KS3 & KS4 science curriculum

This unit builds on pupils’ prior learning from Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, where they explored cell structures and functions. It deepens their understanding by examining biological molecules and enzymes, focusing on their roles in cellular processes and metabolism. This prepares pupils for the next unit, Transport and exchange surfaces in humans, where they will apply their knowledge of enzymes and molecules to understand how substances are transported across cell membranes, highlighting the importance of cellular function in human physiology.

1. Biological molecules
2. Tests for biological molecules
3. Obtaining the elements needed to make biological molecules
4. Enzymes: function, structure and specificity
5. Explaining effects of substrate concentration and temperature on enzyme rate
6. The effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction: plan
7. The effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction: practical
8. The effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction: data analysis

• Carbohydrates (including sugars), proteins and lipids/fats are the major food groups.
• Photosynthesis in producers makes glucose, a type of carbohydrate.
• Producers use the glucose made by photosynthesis to make biomass for growth and repair, and as a fuel for cellular respiration to provide energy for life processes.
• Consumers depend upon producers to make biomass, which consumers eat as food.
• Consumers use the food they eat to make biomass for growth and repair, and as a fuel for cellular respiration to provide energy for life processes.