Exam questions will often be based on standard biological investigations. Knowing the principles behind them is a major advantage.
: Use this structure to secure marks:
Use a sharp pencil. Points must be plotted accurately as small crosses (
Always write down the steps for calculations, including units. Partial marks are given even if the final numerical answer is wrong. biology 9700 practical notes
Place the independent variable in the first column, and the dependent variable in subsequent columns.
Improvement: Use a colorimeter to obtain quantitative absorbance/transmission data, or use a standardized color chart.
Cover test tubes with foil or rubber bungs to prevent evaporation loss. Exam questions will often be based on standard
Temperature (using a thermostatically controlled water bath) and pH (using buffer solutions). Plant Tissue Osmosis (Water Potential)
Do you need to review the ?
Repeat the process sequentially for Tubes 4 (1.25%) and 5 (0.625%). 4. Key Physiological & Enzymatic Techniques Enzyme Kinetics Points must be plotted accurately as small crosses
1 Stage Micrometer Division (SMD)=0.01 mm (or 10 μm)1 Stage Micrometer Division (SMD) equals 0.01 mm (or 10 mu m) Use the formula:
Common enzymes used include (breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas) and Amylase (breaking down starch into maltose). Measuring Rates:
Include headings with units separated by a slash (e.g., Time / s , Temperature / °C ). Never write units inside the data cells.
To conclude, effective preparation for the 9700 Biology practical papers is about combining knowledge with strategy. Use the syllabus as your ultimate checklist to cover every objective. Remember that the practical papers are not separate from your theory—skills like enzyme kinetics or genetic crosses, which are tested in Papers 3 and 5, also form the basis for your A2 theory assessments.