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Topic 8

EDEXCEL IAL BIOLOGY

Specification 2025 - 2026

Unit 5

Biology Checklist – Topic 8 Coordination, Response and Gene Technology

Topic 8 – Coordination, Response and Gene Technology

Progress: 0%

8.1 Structure and Function of Neurones

Know the structure and function of sensory , relay and motor neurones , including Schwann cells and myelination .

8.2 Nervous System and Effectors

Understand how the nervous system can cause effectors to respond to a stimulus .

8.3 Spinal Reflex Arc

Know the structure and function of a spinal reflex arc , including grey matter and white matter of the spinal cord .

8.4 Nerve Impulse Conduction

Understand how a nerve impulse (action potential) is conducted along an axon , involving changes in membrane permeability to sodium and potassium ions .

8.5 Role of Myelination

Understand the role of myelination in saltatory conduction .

8.6 Structure and Function of Synapses

(i) Know structure & function of synapses in nerve impulse transmission , including roles of neurotransmitters and acetylcholine .
(ii) Understand how the pupil dilates and contracts.

8.7 Effects of Drugs on Transmission

Understand how drugs influence nerve impulse transmission , illustrated by nicotine , lidocaine , cobra toxin , L-DOPA for Parkinson’s disease and MDMA (ecstasy) .

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8.8 Detection of Stimuli

Understand how nervous systems detect stimuli with reference to rod cells in the retina , roles of rhodopsin , opsin , retinal , cation channels , sodium ions and hyperpolarisation forming action potentials in optic neurones .

8.9 Habituation

Understand habituation and practise investigating habituation to a stimulus .

8.10 Mammalian Nervous System

Know that the mammalian nervous system consists of central and peripheral systems.

8.11 Plant Responses

Understand how phytochrome , auxin (IAA) and gibberellins control responses and affect transcription .

8.12 CORE PRACTICAL 18

Investigate production of amylase in germinating cereal grains .

8.13 Coordination in Animals

Understand how coordination in animals involves both nervous and hormonal control .

8.14 Functions of Brain Structures

Know locations & functions of cerebral hemispheres , hypothalamus , pituitary gland , cerebellum and medulla oblongata .

8.15 Medical Imaging Techniques

Understand how MRI , fMRI , PET and CT scans are used to study brain structure and function .

8.16 Brain Chemical Imbalances

Understand how imbalances of brain chemicals such as dopamine (in Parkinson’s disease ) and serotonin (in depression ) relate to health and drug development.

8.17 GM Organisms for Drug Production

Know how drugs can be produced using genetically modified organisms (plants, animals & microorganisms).

8.18 Recombinant DNA Production

Understand production of recombinant DNA using restriction endonucleases and DNA ligase .

8.19 Insertion of Recombinant DNA

Understand how recombinant DNA is inserted into other cells.

8.20 Use of Microarrays

Know how microarrays identify active genes.

8.21 Bioinformatics

Understand meaning of bioinformatics .

8.22 Risks and Benefits of GMOs

Understand risks and benefits of using genetically modified organisms .

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All Units (Unit 1 → Unit 6)

500$ 400$

Topic 1
Topic 2
Topic 3
Topic 4
Unit 3
Topic 5
Topic 6
Topic 7
Topic 8
Unit 6

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