A Level Biology Revision Notes

Comprehensive A Level Biology revision notes providing information and assistance for all UK examination boards (AQA, OCR, Edexcel) as well as international curriculum (CIE).

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Characteristics of Eukaryotic Cellular Structures

Eukaryotic Cells

Before diving into the characteristics of eukaryotic cellular structures, let’s start with the basics. Eukaryotic cells, the building blocks of complex organisms ranging from fungi to plants and animals, are marvels of biological organization and sophistication. What sets them apart from their prokaryotic counterparts, such as bacteria and archaea, are their intricate and compartmentalized cellular …

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Translation in Protein Synthesis

Translation in Brief

Translation in protein synthesis is a crucial step where the information encoded in messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to assemble a specific protein. This process takes place in the ribosomes, cellular structures responsible for protein production In bacteria, translation starts when ribosomes bind to a specific site (the ribosome binding site, RBS), which is adjacent …

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Transcription Summary

Transcription in Brief

A transcription summary is basically a fundamental process in molecular biology that plays a pivotal role in the flow of genetic information within living cells. It is the first step in the central dogma of molecular biology, where the information encoded in DNA is transcribed into a complementary RNA molecule. This process, carried out by …

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Characteristics of the genetic code

The Genetic Code Dictionary

The genetic code consists of 64 triplets of nucleotides. These triplets are called codons.With three exceptions, each codon encodes for one of the 20 amino acids used in the synthesis of proteins. That produces some redundancy in the code: most of the amino acids being encoded by more than one codon. The genetic code is …

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Proteins – Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical Properties of Proteins Read more about Proteins – Introduction and Classification Chemical Properties of Proteins Frequently Asked Questions What are globular proteins? The proteins in which polypeptide chains fold onto themselves to take a globular shape are called globular proteins. These proteins have tertiary or quaternary structures. Which globular proteins are soluble in water? …

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Proteins – Introduction and Classification

Classification based on composition and solubility

Proteins are the most versatile macromolecules in living systems and serve crucial functions in essentially all biological processes. They function as catalysts, they transport and store other molecules such as oxygen, they provide mechanical support and immune protection, they generate movement, they transmit nerve impulses, and they control growth and differentiation. Keep reading for more …

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Water – Structure and Properties

Structure of Water

Water has a unique structure and properties, such as its ability to form hydrogen bonds, high polarity, and high heat capacity, which enable it to dissolve a wide range of solutes, act as a solvent for biochemical reactions, and regulate temperature in living organisms. Keep reading for more Water – Structure and Properties A-level Biology …

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Structure and Properties Of 20 Standard Amino Acids

All proteins are macromolecules because of their very high molecular weights. These are the polymers, i.e., chain-like molecules produced by joining a number of small units of amino acids called monomers. The amino acids are, therefore, regarded as ‘building blocks of proteins. Keep reading to get the comprehensive list of the structure and properties of 20 …

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DNA Replication In Brief

DNA Replication

A DNA strand can act as a template for synthesis of a new nucleic acid strand in which each base forms a hydrogen-bonded pair with one on the template strand (G with C, A with T, or A with U for RNA molecules). The new sequence is thus complementary to the template strand. The copying …

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Functions of Lipids

Functions of Lipids

The biological functions of lipids are as diverse as their chemistry. Fats and oils are the principal stored forms of energy in many organisms. Phospholipids and sterols are major structural elements of biological membranes. Other lipids, although present in relatively small quantities, play crucial roles as enzyme cofactors, electron carriers, light-absorbing pigments, hydrophobic anchors for …

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