Written by an experienced author team, with the same straightforward approach as the successful New for You GCSE series.

Part 1 Core principles: biological molecules - structure and role of carbohydrates, proteins and fats; cells - ultrastructure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells; the cell membrane and transport - plasma membrane structure, diffusion, osmosis, active transport; enzymes - properties and action of enzymes related to their 3-D structure; digestion - types of heterotrophic nutrition, structure and functions of the human digestive system; further questions on core principles. Part 2 Genes and genetic engineering: nucleic acids and protein synthesis - structure of DNA and RNA, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code and protein synthesis; cell division - the stages of mitosis and meiosis, the cell cycle, cloning; reproduction - the importance of meiosis and fertilization in sexual reproduction; gene technology - industrial fermentation, PCR, genetic fingerprinting, gene therapy, transgenic organisms; further questions on genes and genetic engineering. Part 3 Gas exchange and transport: gas exchange - gas exchange surfaces, gas exchange in humans and in plants; transport in animals - heart action, control of heartbeat, blood vessels, exchange at capillaries, oxygen dissociation curves; transport in plants - leaf structure, structure and function of xylem and phloem, transpiration and water uptake by roots, xerophytes, translocation; further questions on gas exchange and transport. Part 4 Human health and disease: diet and health - balanced diet, different energy and nutrient needs, malnutrition; exercise and health - breathing and exercise, smoking and diseases of the lungs and heart; infectious disease and immunity - bacterial and viral disease, the immune response, vaccination, antibiotics and resistance; further questions on human health and disease. Part 5 Energy and control: respiration - the role of ATP, aerobic and anaerobic respiration; photosynthesis - light stage, dark stage, the rate of photosynthesis; homeostasis - thermoregulation, control of blood glucose level, the kidney excretion and osmoregulation; control and coordination - nerve impulse, synapses, spinal reflexes, the eye, muscle contraction, plant growth substances; further questions on energy and control. Part 6 Continuity and environment: inheritance - monohybrid and dihybrid inheritance, codominance, multiple alleles, gene interaction, sex linkage; selection, evolution and classification - gene and chromosome mutations, natural selection, speciation, artificial selection, classification, the 5 kingdoms; energy and ecosystems - feeding relationships, pyramids, energy flow, nutrient cycling; interactions between organisms - population growth, competition, predation, biological control, succession, fieldwork techniques; human influences on ecosystems - deforestation, greenhouse effect, acid rain, organic pollution, eutrophication, bioaccumulation; further questions on continuity and environment; further synoptic questions. Part 7 Extra sections: study skills; prac