Higher Biology SQA
Full course content, a smart revision plan and instant past paper feedback for Higher Biology SQA.
Content Overview
70 topics in 6 modules
☑️ DNA and the Genome 8 topics
- The Structure of DNA
- Replication of DNA
- Gene Expression
- Cellular Differentiation
- The Structure of the Genome
- Mutations
- Evolution
- Genomic Sequencing
☑️ Metabolism and Survival 7 topics
- Metabolic Pathways
- Cellular Respiration
- Metabolic Rate
- Metabolism in Conformers and Regulators
- Metabolism and Adverse Conditions
- Environmental Control of Metabolism
- Genetic Control of Metabolism
☑️ Sustainability and Interdependence 8 topics
- Food Supply, Plant Growth and Productivity
- Plant and Animal Breeding
- Crop Protection
- Animal Welfare
- Symbiosis
- Social Behaviour
- Components of Biodiversity
- Threats to Biodiversity
☑️ Cells and Proteins 18 topics
- Liquids and Solutions
- Separation Techniques
- Detecting Proteins using Antibodies
- Microscopy
- Aseptic Technique and Cell Culture
- Proteins
- Synthesis and Transport of Proteins
- Protein Structure, Ligand Binding and Conformational Change
- Membrane Proteins
- Movement of Muscles Across Membranes
- Ion Transport Pumps and Generation of Ion Gradients
- Communication and Signalling: Co-ordination
- Hydrophobic Signals and Control of Transcription
- Hydrophilic Signals and Transduction
- Nerve Impulse Transmission
- The Cytoskeleton and Cell Division
- The Cell Cycle
- Programmed Cell Death
☑️ Organisms and Evolution 19 topics
- Sampling of Wild Organisms
- Identification and Taxonomy
- Monitoring Populations
- Measuring and Recording Animal Behaviour
- Evolution: Drift and Selection
- Evolution: Fitness
- Evolution: Co-evolution
- Variation and Sexual Reproduction
- Sexual and Asexual Reproduction
- Meiosis and Sex Determination
- Sex and Behaviour
- Sex and Behaviour: Parental Investment
- Reproductive Behaviours and Mating Systems in Animals
- Parasitism
- Parasitic Life Cycles
- Transmission and Virulence
- Defence against Parasitic Attack
- Parasitism: Immune Evasion
- Parasitism: Challenges in Treatment and Control
☑️ Investigative Biology 10 topics
- The Scientific Method
- Scientific Literature and Communication
- Scientific Ethics
- Investigative Biology: Experimentation
- Investigative Biology: Pilot Study
- Investigative Biology: Experimental Design
- Investigative Biology: Sampling
- Investigative Biology: Reliability
- Investigative Biology: Presentation of Data
- Reporting and Critical Evaluation of Biological Research
Higher Biology SQA Revision Content
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Higher Biology SQA - DNA and the Genome - The Structure of DNA Content Preview
DNA and the Genome
The Structure of DNA
Structure of DNA
DNA Components
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DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is a type of genetic material found in living organisms. It controls physical characteristics and cellular functions.
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The DNA molecule consists of two polynucleotide chains twisted around each other to form a double helix.
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Each polynucleotide chain is made up of nucleotide subunits.
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Nucleotides consist of a phosphate group, a deoxyribose sugar and a nitrogenous base.
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Four different nitrogenous bases exist in DNA: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C).
Base Pairing and Bonding
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In DNA, bases pair in a specific manner: adenine pairs with thymine (A-T), and guanine pairs with cytosine (G-C). This is also known as complementary base pairing.
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Each base pair is held together by hydrogen bonds: Two between A-T and three between G-C.
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The phosphate group of one nucleotide binds to the deoxyribose sugar of the next nucleotide, forming a sugar-phosphate backbone. This is a result of a covalent bond, which are strong and stable.
Double Helix Structure
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The two polynucleotide chains run anti-parallel to each other, meaning they run in opposite directions.
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This double helix structure is twisted, creating major grooves and minor grooves.
Genome and Chromosomes
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The genetic information carried by an organism is its genome.
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This genome is divided into chromosomes, which are further divided into genes.
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Each gene has the instructions necessary for the production of a particular protein.
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Different species have different number of chromosomes. Humans have 46 (23 pairs).
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Each chromosome is a long, linear DNA molecule associated with proteins called histones. The DNA-histone complex is known as chromatin.
Remember, understanding the structure of DNA is fundamental to biology as it helps explain how genetic information is stored, transferred, and manifested as physical traits.
Question: Explain what a nitrogenous base is and its role in the structure of DNA.
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