Singapore · SEABSyllabus
Biology syllabus, dot point by dot point
Every dot point in the Singapore Biologysyllabus, with a focused answer for each one. Click any dot point for a worked explainer, past exam questions, and links to related dot points. Written by Claude Opus 4.8, Anthropic's latest AI.
Biological Molecules and Enzymes
Module overview →- What are the main food molecules made of, and what are they used for?Describe the elements, building blocks and roles of carbohydrates, fats and proteins8 min answer →
- What are enzymes, and how do they speed up reactions in living things?Explain that enzymes are biological catalysts and describe their action using the lock and key model8 min answer →
- How do temperature and pH change how fast an enzyme works?Describe and explain the effects of temperature and pH on the rate of enzyme-controlled reactions8 min answer →
- How can we test a food sample to find out what nutrients it contains?Carry out and interpret the standard food tests for starch, reducing sugar, protein and fat8 min answer →
Cell Structure and Organisation
Module overview →- How are plant and animal cells alike, and how do they differ?Compare the structure of typical plant and animal cells and relate specialised cells to their functions8 min answer →
- How are cells organised into tissues, organs and systems in a large organism?Describe the levels of organisation from cell to tissue to organ to organ system to organism7 min answer →
- What are the parts of a typical cell, and what does each part do?Identify the main organelles of plant and animal cells and state the function of each8 min answer →
- How do we use a light microscope to see cells, and how do we calculate magnification?Use a light microscope to observe cells and calculate magnification and actual size8 min answer →
Organisms and Their Environment
Module overview →- How are living things linked by what they eat in an ecosystem?Describe ecosystems and feeding relationships using food chains and food webs8 min answer →
- Why are food chains short, and how do decomposers recycle nutrients?Explain the flow of energy through an ecosystem and the role of decomposers in recycling nutrients8 min answer →
- How do human activities harm the environment, and what can be done about it?Describe the effects of pollution and deforestation and ways to conserve the environment8 min answer →
- How does carbon move between the air, living things and the ground?Describe the carbon cycle and the processes that add and remove carbon dioxide from the air8 min answer →
Homeostasis, Excretion and Coordination
Module overview →- How does the body remove waste, and how does the kidney clean the blood?Explain excretion and describe how the kidney filters the blood and reabsorbs useful substances8 min answer →
- How does the body keep its internal conditions steady, such as the level of glucose in the blood?Define homeostasis and explain the control of blood glucose by insulin and glucagon8 min answer →
- How do hormones coordinate the body, and how is this different from nervous control?Describe hormonal coordination and compare it with nervous control, using adrenaline as an example8 min answer →
- How does the nervous system let the body respond quickly to its surroundings?Describe the nervous system and explain the reflex arc as a fast, automatic response8 min answer →
Movement of Substances
Module overview →- How can a cell move substances against the concentration gradient?Define active transport and explain its role using energy, with examples in cells7 min answer →
- How do substances move into and out of cells without using energy?Define diffusion and explain its importance in living organisms and the factors affecting its rate8 min answer →
- How does water move into and out of plant and animal cells?Define osmosis and explain its effects on plant and animal cells in solutions of different concentration8 min answer →
- Why do large organisms need special surfaces for exchange while tiny ones do not?Explain how surface area to volume ratio affects the exchange of substances in organisms8 min answer →
Nutrition in Humans and Plants
Module overview →- How are digested food molecules taken into the body and put to use?Describe how the small intestine is adapted for absorption and explain assimilation8 min answer →
- How is the leaf built to carry out photosynthesis efficiently?Relate the structure of a leaf to its function in photosynthesis and gas exchange8 min answer →
- How do green plants make their own food from light?State the word equation for photosynthesis and explain the conditions needed and the limiting factors8 min answer →
- How does the human body break down food into molecules it can use?Describe the human digestive system and the role of mechanical and chemical digestion8 min answer →
Reproduction, Genetics and Inheritance
Module overview →- How does genetic information sit on chromosomes, and how is it passed on when cells divide?Describe chromosomes, genes and DNA and explain the role of cell division in growth and reproduction8 min answer →
- How is a single characteristic, such as flower colour, passed from parents to offspring?Use genetic diagrams to predict the inheritance of a single gene and explain variation9 min answer →
- How do humans reproduce, and how are the sex cells adapted to their roles?Describe human sexual reproduction including fertilisation and the adaptations of the gametes8 min answer →
- How do flowering plants reproduce by pollination and fertilisation?Describe sexual reproduction in flowering plants including pollination and fertilisation8 min answer →
Respiration and Gas Exchange
Module overview →- How do cells release energy from glucose, with and without oxygen?Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration and state their word equations and energy yields8 min answer →
- How do the ribs and diaphragm move air into and out of the lungs?Describe the mechanism of breathing in humans, including the role of the ribs and diaphragm7 min answer →
- How do exercise and smoking affect breathing and the lungs?Explain the effects of physical activity on breathing and the harmful effects of tobacco smoke8 min answer →
- How does the human gas exchange system swap oxygen for carbon dioxide?Describe the human gas exchange system and explain how the alveoli are adapted for gas exchange8 min answer →
Transport in Humans and Plants
Module overview →- What is blood made of, and what does each part do?Describe the components of blood and explain the functions of red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma8 min answer →
- How is the heart built to pump blood, and how are the three blood vessels suited to their jobs?Describe the structure of the heart and relate arteries, veins and capillaries to their functions8 min answer →
- How does blood travel around the human body, and why does it pass through the heart twice?Describe the double circulatory system in humans and the path of blood around the body8 min answer →
- How do plants move water and food between their roots, stems and leaves?Describe transport in plants by xylem and phloem and explain transpiration8 min answer →