 4.2 Movement Into & Out of Cells
  - [4.2.1 Passive Movement Across the Membrane](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-1-passive-movement-across-the-membrane.md)
  - [4.2.2 Active Movement Across the Membrane](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-2-active-movement-across-the-membrane.md)
  - [4.2.3 Osmosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-3-osmosis.md)
  - [4.2.4 Osmosis & Plant Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-4-osmosis-and-plant-cells.md)
  - [4.2.5 Surface Area to Volume Ratio](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-5-surface-area-to-volume-ratio.md)
  - [4.2.6 Adaptions to Surface Area to Volume Ratio](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-6-adaptions-to-surface-area-to-volume-ratio.md)
  - [4.2.7 Calculations - Volume](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-7-calculations-volume.md)
  - [4.2.8 Calculations - Surface Area](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-8-calculations-surface-area.md)

### 5 The Mitotic Cell Cycle
- 5.1 Replication & Division of Nuclei
  - [5.1.1 Chromosomes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-1-chromosomes.md)
  - [5.1.2 The Cell Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-2-the-cell-cycle.md)
  - [5.1.3 Mitosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-3-mitosis.md)
  - [5.1.4 Role of Mitosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-4-role-of-mitosis.md)
  - [5.1.5 Stem Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-5-stem-cells.md)
  - [5.1.6 Mitosis & Cancer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-6-mitosis-and-cancer.md)
  - [5.1.7 End of Topic Test - Replication & Division](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-7-end-of-topic-test-replication-and-division.md)
  - [5.1.8 A-A* (AO2/3) - Cell Cycle & Transport](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/5-1-8-a-a-ao23-cell-cycle-and-transport.md)

### 6 Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis
- 6.1 Nucleic Acids
  - [6.1.1 Introduction to DNA & RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-1-introduction-to-dna-and-rna.md)
  - [6.1.2 Nucleotides](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-2-nucleotides.md)
  - [6.1.3 Polynucleotides](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-3-polynucleotides.md)
  - [6.1.4 ADP & ATP](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-4-adp-and-atp.md)
  - [6.1.5 DNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-5-dna.md)
  - [6.1.6 DNA Replication](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-6-dna-replication.md)
  - [6.1.7 RNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-7-rna.md)
  - [6.1.8 End of Topic Test - Nucleic Acids & ATP](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-1-8-end-of-topic-test-nucleic-acids-and-atp.md)
- 6.2 Protein Synthesis
  - [6.2.1 The Genetic Code](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-1-the-genetic-code.md)
  - [6.2.2 Polypeptide Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-2-polypeptide-synthesis.md)
  - [6.2.3 RNA Processing in Eukaryotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-3-rna-processing-in-eukaryotes.md)
  - [6.2.4 Mutations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-4-mutations.md)
  - [6.2.5 Exam-Style Question - Protein Synthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-5-exam-style-question-protein-synthesis.md)
  - [6.2.6 A-A* (AO2/3) - Coronavirus Translation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/6-2-6-a-a-ao23-coronavirus-translation.md)

### 7 Transport in Plants
- 7.1 Transport in Plants
  - [7.1.1 Plant Vessels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-1-plant-vessels.md)
  - [7.1.2 Xylem](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-2-xylem.md)
  - [7.1.3 Investigating Transpiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-3-investigating-transpiration.md)
  - [7.1.4 Adaptations to Water Availability](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-4-adaptations-to-water-availability.md)
  - [7.1.5 Phloem](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-5-phloem.md)
  - [7.1.6 End of Topic Test - Transport in Animals & Plants](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-6-end-of-topic-test-transport-in-animals-and-plants.md)
  - [7.1.7 A-A* (AO2/3) - Transport in Animals & Plants](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/7-1-7-a-a-ao23-transport-in-animals-and-plants.md)

### 8 Transport in Mammals
- 8.1 Circulatory System
  - [8.1.1 Double Circulation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-1-1-double-circulation.md)
  - [8.1.2 Blood Vessels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-1-2-blood-vessels.md)
  - [8.1.3 Important Blood Vessels](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-1-3-important-blood-vessels.md)
  - [8.1.4 Blood Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-1-4-blood-cells.md)
  - [8.1.5 Tissue Fluid](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-1-5-tissue-fluid.md)
- 8.2 Transport of Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide
  - [8.2.1 Haemoglobin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-2-1-haemoglobin.md)
  - [8.2.2 Oxygen Dissociation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-2-2-oxygen-dissociation.md)
- 8.3 The Heart
  - [8.3.1 Structure of the Heart](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-3-1-structure-of-the-heart.md)
  - [8.3.2 The Cardiac Cycle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-3-2-the-cardiac-cycle.md)
  - [8.3.3 Coordination of Heart Action](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/8-3-3-coordination-of-heart-action.md)

### 9 Gas Exchange
- 9.1 Gas Exchange System
  - [9.1.1 Mammalian Gas Exchange](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/9-1-1-mammalian-gas-exchange.md)
  - [9.1.2 Smoking](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/9-1-2-smoking.md)

### 10 Infectious Diseases
- 10.1 Infectious Diseases
  - [10.1.1 Transmission of Disease](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-1-transmission-of-disease.md)
  - [10.1.2 Tuberculosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-2-tuberculosis.md)
  - [10.1.3 HIV](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-3-hiv.md)
  - [10.1.4 Malaria](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-4-malaria.md)
  - [10.1.5 Cholera](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-5-cholera.md)
  - [10.1.6 Measles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-1-6-measles.md)
- 10.2 Antibiotics
  - [10.2.1 Antibiotics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/10-2-1-antibiotics.md)

### 11 Immunity
- 11.1 The Immune System
  - [11.1.1 Phagocytes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-1-1-phagocytes.md)
  - [11.1.2 Antigens](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-1-2-antigens.md)
  - [11.1.3 Lymphocytes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-1-3-lymphocytes.md)
  - [11.1.4 Primary & Secondary Response](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-1-4-primary-and-secondary-response.md)
- 11.2 Antibodies & Vaccination
  - [11.2.1 Antibodies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-1-antibodies.md)
  - [11.2.2 Monoclonal Antibodies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-2-monoclonal-antibodies.md)
  - [11.2.3 Immunity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-3-immunity.md)
  - [11.2.4 Vaccines](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-4-vaccines.md)
  - [11.2.5 Exam-Style Question - Immune System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-5-exam-style-question-immune-system.md)
  - [11.2.6 A-A* (AO2/3) - Disease & Immune System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/11-2-6-a-a-ao23-disease-and-immune-system.md)

### 12 Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)
- 12.1 Energy
  - [12.1.1 Energy & ATP](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-1-1-energy-and-atp.md)
  - [12.1.2 Respiratory Substrates & Quotient](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-1-2-respiratory-substrates-and-quotient.md)
  - [12.1.3 Respirometers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-1-3-respirometers.md)
- 12.2 Respiration
  - [12.2.1 Introduction to Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-1-introduction-to-respiration.md)
  - [12.2.2 Anaerobic Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-2-anaerobic-respiration.md)
  - [12.2.3 Aerobic Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-3-aerobic-respiration.md)
  - [12.2.4 Chemiosmosis & Coenzymes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-4-chemiosmosis-and-coenzymes.md)
  - [12.2.5 Mitochondria](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-5-mitochondria.md)
  - [12.2.6 Respiration Experiments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-6-respiration-experiments.md)
  - [12.2.7 End of Topic Test - Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-7-end-of-topic-test-respiration.md)
  - [12.2.8 A-A* (AO3/4) - Respiration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/12-2-8-a-a-ao34-respiration.md)

### 13 Photosynthesis (A2 Only)
- 13.1 Photosynthesis
  - [13.1.1 Introduction to Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-1-introduction-to-photosynthesis.md)
  - [13.1.2 Light-Dependent Reactions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-2-light-dependent-reactions.md)
  - [13.1.3 Light-Independent Reactions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-3-light-independent-reactions.md)
  - [13.1.4 Limiting Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-4-limiting-factors.md)
  - [13.1.5 Investigating Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-5-investigating-photosynthesis.md)
  - [13.1.6 End of Topic Test - Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-6-end-of-topic-test-photosynthesis.md)
  - [13.1.7 A-A* (AO3/4) - Photosynthesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/13-1-7-a-a-ao34-photosynthesis.md)

### 14 Homeostasis (A2 Only)
- 14.1 Homeostasis
  - [14.1.1 Homeostasis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-1-1-homeostasis.md)
  - [14.1.2 Negative Feedback](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-1-2-negative-feedback.md)
- 14.2 The Kidney
  - [14.2.1 Kidneys & Osmoregulation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-2-1-kidneys-and-osmoregulation.md)
- 14.3 Cell Signalling
  - [14.3.1 Messengers & cAMP](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-3-1-messengers-and-camp.md)
- 14.4 Blood Glucose Concentration
  - [14.4.1 Blood Glucose Concentration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-4-1-blood-glucose-concentration.md)
  - [14.4.2 Controlling Blood Glucose](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-4-2-controlling-blood-glucose.md)
  - [14.4.3 Urinalysis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-4-3-urinalysis.md)
- 14.5 Homeostasis in Plants
  - [14.5.1 Stomata & Guard Cells](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/14-5-1-stomata-and-guard-cells.md)

### 15 Control & Coordination (A2 Only)
- 15.1 Control & Coordination in Mammals
  - [15.1.1 Neurones](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-1-neurones.md)
  - [15.1.2 Receptors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-2-receptors.md)
  - [15.1.3 Taste](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-3-taste.md)
  - [15.1.4 Reflexes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-4-reflexes.md)
  - [15.1.5 Action Potentials](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-5-action-potentials.md)
  - [15.1.6 Saltatory Conduction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-6-saltatory-conduction.md)
  - [15.1.7 Synapses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-7-synapses.md)
  - [15.1.8 Cholinergic Synnapses](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-8-cholinergic-synnapses.md)
  - [15.1.9 Neuromuscular Junction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-9-neuromuscular-junction.md)
  - [15.1.10 Skeletal Muscle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-10-skeletal-muscle.md)
  - [15.1.11 Sliding Filament Theory Contraction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-11-sliding-filament-theory-contraction.md)
  - [15.1.12 Sliding Filament Theory Contraction 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-12-sliding-filament-theory-contraction-2.md)
  - [15.1.13 Menstruation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-13-menstruation.md)
  - [15.1.14 Contraceptive Pill](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-14-contraceptive-pill.md)
- 15.2 Control & Co-Ordination in Plants
  - [15.2.1 Venus Flytrap](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-2-1-venus-flytrap.md)
  - [15.2.2 Auixns](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-2-2-auixns.md)
  - [15.2.3 Gibberellins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-2-3-gibberellins.md)

### 16 Inherited Change (A2 Only)
- 16.1 Passage of Information to Offspring
  - [16.1.1 Meiosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-1-1-meiosis.md)
  - [16.1.2 Gametogenesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-1-2-gametogenesis.md)
  - [16.1.3 Meiosis & Genetic Diversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-1-3-meiosis-and-genetic-diversity.md)
- 16.2 Genes & Phenotype
  - [16.2.1 Key Terms in Genetics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-1-key-terms-in-genetics.md)
  - [16.2.2 Inheritance](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-2-inheritance.md)
  - [16.2.3 Linkage](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-3-linkage.md)
  - [16.2.4 Multiple Alleles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-4-multiple-alleles.md)
  - [16.2.5 Chi-Squared Test](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-5-chi-squared-test.md)
  - [16.2.6 Mutations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-6-mutations.md)
  - [16.2.7 Specific Mutations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-7-specific-mutations.md)
  - [16.2.8 End of Topic Test - Genetics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-8-end-of-topic-test-genetics.md)
  - [16.2.9 A-A* (AO2/3) - Genetics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-2-9-a-a-ao23-genetics.md)
- 16.3 Gene Control
  - [16.3.1 lac Operon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-3-1-lac-operon.md)
  - [16.3.2 Transcription Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-3-2-transcription-factors.md)
  - [16.3.3 Gibberellins & DELLA Proteins](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/16-3-3-gibberellins-and-della-proteins.md)

### 17 Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)
- 17.1 Variation
  - [17.1.1 Phenotypic Variation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-1-1-phenotypic-variation.md)
  - [17.1.2 Continuous & Discontinuous Variation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-1-2-continuous-and-discontinuous-variation.md)
  - [17.1.3 t-Tests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-1-3-t-tests.md)
- 17.2 Natural & Artificial Selection
  - [17.2.1 Natural Selection & Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-1-natural-selection-and-evolution.md)
  - [17.2.2 Types of Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-2-types-of-selection.md)
  - [17.2.3 Types of Selection Summary](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-3-types-of-selection-summary.md)
  - [17.2.4 Genetic Drift & Founder Effect](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-4-genetic-drift-and-founder-effect.md)
  - [17.2.5 Populations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-5-populations.md)
  - [17.2.6 Hardy-Weinberg Principle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-6-hardy-weinberg-principle.md)
  - [17.2.7 Artificial Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-2-7-artificial-selection.md)
- 17.3 Evolution
  - [17.3.1 Evolution by Natural Selection](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-3-1-evolution-by-natural-selection.md)
  - [17.3.2 Evidence for Evolution](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-3-2-evidence-for-evolution.md)
  - [17.3.3 Speciation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-3-3-speciation.md)
  - [17.3.4 Extinction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/17-3-4-extinction.md)

### 18 Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)
- 18.1 Biodiversity
  - [18.1.1 Key Terms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-1-key-terms.md)
  - [18.1.2 Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-2-biodiversity.md)
  - [18.1.3 Sampling Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-3-sampling-methods.md)
  - [18.1.4 Correlation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-4-correlation.md)
  - [18.1.5 Spearman’s Rank](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-5-spearmans-rank.md)
  - [18.1.6 Measuring Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-1-6-measuring-biodiversity.md)
- 18.2 Classification
  - [18.2.1 3-Domain Classification System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-2-1-3-domain-classification-system.md)
  - [18.2.2 Linnaean Classification System](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-2-2-linnaean-classification-system.md)
- 18.3 Conservation
  - [18.3.1 Importance of Biodiversity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-3-1-importance-of-biodiversity.md)
  - [18.3.2 Conservation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-3-2-conservation.md)
  - [18.3.3 Zoos, Seedbanks, & Other Conservation Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-3-3-zoos-seedbanks-and-other-conservation-methods.md)
  - [18.3.4 Assisted Reproduction & Contraception](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-3-4-assisted-reproduction-and-contraception.md)
  - [18.3.5 Non-Governmental Organisations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/18-3-5-non-governmental-organisations.md)

### 19 Genetic Technology (A2 Only)
- 19.1 Manipulating Genomes
  - [19.1.1 Recombinant DNA & Genetic Engineering](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-1-recombinant-dna-and-genetic-engineering.md)
  - [19.1.2 Restriction Endonucleases](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-2-restriction-endonucleases.md)
  - [19.1.3 Gel Electrophoresis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-3-gel-electrophoresis.md)
  - [19.1.4 DNA Probes & Microarrays](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-4-dna-probes-and-microarrays.md)
  - [19.1.5 End of Topic Test - Manipulating Genomes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-5-end-of-topic-test-manipulating-genomes.md)
  - [19.1.6 A-A* (AO2/3) - Manipulating Genomes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-1-6-a-a-ao23-manipulating-genomes.md)
- 19.2 Genetic Technology Applied to Medicine
  - [19.2.1 Bioinformatics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-1-bioinformatics.md)
  - [19.2.2 Applications of Recombinant DNA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-2-applications-of-recombinant-dna.md)
  - [19.2.3 Genetic Screening](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-3-genetic-screening.md)
  - [19.2.4 Gene Therapy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-4-gene-therapy.md)
  - [19.2.5 Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-5-ethics.md)
  - [19.2.6 DNA Profiling & Forensics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-2-6-dna-profiling-and-forensics.md)
- 19.3 Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture
  - [19.3.1 GM Crops & Livestock](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-3-1-gm-crops-and-livestock.md)
  - [19.3.2 Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/19-3-2-ethics.md)