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DP IB Biology: HL

Revision Notes

Home / IB / Biology: HL / DP / Revision Notes / 7. Nucleic Acids (HL Only) / 7.3 Translation / 7.3.5 Levels of Protein Structure


7.3.5 Levels of Protein Structure


Primary Structure

Levels of Protein Structure

  • Proteins are relatively large, complex molecules that contain one or more chains of amino acids known as polypeptides
  • The three-dimensional arrangement of polypeptide chains dictates a protein's structure and function
  • There are four levels of structure in proteins
    • Three levels are structural aspects of a single polypeptide chain
    • The fourth level relates to a protein that has more than polypeptide chain

Primary structure

  • The sequence of amino acids bonded by covalent peptide bonds is the primary structure of a protein
  • The DNA of a cell determines the primary structure of a protein by instructing the cell to add certain amino acids in specific quantities in a specific, ordered sequence
  • This affects the shape, and therefore the function, of the protein
  • The primary structure is specific for each protein
  • Some mutations can lead to the incorrect amino acid being incorporated into the polypeptide chain which can affect the function of the protein

Primary structure, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

The primary structure of a protein. The three-letter abbreviations indicate the specific amino acid (there are 20 commonly found in cells of living organisms).

Secondary Structure

  • Secondary structure is the formation of complex shapes within the polypeptide chain
  • Secondary structure of a protein occurs due to weak hydrogen bonds
    • Hydrogen bonds form between carboxyl (C=O) groups and amino (H-N-H) groups
    • The bonds usually form between non-adjacent amino acids resulting in a change in shape of the linear polypeptide chain
  • There are two shapes that can form within proteins due to the hydrogen bonds:
    • Alpha-helix (or α-helix)
    • Beta-pleated sheet (or β-pleated sheet)
Secondary structure
The secondary structure of a protein with the α-helix and β-pleated sheets.
The magnified regions illustrate how the hydrogen bonds form between peptide bonds.

Tertiary Structure

Polar and non-polar amino acids are relevant to the bonds formed between R groups

  • Tertiary structure refers to how the polypeptide chain folds to form a complex, three-dimensional shape
  • Tertiary structure gives proteins a very specific shape that is important for function
    • Such as receptor sites on cell membranes and active sites in enzymes
  • Folding results from interactions between R groups (side chains) of the amino acids and the surrounding environment
  • A number of different interactions between R-groups contribute to the tertiary structure
    • Hydrogen bonds form between polar R-groups
    • Hydrophobic interactions form between the R-groups of non-polar amino acids within the interior of proteins to avoid contact with water
    • Covalent bonds form between the R-groups of cysteine amino acids to form disulphide bridges
    • Ionic bonds form between positively and negatively charged R-groups
Tertiary structure
The interactions that occur between the R groups of amino acids determine the tertiary structure and function of a protein

Quaternary Structure

Quaternary structure

  • Large proteins often consist of multiple polypeptide chains functioning together as a larger biologically active macromolecule
    • Each polypeptide chain is referred to as a subunit of the protein
  • Many proteins also contain non-polypeptide components (prosthetic groups) and are classed as conjugated proteins
  • Quaternary structure refers to how polypeptides and other components are arranged
    • This relates closely to function
    • Proteins with only one polypeptide chain do not have a quaternary structure
  • Haemoglobin is a conjugated protein, having quaternary structure, as it consists of multiple polypeptide chains (making four subunits) each with a prosthetic group
    • There are two pairs of identical polypeptide chains (α–globins and β–globins)
    • Each subunit has a prosthetic haem group which contains an iron atom (Fe)
Quaternary structure
The quaternary structure of haemoglobin
Four subunits (polypeptide chains) and prosthetic haem groups work together to carry oxygen

Summary of Bonds in Proteins Table

Table_ 16 Protein_Structures, downloadable AS & A Level Biology revision notes

Exam Tip

Familiarise yourself with the difference between the four structural levels found in proteins, noting which bonds are found at which level. Remember that the hydrogen bonds in tertiary structures are between the R groups whereas in secondary structures the hydrogen bonds form between the amino and carboxyl groups.


  • 1. Cell Biology
    • 1.1 Cells: Theory
      • 1.1.1 Cell Theory
        • 1.1.2 Functions of Life
          • 1.1.3 Surface Area to Volume Ratio
            • 1.1.4 Cell Specialisation
              • 1.1.5 Stem Cells
                • 1.1.6 Skills: Cell Theory
                • 1.2 Cells: Origin & Ultrastructure
                  • 1.2.1 Origin of Cells
                    • 1.2.2 Endosymbiotic Theory
                      • 1.2.3 Prokaryotic Cell Structure
                        • 1.2.4 Eukaryotic Cell Structure
                          • 1.2.5 Exocrine Pancreatic & Palisade Mesophyll Cells
                            • 1.2.6 Comparison of Prokaryotic & Eukaryotic Cells
                              • 1.2.7 Microscopes
                                • 1.2.8 Skills: Drawing Cells
                                  • 1.2.9 Skills: Cell Origin & Ultrastructure
                                  • 1.3 Cells: Membrane Structure & Transport
                                    • 1.3.1 Phospholipid Bilayer Properties
                                      • 1.3.2 Membrane Proteins
                                        • 1.3.3 History of Fluid Mosaic Model
                                          • 1.3.4 Membrane Transport
                                            • 1.3.5 Active Transport & Bulk Transport
                                              • 1.3.6 Skills: Membrane Structure & Transport
                                                • 1.3.7 Skills: Estimation of Osmolarity
                                                • 1.4 Cells: Division
                                                  • 1.4.1 Cell Cycle
                                                    • 1.4.2 Phases of Mitosis
                                                      • 1.4.3 Cancer
                                                        • 1.4.4 Skills: Cell Division
                                                      • 2. Molecular Biology
                                                        • 2.1 Metabolism & Water
                                                          • 2.1.1 Molecules
                                                            • 2.1.2 Metabolism
                                                              • 2.1.3 Hydrogen Bonds
                                                                • 2.1.4 Water
                                                                • 2.2 Carbohydrates & Lipids
                                                                  • 2.2.1 Carbohydrates
                                                                    • 2.2.2 Fatty Acids
                                                                      • 2.2.3 Lipids
                                                                        • 2.2.4 Skills: Visualising Carbohydrates
                                                                          • 2.2.5 Skills: Calculating BMI
                                                                          • 2.3 Proteins
                                                                            • 2.3.1 Proteins
                                                                              • 2.3.2 Protein Structure & Function
                                                                                • 2.3.3 The Variety of Proteins
                                                                                  • 2.3.4 Skills: Molecules
                                                                                  • 2.4 Enzymes
                                                                                    • 2.4.1 Enzymes
                                                                                      • 2.4.2 Immobilised Enzymes
                                                                                        • 2.4.3 Skills: Enzyme Experiments
                                                                                        • 2.5 Nucleic Acids: Structure & DNA Replication
                                                                                          • 2.5.1 DNA & RNA Structure
                                                                                            • 2.5.2 DNA Replication
                                                                                              • 2.5.3 Skills: DNA Replication
                                                                                              • 2.6 Transcription & Translation
                                                                                                • 2.6.1 Transcription
                                                                                                  • 2.6.2 Translation
                                                                                                    • 2.6.3 Biotechnology
                                                                                                      • 2.6.4 Skills: DNA, RNA & Protein Synthesis
                                                                                                        • 2.6.5 Skills: Interpreting Sequences
                                                                                                        • 2.7 Cellular Respiration
                                                                                                          • 2.7.1 Cellular Respiration
                                                                                                            • 2.7.2 Anaerobic Respiration
                                                                                                              • 2.7.3 Aerobic Respiration
                                                                                                                • 2.7.4 Skills: Respiration
                                                                                                                • 2.8 Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                  • 2.8.1 Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                    • 2.8.2 Photosynthesis Continued
                                                                                                                      • 2.8.3 Skills: Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                        • 2.8.4 Skills: Separating Photosynthetic Pigments
                                                                                                                      • 3. Genetics
                                                                                                                        • 3.1 Genes & Chromosomes
                                                                                                                          • 3.1.1 Genes
                                                                                                                            • 3.1.2 Alleles
                                                                                                                              • 3.1.3 Mutation
                                                                                                                                • 3.1.4 Genome
                                                                                                                                  • 3.1.5 Prokaryotic Chromosomes
                                                                                                                                    • 3.1.6 Eukaryotic Chromosomes
                                                                                                                                      • 3.1.7 Chromosome Number
                                                                                                                                        • 3.1.8 Sex Determination
                                                                                                                                          • 3.1.9 Karyograms
                                                                                                                                            • 3.1.10 Skills: Using Databases
                                                                                                                                            • 3.2 Meiosis
                                                                                                                                              • 3.2.1 Meiosis
                                                                                                                                                • 3.2.2 Stages of Meiosis
                                                                                                                                                  • 3.2.3 Genetic Variation
                                                                                                                                                    • 3.2.4 Non-disjunction
                                                                                                                                                      • 3.2.5 Skills: Meiosis
                                                                                                                                                      • 3.3 Inheritance
                                                                                                                                                        • 3.3.1 Inheritance
                                                                                                                                                          • 3.3.2 Inheriting Alleles
                                                                                                                                                            • 3.3.3 Skills: Inheritance
                                                                                                                                                              • 3.3.4 Inheritance of Genetic Diseases
                                                                                                                                                                • 3.3.5 Mutations & Disease
                                                                                                                                                                • 3.4 Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
                                                                                                                                                                  • 3.4.1 Electrophoresis & PCR
                                                                                                                                                                    • 3.4.2 DNA Profiling
                                                                                                                                                                      • 3.4.3 Genetic Modification
                                                                                                                                                                        • 3.4.4 Cloning
                                                                                                                                                                          • 3.4.5 Skills: Genetic Modification & Biotechnology
                                                                                                                                                                        • 4. Ecology
                                                                                                                                                                          • 4.1 Species, Communities, Ecosystems & Energy Flow
                                                                                                                                                                            • 4.1.1 Species & Population
                                                                                                                                                                              • 4.1.2 Methods of Nutrition
                                                                                                                                                                                • 4.1.3 Community
                                                                                                                                                                                  • 4.1.4 Nutrient Cycling
                                                                                                                                                                                    • 4.1.5 Energy Flow
                                                                                                                                                                                      • 4.1.6 Energy Losses
                                                                                                                                                                                        • 4.1.7 Skills: Species, Communities, Ecosystems & Energy Flow
                                                                                                                                                                                          • 4.1.8 Skills: Chi-squared test & Statistical Significance
                                                                                                                                                                                            • 4.1.9 Skills: Pyramids of Energy
                                                                                                                                                                                            • 4.2 Carbon Cycling & Climate Change
                                                                                                                                                                                              • 4.2.1 Carbon Cycle: Carbon Dioxide
                                                                                                                                                                                                • 4.2.2 Carbon Cycle: Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 4.2.3 Carbon Cycle: Methane
                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 4.2.4 Carbon Cycle: Organic Matter
                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 4.2.5 Climate Change: Greenhouse Effect
                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 4.2.6 Climate Change: Impact
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 4.2.7 Climate Change: Causes
                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 4.2.8 Skills: Carbon Cycling & Climate Change
                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 5. Evolution and Biodiversity
                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.1 Evolution & Natural Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 5.1.1 Evolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 5.1.2 Evolution: Evidence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 5.1.3 Variation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 5.1.4 Natural Selection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 5.1.5 Natural Selection Examples
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 5.2 Classification & Cladistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 5.2.1 Classification System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 5.2.2 Classifying Organisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 5.2.3 Plant Phyla Features
                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 5.2.4 Animal Phyla Features
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 5.2.5 Cladistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 5.2.6 Reclassification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 5.2.7 Skills: Classification & Cladistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6. Human Physiology
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.1 Digestion & Absorption
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 6.1.1 Digestion
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.1.2 Villi & Absorption
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.1.3 Absorption
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.1.4 Skills: Digestion & Absorption
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.2 The Blood System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 6.2.1 The Blood System: History
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 6.2.2 The Blood System: Vessels
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.2.3 The Blood System: Double Circulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.2.4 The Blood System: Cardiac Cycle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 6.2.5 The Heart Rate
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.2.6 Skills: The Blood System
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.3 Defence Against Infectious Disease
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.3.1 Skin
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.3.2 Blood Clotting
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 6.3.3 White Blood Cells
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 6.3.4 Antibiotics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.3.5 Antibiotic Resistance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.4 Gas Exchange
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.4.1 Ventilation: Function & Structures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 6.4.2 Ventilation: Mechanism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.4.3 Lung Diseases
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.4.4 Skills: Monitoring Ventilation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.5 Neurones & Synapses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.5.1 Neurones: Function & Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 6.5.2 Nerve Impulses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 6.5.3 Synapses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.5.4 Skill: Neurones & Synapses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 6.6 Hormones, Homeostasis & Reproduction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 6.6.1 Hormones
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 6.6.2 Hormones Continued
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 6.6.3 Reproduction: Background
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 6.6.4 Reproduction: Sex Determination in Males
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 6.6.5 Reproduction: Sex Determination in Females
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 6.6.6 Skills: Reproduction Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7. Nucleic Acids (HL Only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.1 DNA Structure & Replication
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.1.1 DNA Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 7.1.2 Mechanism of DNA Replication
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.1.3 Non-coding DNA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 7.1.4 DNA Sequencing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 7.1.5 Skills: The Hershey & Chase Experiment
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.1.6 Skills: Nucleosomes & Molecular Visualisation Software
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.2 Transcription & Gene Expression
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.2.1 Regulation of Gene Expression by Proteins
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.2.2 Environment & Gene Expression
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.2.3 Transcription
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 7.2.4 Post-transcriptional Modification
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.2.5 Skills: Analysing DNA Methylation Patterns
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 7.3 Translation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 7.3.1 Translation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 7.3.2 Ribosomes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 7.3.3 Translation in Prokaryotes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 7.3.4 Bioinformatics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 7.3.5 Levels of Protein Structure
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 7.3.6 Skills: Polysomes & Ribosomes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 8. Metabolism, Cell Respiration & Photosynthesis (HL Only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 8.1 Metabolism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 8.1.1 Metabolic Pathways
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 8.1.2 Inhibition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 8.1.3 Bioinformatics & Metabolism
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 8.1.4 Skills: Rates of Reaction & Types of Inhibition
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 8.2 Cell Respiration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 8.2.1 Oxidation, Reduction & Phosphorylation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 8.2.2 Overview of the Stages of Respiration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 8.2.3 Glycolysis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 8.2.4 The Link Reaction & The Krebs Cycle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 8.2.5 Oxidative Phosphorylation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 8.2.6 Mitochondria
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 8.2.7 Skills: Cell Respiration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 8.3 Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 8.3.1 Light-dependent Reactions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 8.3.2 Photophosphorylation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 8.3.3 Light-independent Reactions
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 8.3.4 Investigating Carbon Fixation in Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 8.3.5 Chloroplast
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 8.3.6 Skills: Photosynthesis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9. Plant Biology (HL Only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 9.1 Transport in the Xylem of Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.1.1 Transpiration in Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9.1.2 The Transpiration Stream
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.1.3 The Roots & Water Transport
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 9.1.4 Adaptations of Xerophytes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 9.1.5 Skills: Drawing Xylem Vessels
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.1.6 Skills: Experiments Investigating the Rate of Transpiration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.2 Transport in the Phloem of Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9.2.1 Translocation in Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 9.2.2 Sucrose Loading
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.2.3 Hydrostatic Pressure Gradients
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9.2.4 Skills: Identifying Xylem & Phloem
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.2.5 Skills: Measuring Phloem Transport Rates
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 9.3 Growth in Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 9.3.1 Plant Growth
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 9.3.2 Plant Hormones
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.3.3 Micropropagation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 9.4 Reproduction in Plants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 9.4.1 Flowering
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 9.4.2 Plant Reproduction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 9.4.3 Skills: Drawing Plant Structures
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 9.4.4 Skills: Investigating Factors Affecting Germination
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 10. Genetics & Evolution (HL Only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 10.1 Meiosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 10.1.1 The Process of Meiosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 10.1.2 Crossing Over
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 10.1.3 Meiosis I
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 10.1.4 Meiosis II
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 10.1.5 Skills: Drawing Chiasmata
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 10.2 Inheritance
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10.2.1 Unlinked Genes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 10.2.2 Skills: Analysing Dihybrid Crosses
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 10.2.3 Gene Linkage
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 10.2.4 Skills: Identifying Recombinants
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 10.2.5 Skills: Chi-squared Test
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 10.2.6 Variation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 10.3 Gene Pools & Speciation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 10.3.1 Gene Pools
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 10.3.2 Evolution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 10.3.3 Speciation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 10.3.4 Polyploidy & Speciation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 10.3.5 Skills: Comparing Allele Frequencies Between Populations
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11. Animal Physiology (HL Only)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.1 Antibody Production & Vaccination
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.1.1 Antigens
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.1.2 Specific Immune Response
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.1.3 Antibodies, Vaccines & Immunity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.1.4 Smallpox Vaccine & Eradication
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.1.5 Zoonosis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.1.6 Histamines
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.1.7 Monoclonal Antibodies
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.1.8 Skills: Analysing Epidemiological Data
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.2 Movement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.2.1 Requirements for Movement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.2.2 Skeletal Muscle
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.2.3 Mechanism of Muscle Contraction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.2.4 Skills: The Human Elbow & Sarcomeres
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.2.5 Skills: Analysing Muscle Contractions in Electron Micrographs
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.3 The Kidney & Osmoregulation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.3.1 Osmoregulation in Organisms
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.3.2 Kidney: Structure & Function
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.3.3 Conserving Water
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.3.4 The Role of ADH
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.3.5 Types of Nitrogenous Waste
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.3.6 Kidney Failure & Urinalysis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.3.7 Skills: Drawing & Annotating the Kidney
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • 11.4 Sexual Reproduction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • 11.4.1 Oogenesis & Spermatogenesis
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • 11.4.2 Fertilisation
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • 11.4.3 Pregnancy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • 11.4.4 Hormones in Pregnancy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • 11.4.5 The Placenta
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • 11.4.6 Oestrogen Pollution
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • 11.4.7 Skills: Annotating Sexual Reproduction Diagrams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Phil Chatterton

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Author: Phil

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Phil graduated in Biochemistry from Birmingham University and spent seventeen years in the drinks and chemicals industries. He holds an MBA from Manchester Business School. More recently, Phil has taught in secondary schools, examined GCSE Biology and has also co-directed a tuition agency. He is a passionate believer in promoting numeracy in his teaching and loves to create innovative resources.


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