Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-6-adaptions-to-surface-area-to-volume-ratio

[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) › Adaptions to Surface Area to Volume Ratio

# Adaptions to Surface Area to Volume Ratio

Biology: Cambridge International A Level, topic 4.2.6

## 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 Adaptions to 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/8d1a05c1-df92-4b13-9a69-b60acc7af79a/section/1cf188d9-45b6-49a8-b3f6-a280c3b6cefe/session)

- Previous topic: [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)
- Next topic: [4.2.7 Calculations - Volume](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/international-a-level/biology/cambridge-international/4-2-7-calculations-volume.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)