Extract from GCSE Science Schemes of Work: Topic 1 - Cell biology - 4.1.3 Transport in cells - Diffusion, Osmosis and Active transport

Oct 20, 2026

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GCSE Science Science hub meeting booklet 2 provides extracted curriculum content from GCSE science schemes of work, focusing on Topic 1: Cell biology (4.1.3 Transport in cells). It outlines learning outcomes and suggested activities for diffusion, osmosis and active transport, including definitions, factors affecting rates, examples of exchange processes, required practical on osmosis, and guidance for models, observations, calculations and investigations. Adaptation of exchange surfaces and practical enquiry opportunities are emphasized for both plant and animal cells.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time50 min

AccessFree to download

Extract from GCSE Biology Scheme of Work: Topic 1 – Cell biology

4.1.3 Transport in cells

4.1.3.1 Diffusion

4.1.3.2 Osmosis

4.1.3.3 Active transport

GCSE SCIENCE Science hub meeting Booklet 2: Extracts from GCSE science schemes of work Published: Spring 2020 AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723) . Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723) . Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. 2 of 20 Contents | Contents | Page | | --- | --- | | Extract from GCSE Biology Scheme of Work: Topic 1 – Cell biology | 4 | | Extract from GCSE Chemistry Scheme of Work: Topic 4 – Chemical changes | 7 | | Extract from GCSE Physics Scheme of Work: Topic 2 – Electricity | 12 | AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723) . Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. 3 of 20 Extract from GCSE Biology Scheme of Work: Topic 1 – Cell biology 4.1.3 Transport in cells | Spec ref. | Summary of the | Learning outcomes | Suggested | Opportunities to develop Scientific | Opportunities to develop | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | |
specification content | What most students should be able to do | timing (hours) |
Communication skills | and apply practical and enquiry skills | | 4.1.3.1 | Diffusion
Substances can move into and out of cells across membranes by diffusion.
Definition of diffusion and factors affecting rate.
Oxygen, carbon dioxide and urea passes through cell membranes by diffusion.
Single celled organisms have a bigger surface area to volume ratio than multicellular organisms, so transfer sufficient substances across their surface. | Define the term ‘diffusion’.
Explain how temperature, concentration gradient and surface area affect the rate of diffusion.
Give examples of substances that diffuse into and out of cells.
Calculate and compare surface area: volume ratios.
Explain how the small intestine and lungs in mammals, and roots and leaves in plants, are adapted for exchange of substances.
Describe and explain how an exchange surface is made more effective. | 2 | Observe demos and suggest explanations:
􀁸 Time how long it is before students can smell a perfume placed in a corner of the room.
􀁸 Is the rate of diffusion different for different gases? Use concentrated ammonium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid in a large glass tube.
􀁸 Does temperature affect the rate of diffusion? Fresh beetroot placed in iced water and warm water.
Record observations and suggest explanations.
Watch a video or computer simulation of diffusion on BBC or McGraw-Hill website. | Choose investigations as appropriate:
􀁸 Potassium permanganate in beaker of water; potassium permanganate onagar
􀁸 Investigate diffusion of different acids and alkalis through agar
􀁸 Investigate rate of diffusion of glucose through cellulose tubing
􀁸 Use digital microscope to observe diffusion of particles in milk or yogurt solution
Model diffusion. | AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723) . Our registered 4 of 20 address is AQA , Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. | | Multicellular organisms require specialised organ systems to exchange sufficient substances.
Factors affecting the effectiveness of an exchange surface. | | | Role play diffusion in gases and liquids at different temperatures and concentrations.
Observe micrographs of exchange surfaces in plants and animals. Make drawings and relate structure to function.
Produce a mind map to summarise diffusion and exchange surfaces. | Observe slides or micrographs of villi, alveoli, root hair cells and leaves.
Calculate surface area: volume ratios for differ

FAQs

What is diffusion in cell biology and what factors affect its rate?

Diffusion is the movement of substances into and out of cells across membranes. The rate is affected by temperature, concentration gradient and surface area, and examples include oxygen, carbon dioxide and urea.

What practical activity is required for osmosis?

A Required Practical: Osmosis is included, where students investigate the effect of different concentrations of salt or sugar solutions on the mass of plant tissue.

How is osmosis different from diffusion?

Osmosis is the movement of water from a dilute solution to a more concentrated solution through a partially permeable membrane. It is treated as a special type of diffusion for water molecules.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw