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1.2The Nature and Variety of Living Organisms

Variety of living organisms — Edexcel Modular - OL Revision Notes & Topical Questions

10 min read 19 parts Lesson 3 of 3 2 quizzes

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Lesson summary

Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology notes: describe the common features shown by eukaryotic organismsA pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease.Bacteria contain plasmids and a circular chromosome.describe the common features shown by eukaryotic orga…

  • Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology: what to do next
  • Prokaryote
  • Protoctists
  • Give / State / Name
  • Evaluate / Assess
  • Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson

Part 1 of 6Key ideas

Key ideas
A pathogen is a microorganism that causes disease.
Bacteria contain plasmids and a circular chromosome.

Part 2 of 6Syllabus points

Syllabus points
describe the common features shown by eukaryotic organisms
  • plants
  • animals
  • fungi and protoctists
describe the common features shown by prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria
understand the term pathogen and know that pathogens may include fungi, bacteria, protoctists or viruses

Part 3 of 6Process & sequence

  • Organism
  • Nucleus?
  • Prokaryote or eukaryote
  • Kingdom features
Pathogens
Fungi – athlete’s foot
Bacteria – Pneumococcus
Protoctist – Plasmodium (malaria)
Virus – HIV, influenza

Part 4 of 6Summary

Summary
Fungal cell walls are made of chitin.
Viruses can only reproduce inside living cells.

Part 5 of 6Keep going

Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology: what to do next

These Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology notes covered the key ideas, worked examples and exam technique for this topic. Check your Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology understanding with the practice questions below, then reread any Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology point you were unsure about before moving on.

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Practice: Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology practice questions
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Previous lesson: 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms — Notes
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Next lesson: 2.1 Level of organisation — Notes
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Course: Edexcel Modular - OL — all units
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Official syllabus: Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs

Variety of living organisms Edexcel O Level Modular Biology revision notes

Part 6 of 6Compare: Compare

Groups of living organisms
GroupCellsCell wallNutritionStorageExample
PlantsMulticellularCellulosePhotosynthesisStarch, sucroseMaize, pea
AnimalsMulticellularNoneFeed on organismsGlycogenHuman, housefly
FungiMostly multicellular (yeast single)ChitinSaprotrophicGlycogenMucor, yeast
BacteriaSingle (prokaryote)Yes (not cellulose)Some photosynthesise—Lactobacillus, Pneumococcus
ProtoctistsMostly singleSomeVaries—Amoeba, Chlorella
VirusesNot cellsProtein coatParasitic—Influenza, HIV, TMV

Key terms

Command terms

Command terms
Give / State / Name
Recall a fact; one idea per mark.
Define
Give the exact meaning using the specification keywords.
Describe
Give an account of what happens / the pattern in data, quoting values; no reasons needed.
Explain
Give reasons with linked statements (cause → effect). Each linked step is usually a separate marking point.
Suggest
Use knowledge in a new context; more than one answer may be accepted.
Compare
Similarities and differences; each point must refer to both items.
Calculate
Show working; include units; check significant figures. Method marks are given even if the final answer is wrong.
Discuss
Explore the issue from different angles and link the points.
Evaluate / Assess
Weigh strengths and weaknesses and reach a supported judgement.
Deduce
Draw a conclusion from the information given.
Justify
Support a statement/choice with evidence.

Exam technique

Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson

Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson
Eukaryote · Prokaryote · Plants · Fungi · Protoctists · Viruses
Learn each definition in the Key words tab exactly; a missing keyword in a definition usually loses the mark.

How to get full marks (examiner guidance)

How to get full marks (examiner guidance)
Use specification keywords exactly (e.g. eukaryotic/prokaryotic, enzyme–substrate complex, active site, complementary).
Link ideas
Link ideas for “explain” each marking point is usually a cause → consequence step; unlinked facts often score nothing.
Use the information in the question
“discuss/evaluate” answers must use the data provided and match the number of marks.
Convert units carefully (mg → g, cm³ → dm³) and show working for calculations.
Avoid vague words
“it”, “stuff”, “things”, “goes up”, “energy is made”. Name the substance and the process.
Do not extrapolate a graph line beyond the data or to zero unless asked.
Six-mark extended responses are marked on content AND a logical, linked line of reasoning.

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