Scottish National 4 (Nat 4) Biology (National 4) Syllabus

Biology (National 4) syllabus — full chapter and topic list

Expand any chapter to see its topics and sub-topics. This is the whole examinable outline for Biology (National 4) in Scottish National 4 (Nat 4), not a summary of it.

1. 1

   Cell Biology

   4 topics

   • Cell structure
     • Plant and animal cells
     • Cell organelles and functions
   • Transport in cells
     • Diffusion and osmosis
   • DNA and proteins
     • Role of DNA
     • Enzymes
   • Photosynthesis and respiration
     • Energy in living cells
2. 2

   Multicellular Organisms

   4 topics

   • Cells, tissues and organs
     • Levels of organisation
   • Reproduction
     • Gametes and fertilisation
   • Body systems
     • Digestive and circulatory systems
   • Control and communication
     • Hormones and the nervous system
3. 3

   Life on Earth

   3 topics

   • Ecosystems and biodiversity
     • Food chains and food webs
     • Energy flow in ecosystems
   • Adaptation and natural selection
     • Survival and evolution
   • Human impact on the environment
     • Pollution and conservation
4. 4

   Practical Biology Skills

   3 topics

   • Designing investigations
     • Variables and controls
   • Practical techniques
     • Using a microscope
     • Sampling techniques
   • Evaluating evidence
     • Reliability and conclusions

Biology (National 4) flashcards for Scottish National 4 (Nat 4)

18 of 50 cards from the Biology (National 4) deck — real questions with worked answers.

1. What is a cell, in biological terms?

   The basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms — the smallest unit capable of carrying out the processes of life.

2. Name the four structures found in BOTH plant and animal cells.

   Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and mitochondria.

3. Which three structures are found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells?

   Cell wall (made of cellulose), chloroplasts, and a large permanent (sap) vacuole.

4. What is the function of the nucleus in a cell?

   It controls the cell's activities and contains the genetic material (DNA/chromosomes).

5. What is the function of the cell membrane?

   It controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell (it is selectively permeable).

6. What is the function of the cell wall in a plant cell?

   It provides support and structure, giving the cell its shape and preventing it from bursting.

7. What is the function of chloroplasts and what pigment do they contain?

   They are the site of photosynthesis and contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy.

8. What is the function of mitochondria?

   They are the site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy from glucose for the cell.

9. What is the function of the vacuole in a plant cell?

   It contains cell sap and helps keep the cell firm (turgid) by storing water and supporting the cell.

10. Define diffusion.

    The net movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, down a concentration gradient.

11. Define osmosis.

    The movement of water molecules from a region of high water concentration to a region of low water concentration across a selectively permeable membrane.

12. What is active transport and how does it differ from diffusion?

    Active transport is the movement of molecules against the concentration gradient (low to high). Unlike diffusion, it requires energy from respiration.

13. Give one example of a substance that enters cells by diffusion and one that leaves by diffusion.

    Oxygen and glucose diffuse into cells; carbon dioxide diffuses out of cells.

14. What does DNA stand for and what is its function?

    Deoxyribonucleic acid. It carries the genetic information that codes for the production of proteins.

15. What is the shape of a DNA molecule?

    A double helix — two strands twisted around each other.

16. What is a gene?

    A section of DNA that carries the code (instructions) for making a particular protein.

17. Give three examples of the roles proteins play in the body.

    Enzymes (catalysts), structural proteins (e.g. keratin/collagen), hormones, and antibodies — proteins act as enzymes, structures, hormones and antibodies.

18. What is an enzyme?

    A biological catalyst, made of protein, that speeds up the rate of chemical reactions in living organisms without being used up.

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