Download Biology essay titles - Mark Scheme and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Biology in PDF only on Docsity! Version 1.1 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. Biology essay titles This document contains the essay titles and mark schemes used in AQA A-level Biology examinations since 2007. The specifications these exam questions came from are no longer in use, but the marking method has largely remained unchanged. Further guidance on the marking method used with the essay can be found in Paper 3 Essay marking guidance. Year Question Title BIOL5 2015R 10a The importance of responses to changes in the internal and external environment of an organism. 2015R 10b The importance to humans of the control of growth, reproduction and development of organisms, including themselves. 2015 10a The importance of proteins in the control of processes and responses in organisms. 2015 10b The causes and importance of variation and diversity in organisms. 2014 10 a Cells and organisms carry out exchanges with their external environment to maintain their internal environment. 2014 10 b How energy is transferred within and between organisms. 2013 10 a The membranes of different types of cells are involved in many different functions. 2013 10 b There are many different types of relationships and interactions between organisms. 2012 10 a The importance of shapes fitting together in cells and organisms 2012 10 b How bacteria can affect the lives of humans and other organisms 2011 10 a Using DNA in science and technology 2011 10 b A cycle is a biological pathway or process in which the end product of one cycle becomes the starting point for the next. Write an essay about cycles in biology 2010 10 a Carbon dioxide may affect organisms directly or indirectly. Describe and explain these effects. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 2 of 28 2010 10 b The causes of disease in humans SPEC B 2010 A The movement of substances within living organisms 2010 B Cycles in Biology 2009 A Ions and organisms 2009 B DNA and the transfer of information. 2008 A The part played by the movement of substances across cell membranes in the functioning of different organs and organ systems 2008 B The part played by enzymes in the functioning of different cells, tissues and organs. 2007 A Movements inside cells 2007 B Transfers through ecosystems SPEC A 2010 A Carbon dioxide in organisms and ecosystems. 2010 B Why the offspring produced by the same parents are different in appearance 2009 A The uses of water in living organisms. 2009 B The transfer of energy within and between organisms 2008 A Hydrogen bonds and their importance in living organisms. 2008 B How nitrogen-containing substances are made available to and are used 2007 A Carbon dioxide in organisms and ecosystems. 2007 B Why the offspring produced by the same parents are different in appearance AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 5 of 28 June 2015R 10 (b) The importance to humans of the control of growth, reproduction and development of organisms, including themselves. Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (b) A - 3.1.1 Pathogens (and invasion of human tissues) and 3.2.10 Antibiotic resistance โ control of bacterial growth Ch - 3.1.3 Cholera I - 3.1.6 Immune response and vaccination (to control growth of pathogens) B - 3.2.11 Human influence on biodiversity Hp - 3.4.1 Human populations Hf - 3.4.5 Humans and farming practices โ and 3.2.3 selective breeding F - 3.4.6 Use of fertilisers and pesticides S - 3.4.7 Succession โ control of G - 3.4.8 Genetics โ prediction of inherited conditions Ge - 3.5.7 Control of gene expression โ stem cells C - 3.5.7 Regulation of gene expression โ prevention, treatment and cure of cancer โ and 3.2.5 Mitosis and cancer Gc - 3.5.8 Gene cloning and transfer Gt - 3.5.8 Gene therapy 25 The topics listed contain material that could be made relevant to the title. Writing about these topics in a general sense may not address the question. Candidates may make correct use of material from other topics. A* includes where candidates use information about a topic in the specification but go beyond what is expected for our A-level. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 6 of 28 June 2015 10 (a) The importance of proteins in the control of processes and responses in organisms. Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (a) Cat. Enzymes as catalysts Met. Enyzmes control metabolic pathways R. Proteins/enzymes in respiration P. Proteins/enzymes in photosynthesis Mb. Control of movement across Membranes IM. Immunology Hb. Haemoglobin DNA. DNA Pc. Pacinian corpuscles โ stretch mediated sodium channels AP. Action potentials S. Synaptic transmission Hm. Protein/peptide hormones T. Enzymes in gene transcription and Translation TF. Transcription factors and receptors GT. Gene therapy involving proteins 25 The topics listed contain material that could be made relevant to the title. Writing about these topics in a general sense may not address the question. Candidates may make correct use of material from other topics. A* includes where candidates use information about a topic in the specification but go beyond what is expected for our A-level. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 7 of 28 June 2015 10 (b) The causes and importance of variation and diversity in organisms. (25 marks) Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (b) A. Antigenic variation in pathogens โ antigenic variation in e.g. viruses E. Evolution of antibiotic-resistance in Bacteria DNA. Genetic diversity because of differences in DNA โ comparing base sequences G. Genes, alleles and proteins produced P. Comparing protein sequences AS. Selection โ selective breeding, artificial selection FG. Founder effect/genetic bottlenecks Sp. Species diversity and index of Diversity C. Causes of variation in populations โ Meiosis DV. Advantages of variation โ disease, food chains, adaptation S. Succession GP. Gene pools and evolution, natural Selection Sp. Speciation, geographical isolation GMT. Gene mutation GE. Differences in gene expression GMT. Genetically modified organisms GF. Genetic fingerprinting 25 The topics listed contain material that could be made relevant to the title. Writing about these topics in a general sense may not address the question. Candidates may make correct use of material from other topics. A* includes where candidates use information about a topic in the specification but go beyond what is expected for our A-level. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 10 of 28 BIOL5 2013 10(a) The membranes of different types of cells are involved in many different functions (25 marks) Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10(a) 1. Membrane function as selectively permeable barrier 1. Transport mechanisms across membranes 1. Absorption and co-transport of sodium ions and glucose 2. Photosynthesis, chloroplast, thylakoids 2. Respiration, mitochondrion and cristae 2. Protein secretion, RER, SER and Golgi 3. Surface receptors/antigen and immune response 3. Cell division 3. Vertical and horizontal transmission โ membranes and bacteria 3. Pacinian corpuscle 4. Tropisms โ movement of IAA 4. Nerve impulses/action potentials 4. Synaptic transmission 4. Muscle contraction, calcium ion movement/storage 4. Hormones - eg Blood glucose regulation โ insulin and glucagon 4. Osmosis, including water movement in plants 25 The emphasis in answers should be on the involvement of membranes in processes, not just the processes themselves Breadth, one mark for use of an example from each of the following approaches: 1. Membranes โ basic functions 2. Organelle membranes 3. Cell surface membranes 4. Processes โ eg protein secretion, synaptic transmission, cell division AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 11 of 28 BIOL 5 2013 10 (b) There are many different types of relationships and interactions between organisms (25 marks) Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10(b) 1. Pathogens and effects on host 1. Cholera 1. TB 2. Taxonomy 2. Classification and evolution 2. Inheritance and evolution 2. Genetic code, universal 2. Behaviour 2. Populations and evolution, variation between individuals within a species 3. Relationships within ecosystems โ eg predator/prey 3. Energy transfer in ecosystems 3. Nutrient cycles, the organisms involved 3. Succession, biodiversity, species and individuals in a community 4. Human impacts on the environment and its effect on relationships between organisms โ including farming 4. Gene technology and GMO and selective breeding 4. Antibiotic resistance 25 The emphasis in answers should be on the relationships and interactions between organisms not just the topics themselves Breadth, one mark for use of an example from each of the following approaches โ 3 max: 1. Pathogen and host 2. Evolution (related topics) 3. Ecological 4. Human intervention in relationships AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 12 of 28 BIOL5 June 2012 10 (a) The importance of shapes fitting together in cells and organisms Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (a) Proteins and Enzymes 3.1.2 Enzyme properties and digestion 3.1.2 Protein structure 3.1.3 Plasma membrane structure and cell transport 3.1.6 Antigens, antibodies, B cells & T cells 3.1.6 Vaccines Nucleic Acids 3.2.2 Structure of DNA 3.2.5 DNA Replication (not PCR) 3.5.7 Transcription & translation 3.5.8 Transcriptional factors, oestrogen, siRNA 3.5.8 Restriction enzymes Physiology 3.2.4 Haemoglobin 3.5.2 Action potentials & synaptic transmission 3.5.3 Muscle contraction 3.5.4 Control of blood glucose concentration 3.5.5 Control of mammalian oestrous cycle 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 15 of 28 June 2011 Biol5 10 (b) A cycle is a biological pathway or process in which the end product of one cycle becomes the starting point for the next. Write an essay about cycles in biology Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (b) Ecological cycles Nutrient cycles Carbon cycle Nitrogen cycle Biochemical cycles Enzyme action Synthesis of ATP from ADP Light-independent reaction The Krebs cycle Physiological and genetic cycles The mechanism of breathing The cardiac cycle The cell cycle Muscle contraction Oestrous cycle 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 16 of 28 2010 June Biol5 10 (a) Carbon dioxide may affect organisms directly or indirectly. Describe and explain these effects. Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (a) Carbon dioxide affects the physiology of organisms Pulmonary ventilation and the mechanism of breathing Light-independent reaction of photosynthesis. Limiting factors Role of chemoreceptors in controlling heart rate The direct effects of increasing carbon dioxide concentration Respiration, photosynthesis and human activity giving rise to short-term fluctuations and long-term change. Yield of crop plants Carbon cycle Indirect effects of increasing carbon dioxide concentration Role of carbon dioxide in producing global warming; Life cycles and number of insect pests; Distribution of animals and plants; Effect of temperature on enzymes; 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 17 of 28 2010 June Biol5 10 (b) The causes of disease in humans Question Marking guidance Mark Comments 10 (b) Pathogens Pathogens include bacteria, viruses and fungi Pathogens cause disease by damaging cells and producing toxins Cholera bacteria produce toxins resulting in diarrhoea Symptoms and transmission of pulmonary tuberculosis Horizontal gene transmission and MRSA Lifestyle Risk factors associated with cancer and coronary heart disease The effects of fibrosis, asthma and emphysema on lung function The biological basis of heart disease Genetics Differences in bases may lead to non- functional enzymes Relationship between the cell cycle and cancer Proto-oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes Gene mutations 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 20 of 28 SPEC B June 2008 Unit 6/7/8 (25 marks) Essay A: The part played by the movement of substances across cell membranes in the functioning of different organs and organ systems Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay A 1. Plasma membranes and movement across 2. Gaseous exchange system/ lungs 3. Digestive system/small intestine 4. Blood vascular system 5. Transpiration/root/stem 6. Mass flow/leaf/stem 7. Nervous system/eye 8. Excretory system/ kidney 9. Muscle systems 10. Liver, blood glucose 11. Root mineral ions 12. Lungs cystic fibrosis 25 Any other sensible example of the movement of substances across cell membranes in the functioning of different organs and organ systems should be credited Essay B: The part played by enzymes in the functioning of different cells, tissues and organs Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay B 1. Action of enzymes 2. Enzyme properties 3. Extracellular digestion 4. Nutrient cycles 5. Digestion in humans 6. Replication of DNA 7. Protein and enzyme synthesis 8. Metabolic pathways 9. Mutations 10. Coenzymes and enzyme action 11. Homeostasis 12. Neurone/synapse 13. Muscle contraction 14. Pesticide toxicity 25 Any other sensible example of the part played by enzymes in the functioning of different cells, tissues and organs should be credited. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 21 of 28 SPEC B 2007 June series Unit 6/7/8 ESSAY A: Movements inside cells Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay A 1. Plasma membranes and movement across 2. Protein synthesis 3. Movement through ER and Golgi 4. Cell division and chromosome movement 5. Water movement in plants/xylem 6. Translocation 7. Neurones and synaptic vesicles 8. Actin and myosin 9. DNA replication and mutation 10. Electron transport chains 11. Molecular/atomic/ionic movement 25 Essay B: Transfers through ecosystems Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay B 1. Photosynthesis โ energy transfer 2. Respiration โ energy transfer 3. Carbon cycle 4. Nitrogen cycle 5. Food chains 6. Ecological pyramids 7. Pesticide toxicity/bioaccumulation 8. Eutrophication 9. Digestion and absorption 10. Transfer of genetic material 11. Water cycle 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 22 of 28 SPEC A Jan 2010 Unit 8 Essay A: Carbon dioxide in organisms and ecosystems Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay A Biochemistry 14.6 The biochemistry of photosynthesis 14.8 The biochemistry of respiration 11.6 C4 photosynthesis in maize Physiology 15.4 Gas exchange surfaces 10.8 Changes is cardiac output and pulmonary ventilation with exercise 15.5 The transport of respiratory gases Ecology 11.6 The effect of carbon dioxide on productivity 14.9 Decomposition and recycling maintain the balance of nutrients in an ecosystem The greenhouse effect is not specifically mentioned but should be credited here if discussed. 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 25 of 28 Essay B: The transfer of energy within and between organisms Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay B Autotrophic nutrition 14.6 Photosynthesis 11.6 Factors that limit the rate of photosynthesis Energy transfer 14.9 Carbon cycle 14.10 The influence of deforestation of carbon cycling 14.7 Ecological pyramids and the transfer of energy 16.4 Digestion and absorption Energy loss 14.8 Respiration and ATP 10.3 Active transport 15.9 Receptors convert stimuli into nerve impulses 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 26 of 28 SPEC A Biology and Human Biology June 2008 Paper 8/9 Essay A: Hydrogen bonds and their importance in living organisms Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay A Hydrogen bonds associated with the properties of water 15.1 The passage of water through a plant and cohesion tension Hydrogen bonds associated with secondary and tertiary structure 10.4 The structure of proteins, starch and cellulose 10.5 Enzymes Hydrogen bonds associated with nucleic acids 11.3 DNA as genetic material, structure of nucleic acids 11.4 Gene technology 25 Essay B: How nitrogen-containing substances are made available to and are used Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay B Nutrient cycling Nitrogen cycle The influence of deforestation of nitrogen cycling The uses of proteins Proteins as biological molecules Enzymes and enzyme action Haemoglobin and the exchange of respiratory gases The use of membrane proteins in the nervous system The uses of nucleic acids and other nitrogen-containing substances DNA and protein synthesis Chlorophyll, NADP and photosynthesis ATP and respiration 25 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas S treet, Manchester M15 6EX. 27 of 28 SPEC A Biology and Human Biology June 2007 Paper 8/9 Write an essay on one of the following topics. You should select and use information from different parts of the specification. Credit will be given not only for the biological content, but also for the selection and use of relevant information and for the organisation and presentation of the essay. Essay A: Carbon dioxide in organisms and ecosystems Question Marking guidance Mark Comments Essay A Biochemistry The biochemistry of photosynthesis 14.6 The biochemistry of respiration 14.8 C4 photosynthesis in maize 11.6 Physiology Gas exchange surfaces 15.4 Changes in cardiac output and pulmonary ventilation with exercise 10.8 The transport of respiratory gases 15.5 Ecology The effect of carbon dioxide on productivity; 11.6 Decomposition and recycling maintain the balance of nutrients in an ecosystem 14.9 The greenhouse effect is not specifically mentioned but should be credited here if discussed 25