Topical revision checklist for AQA UK GCE A Level Biology — specification 7402. Track confidence for each topic and sub-topic; aligned to 2026 specification headings. Rate your confidence (1–5) for each specification topic.
| Topic | Sub-topic | Resources | Confidence (1–5) | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Biological molecules | Monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides; starch, glycogen, cellulose | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | Triglycerides, phospholipids; saturated vs unsaturated | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | Amino acids, primary to quaternary protein structure | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | DNA and RNA structure; base pairing | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | Water: dipolar, solvent, specific heat capacity | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | Inorganic ions: roles in organisms | ||||
| 1. Biological molecules | Enzymes: active site, induced fit, factors affecting rate | ||||
| 2. Cells | Ultrastructure of eukaryotic cells | ||||
| 2. Cells | Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes; viruses (introductory) | ||||
| 2. Cells | Mitosis and the cell cycle | ||||
| 2. Cells | Meiosis and genetic variation | ||||
| 2. Cells | Cell membranes: fluid mosaic; factors affecting permeability | ||||
| 2. Cells | Cell recognition and communication (introductory) | ||||
| 3. Exchange and transport | Surface area to volume ratio; gas exchange surfaces | ||||
| 3. Exchange and transport | Mass transport: haemoglobin, blood vessels | ||||
| 3. Exchange and transport | The heart and cardiac cycle | ||||
| 3. Exchange and transport | Water transport in plants: cohesion–tension | ||||
| 3. Exchange and transport | Translocation of assimilates | ||||
| 4. DNA, genes, and protein synthesis | DNA replication; semi-conservative model | ||||
| 4. DNA, genes, and protein synthesis | Transcription and translation | ||||
| 4. DNA, genes, and protein synthesis | Mutations: substitution, insertion, deletion | ||||
| 4. DNA, genes, and protein synthesis | Regulation of lac operon (introductory) | ||||
| 5. Energy transfers | Photosynthesis: light-dependent and light-independent reactions | ||||
| 5. Energy transfers | Respiration: glycolysis, link reaction, Krebs, ETC | ||||
| 5. Energy transfers | Anaerobic respiration in plants and animals | ||||
| 5. Energy transfers | Nitrogen cycle (as specified) | ||||
| 6. Response to environment | Nervous system: action potentials; synapses | ||||
| 6. Response to environment | Brain structure and function (introductory) | ||||
| 6. Response to environment | Muscle: sliding filament theory | ||||
| 6. Response to environment | Homeostasis: blood glucose — insulin and glucagon | ||||
| 6. Response to environment | Osmoregulation: kidneys overview | ||||
| 7. Genetics and ecosystems | Hardy–Weinberg (as specified) | ||||
| 7. Genetics and ecosystems | Speciation: allopatric and sympatric | ||||
| 7. Genetics and ecosystems | Ecosystems: energy transfer; productivity | ||||
| 7. Genetics and ecosystems | Nutrient cycles: carbon, nitrogen | ||||
| 7. Genetics and ecosystems | Population ecology; competition | ||||
| 8. Gene expression (A Level) | Epigenetic regulation; methylation | ||||
| 8. Gene expression (A Level) | Cancer as gene malfunction | ||||
| 8. Gene expression (A Level) | Recombinant DNA technology; PCR, electrophoresis | ||||
| 8. Gene expression (A Level) | Genome projects; bioinformatics (introductory) |
Use with our Past Paper Finder for exam practice. Always cross-check topic coverage with your school’s route and the official board specification.