Biology
10
specification units
50
named subtopics
Year 12–Year 13
year groups
Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology is organised here into 10 specification units covering 50 named subtopics, studied across Year 12–Year 13. The units are Biological Molecules, Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things, Classification and Biodiversity, Exchange and Transport, Energy for Biological Processes, Microbiology and Pathogens, Modern Genetics, Origins of Genetic Variation, Control Systems and Ecosystems.
Each subtopic is tagged on the question bank, so you can practise one skill at a time, sit a full Edexcel A Level past paper, or build a mixed worksheet from several units at once. Answers are checked against the Pearson Edexcel A Level mark scheme, awarding method, accuracy and final-answer marks separately so you can see exactly where marks were lost.
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things is the widest unit on this specification with 7 subtopics, so it is usually the highest-value place to start revision.
Biological Molecules
- Water and inorganic ions
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins and enzymes
- Nucleic acids: DNA and RNA
- ATP
Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things
- Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
- Cell ultrastructure and organelles
- Cell membranes and transport
- Viruses
- Mitosis and the cell cycle
- Meiosis and gametes
- Fertilisation and reproduction
Classification and Biodiversity
- Classification and taxonomy
- Natural selection and evolution
- Biodiversity and adaptation
- Genetic diversity and conservation
Exchange and Transport
- Surface area to volume ratio
- Gas exchange systems
- The mammalian circulatory system
- The heart and cardiac cycle
- Transport in plants
Energy for Biological Processes
- Photosynthesis: light-dependent reactions
- Photosynthesis: the Calvin cycle
- Respiration: glycolysis and Krebs cycle
- Oxidative phosphorylation
- Anaerobic respiration
Microbiology and Pathogens
- Microorganisms and culturing techniques
- Pathogens and disease
- The immune response
- Antibiotics and resistance
Modern Genetics
- Gene expression and protein synthesis
- Control of gene expression
- Gene technology and sequencing
- Genetic engineering and medicine
Origins of Genetic Variation
- Mutation and variation
- Meiosis and genetic variation
- Inheritance and genetic crosses
- Population genetics and Hardy-Weinberg
- Speciation
Control Systems
- Homeostasis principles
- The nervous system and nerve impulses
- Synapses and neurotransmitters
- Hormonal control and the endocrine system
- Control of blood glucose
- Osmoregulation and the kidney
Ecosystems
- Ecosystems and energy flow
- Nutrient cycles
- Population dynamics and succession
- Human impact and sustainability
How to revise Edexcel A Level Biology
- 1
Diagnose with one mixed set
Start with a mixed set drawn from all 10 units to find where Biology marks are actually being lost, rather than revising what already feels comfortable.
- 2
Drill unit by unit
Work through the subtopics in order, from Biological Molecules to Ecosystems, doing short focused sets rather than long unfocused sessions.
- 3
Sit a full past paper under timing
Once two or three units are solid, sit a complete Edexcel A Level Biology paper to timing and mark it against the official mark scheme.
- 4
Re-practise only the dropped marks
Convert every dropped mark into a targeted set on that subtopic, then re-test it a week later to check the fix stuck.
Continue with Biology
Every board and level we cover for this subject
Predicted papersPractice papers built from the topics that recur most
Past paper practiceSit whole papers online with examiner-grade marking
Other specifications for this subject
Biology — frequently asked questions
Everything students and parents ask about revising Edexcel A Level Biology.
The fastest route is past-paper-first revision: practise exam-style questions by topic, mark every answer against the real Pearson Edexcel A Level mark scheme, then drill the topics where you lose marks. On MathsGradeUp you can do all of this for Biology in one place — topic practice, full past papers and instant examiner-grade feedback.
Pearson Edexcel A Level Biology is mapped to the official specification and covers 10 units, including Biological Molecules, Cells, Viruses and Reproduction of Living Things, Classification and Biodiversity, Exchange and Transport, Energy for Biological Processes, Microbiology and Pathogens and more. Every unit is broken down into subtopics so you can target exactly what you need to revise.
Yes. You can open full Edexcel A Level Biology past papers, write directly on them with pen and maths tools, save your work, export a PDF, and submit for examiner-grade marking against the mark scheme.
Yes — our predicted papers for Biology are assembled from the topics that recur most in Pearson Edexcel A Level exams and the topics you have practised least. They are a revision aid built from the specification, not leaked content.
Each answer is checked against the real Pearson Edexcel A Level mark scheme, awarding method, accuracy and final-answer marks the way a real examiner would. You see exactly where marks were earned or dropped, with feedback you can act on.
Biology on the Pearson Edexcel A Level specification is aimed at Years 12–13. You can filter practice by year group and topic so the questions always match where you are in the course.
Yes. The Biology content follows the current Pearson Edexcel A Level specification, including all units and subtopics, so what you practise reflects what you will actually be examined on.
Yes — Biology practice, past papers and marking are free during our early launch period. Subscription plans may be introduced later, but launch users get full access now.
You do not just get an answer to copy. Biology marking guides you with hints, worked steps and mark-scheme-based feedback so you understand the method and pick up the marks yourself next time. Calculation-style questions are tagged so you can practise both structured and extended-response answers.
Yes. Parents and tutors can see completed Biology practice, accuracy, weak topics and overall exam readiness, making it easy to support revision and focus on the right areas.
Short, regular sessions beat occasional long ones. Aim for a few focused Biology sessions a week, always finishing by marking your work so each session ends with clear next steps. The progress dashboard shows what to revise next.