Organisation

Organisation covers how cells build into tissues, organs and organ systems, and then works through the human digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems, enzymes, the heart and blood vessels, non-communicable disease, and plant tissues and transport.

Enzymes are the topic to secure first, because their behaviour explains much of digestion and recurs throughout the course. The lock-and-key model, the effect of temperature and pH, and the meaning of denaturation are all examined regularly. The heart and blood vessels reward learning the structures in the order blood passes through them. Students most often lose marks by describing an enzyme as being killed rather than denatured, and by confusing arteries and veins when explaining the relationship between structure and function. Two required practicals sit here, on food tests and on enzyme activity.