Foundations in Biology¶
Module 2 establishes the cellular and molecular baseline for the rest of the course. Most later topics depend on these structures, processes and vocabulary.
Core Role¶
- Build secure knowledge of cell structure, ultrastructure and microscopy.
- Link molecular structure to biological function.
- Introduce DNA, RNA, ATP, enzymes and membrane transport.
- Connect cell division and differentiation to tissue organisation and stem cells.
Learning Objective Map¶
Each Module 2 topic page now opens with a specification-aligned Learning Objectives section. Use these links to jump straight to the objective map for each topic, then into the teaching sections linked from that map.
| Topic | Objective map focus |
|---|---|
| 2.1.1 Cell structure | microscopy and resolution; measuring and drawing cells; organelles; prokaryote vs eukaryote comparisons |
| 2.1.2 Biological molecules | molecular building blocks; water and ions; carbohydrates; lipids; proteins |
| 2.1.3 Nucleotides and nucleic acids | DNA and RNA structure; replication; transcription and translation; ATP |
| 2.1.4 Enzymes | enzyme action; rate factors; cofactors and inhibitors; data interpretation |
| 2.1.5 Biological membranes | membrane structure; membrane fluidity; transport mechanisms; osmosis and water potential |
| 2.1.6 Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation | chromosomes and the cell cycle; mitosis; meiosis and variation; specialisation and stem cells |
Topic Pages¶
- 2.1.1 Cell structure
- 2.1.2 Biological molecules
- 2.1.3 Nucleotides and nucleic acids
- 2.1.4 Enzymes
- 2.1.5 Biological membranes
- 2.1.6 Cell division, cell diversity and cellular organisation