Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-11-sliding-filament-theory-contraction

[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) › Sliding Filament Theory Contraction

# Sliding Filament Theory Contraction

Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 15.1.11

## Sliding Filament Theory

The sliding filament theory explains how muscle contraction is coordinated in myofibrils. An overview of the steps involved are:

### Depolarisation of the sarcolemma

![Depolarisation of the sarcolemma](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/588f7a21-b682-4536-b67e-defd50d6d98b/Sarcomere.jpg)

- Muscle contraction is initiated when an action potential arrives at the muscle cells.
- The action potential depolarises the sarcolemma.

### Contraction of the sarcomeres

![Contraction of the sarcomeres](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/588f7a21-b682-4536-b67e-defd50d6d98b/Sarcomere.jpg)

- Depolarisation of the sarcolemma causes the myosin and actin filaments to slide over each other.
- The sliding movement causes the sarcomeres to contract.

### Muscle contraction

![Muscle contraction](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/588f7a21-b682-4536-b67e-defd50d6d98b/Sarcomere.jpg)

- There are multiple sarcomeres along the length of myofibrils.
- As many sarcomeres contract simultaneously, the muscle fibres contract.
- Contraction of the muscle fibres causes the whole muscle to contract.

### Muscle relaxation

![Muscle relaxation](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/588f7a21-b682-4536-b67e-defd50d6d98b/Sarcomere.jpg)

- After the muscle has contracted, the sarcomeres relax.
- The filaments slide back over each other and the muscle relaxes.

## Myosin Heads

The Sliding Filament Theory takes place due to globular heads on myosin filaments. The globular heads allow myosin and actin filaments to bind together and slide past each other.

### Globular head

![Globular head](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/f0478aff-49c4-41d9-b6d6-ef87d085e9bd/Muscle-Contraction-1-one-myosin-sliding-filament-.png)

- Myosin filaments have globular heads.
- Globular heads can move back and forth.
- The movement of the globular heads is what allows actin and myosin filaments to slide past each other in muscle contraction.

### Binding sites

![Binding sites](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/a2058661-f552-47b3-a0e4-a934407f124f/Muscle-Contraction-two-2-sliding-filament-myosin-.png)

- There are two binding sites on every myosin head:
 - One site can bind to actin.
 - One site can bind to ATP.
-  There is also a binding site for the myosin heads on actin filaments. This is called the actin-myosin binding site.

### Tropomyosin

![Tropomyosin](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-10/ec818c5a-9f9d-4a71-931d-c15fdb2d8ee8/Muscle-Contraction-three-3-sliding-filament-myosin-tropomyosin-.png)

- Tropomyosin is a protein that is located on actin filaments.
- Tropomyosin plays an important role in muscle contraction because it blocks the actin-myosin binding site when muscle fibres are at rest.
- When muscle fibres are stimulated, the tropomyosin protein is moved so that myosin heads can bind to the actin-myosin binding site.
- When actin and myosin bind, they can slide past each other to cause muscle contraction.

## Test yourself on Sliding Filament Theory Contraction

- Stages in Sliding Filament Theory
- What causes the myosin and actin filaments to slide over each other?
- Which of these do NOT bind to myosin heads?
- Which of the following statements about myosin heads are true?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/8d1a05c1-df92-4b13-9a69-b60acc7af79a/section/1fa9d937-82ad-4af2-b257-0c695a8ac3d5/session)

- Previous topic: [15.1.10 Skeletal Muscle](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/15-1-10-skeletal-muscle.md)
- Next topic: [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)

## 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)