A protein which acts as a biological catalyst. This speeds up a reaction without being used up.

The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.

A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is.

The point at which a reaction is complete, often indicated by a change in colour of an indicator.

A precise, measurable and testable statement based on observations about how something works.

The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical

Biology

Components of an ecosystem

Measuring the size and distribution of populations of organisms

Estimating population size using quadrats: practical

Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical

Competition and adaptations in ecosystems

The role of microorganisms in decomposition

Factors affecting the rate of decomposition

The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation

Material cycles: the carbon cycle

Material cycles: the water cycle

Pupils will learn about biomass transfer including calculating the efficiency of transfers between trophic levels. They will learn about human impacts on the environment, food security and biotechnology to help maintain biodiversity and achieve food security.

Pupils learned about interdependence within ecosystems and how plants and animals are adapted to their environment. Pupils undertook ecological sampling to estimate population sizes and looked at the impact of humans on biodiversity.

This unit explores ecosystem organisation, biotic and abiotic factors, material cycling, and the role of decomposers. It covers methods for identifying species and measuring their distribution. Emphasis is on selecting appropriate techniques, accurate measurements, sampling, and fieldwork practices.

Living organisms and their environments

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

The colour that an indicator changes when added to a substance.

In the practical looking at the decomposition of milk by an enzyme, the point at which a colour change indicates the change in pH is known as the ...

Cresol red is a solution which changes colour. What are solutions that change colour called?

When carrying out a practical activity, a precise, measurable and testable statement based on observations about how something works is called a ...

In the practical where you looked at the effect of temperature on the decomposition of milk using an enzyme, which variable is the independent variable?

An enzyme is an example of a catalyst. What do catalysts do?

Enzymes are made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids combined together make what type of molecule?

The image is a simplified diagram of an enzyme. Which of the following would be the best label to use to replace 'A'?

How quickly populations of decomposers reproduce.

How quickly populations of decomposers die.

How quickly organic matter is broken down.

How many decomposers there are in a population.

What do we mean by the rate of decomposition?

Reducing the levels of oxygen that is available

Which of the following will help to increase the rate of decomposition?

It recycles important elements so they can be used by other organisms

Decomposers produce food for other all organisms in the rest of the food chain

Decomposers provide a food source for plants

Elements are used up during decomposition, this stops them from building up 

Why is decomposition in ecosystems important?

The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical

Lesson outcome

Content guidance