Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
3 Subject content 3 Subject content
This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners. This syllabus gives you the flexibility to design a course that will interest, challenge and engage your learners.
Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’ study. These Where appropriate you are responsible for selecting resources and examples to support your learners’ study. These
should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as complying with should be appropriate for the learners’ age, cultural background and learning context as well as complying with
your school policies and local legal requirements. your school policies and local legal requirements.
All candidates should be taught the Core subject content. Candidates who are only taught the Core subject content All candidates should be taught the Core subject content. Candidates who are only taught the Core subject content
can achieve a maximum of grade C. Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should be taught the Extended subject can achieve a maximum of grade C. Candidates aiming for grades A* to C should be taught the Extended subject
content. The Extended subject content includes both the Core and the Supplement. content. The Extended subject content includes both the Core and the Supplement.
Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. Learners should pursue a fully integrated course which allows Scientific subjects are, by their nature, experimental. Learners should pursue a fully integrated course which allows
them to develop their experimental skills by doing practical work and investigations across a range of topics. them to develop their experimental skills by doing practical work and investigations across a range of topics.
Practical work helps students to: Practical work helps students to:
• use equipment and materials accurately and safely • use equipment and materials accurately and safely
• develop observational and problem-solving skills • develop observational and problem-solving skills
• develop a deeper understanding of the syllabus topics and the scientific approach • develop a deeper understanding of the syllabus topics and the scientific approach
• appreciate how scientific theories are developed and tested • appreciate how scientific theories are developed and tested
• transfer the experimental skills acquired to unfamiliar contexts • transfer the experimental skills acquired to unfamiliar contexts
• develop positive scientific attitudes such as objectivity, integrity, cooperation, enquiry and inventiveness • develop positive scientific attitudes such as objectivity, integrity, cooperation, enquiry and inventiveness
• develop an interest and enjoyment in science. • develop an interest and enjoyment in science.
1 Characteristics and classification of living organisms 1 Characteristics and classification of living organisms
1.1 Characteristics of living organisms 1.1 Characteristics of living organisms
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the characteristics of living organisms 1 Describe the characteristics of living organisms
by describing: by describing:
(a) movement as an action by an organism or (a) movement as an action by an organism or
part of an organism causing a change of part of an organism causing a change of
position or place position or place
(b) respiration as the chemical reactions in cells (b) respiration as the chemical reactions in cells
that break down nutrient molecules and that break down nutrient molecules and
release energy for metabolism release energy for metabolism
(c) sensitivity as the ability to detect and (c) sensitivity as the ability to detect and
respond to changes in the internal or external respond to changes in the internal or external
environment environment
(d) growth as a permanent increase in size and (d) growth as a permanent increase in size and
dry mass dry mass
(e) reproduction as the processes that make (e) reproduction as the processes that make
more of the same kind of organism more of the same kind of organism
(f) excretion as the removal of the waste (f) excretion as the removal of the waste
products of metabolism and substances in products of metabolism and substances in
excess of requirements excess of requirements
(g) nutrition as the taking in of materials for (g) nutrition as the taking in of materials for
energy, growth and development energy, growth and development
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems 1.2 Concept and uses of classification systems
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that organisms can be classified into groups 5 Explain that classification systems aim to reflect 1 State that organisms can be classified into groups 5 Explain that classification systems aim to reflect
by the features that they share evolutionary relationships by the features that they share evolutionary relationships
2 Describe a species as a group of organisms that 2 Describe a species as a group of organisms that
can reproduce to produce fertile offspring can reproduce to produce fertile offspring
3 Describe the binomial system of naming species 3 Describe the binomial system of naming species
as an internationally agreed system in which the as an internationally agreed system in which the
scientific name of an organism is made up of two scientific name of an organism is made up of two
parts showing the genus and species parts showing the genus and species
4 Construct and use dichotomous keys based on 4 Construct and use dichotomous keys based on
identifiable features identifiable features
6 Explain that the sequences of bases in DNA are 6 Explain that the sequences of bases in DNA are
used as a means of classification used as a means of classification
7 Explain that groups of organisms which share a 7 Explain that groups of organisms which share a
more recent ancestor (are more closely related) more recent ancestor (are more closely related)
have base sequences in DNA that are more have base sequences in DNA that are more
similar than those that share only a distant similar than those that share only a distant
ancestor ancestor
1.3 Features of organisms 1.3 Features of organisms
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State the main features used to place animals 4 State the main features used to place all 1 State the main features used to place animals 4 State the main features used to place all
and plants into the appropriate kingdoms organisms into one of the five kingdoms: animal, and plants into the appropriate kingdoms organisms into one of the five kingdoms: animal,
plant, fungus, prokaryote, protoctist plant, fungus, prokaryote, protoctist
2 State the main features used to place organisms 5 State the main features used to place organisms 2 State the main features used to place organisms 5 State the main features used to place organisms
into groups within the animal kingdom, limited into groups within the plant kingdom, limited into groups within the animal kingdom, limited into groups within the plant kingdom, limited
to: to ferns and flowering plants (dicotyledons and to: to ferns and flowering plants (dicotyledons and
(a) the main groups of vertebrates: mammals, monocotyledons) (a) the main groups of vertebrates: mammals, monocotyledons)
birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish
(b) the main groups of arthropods: myriapods, (b) the main groups of arthropods: myriapods,
insects, arachnids, crustaceans insects, arachnids, crustaceans
3 Classify organisms using the features identified in 6 Classify organisms using the features identified in 3 Classify organisms using the features identified in 6 Classify organisms using the features identified in
1.3.1 and 1.3.2 1.3.4 and 1.3.5 1.3.1 and 1.3.2 1.3.4 and 1.3.5
7 State the features of viruses, limited to a protein 7 State the features of viruses, limited to a protein
coat and genetic material coat and genetic material
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
2 Organisation of the organism 2 Organisation of the organism
2.1 Cell structure 2.1 Cell structure
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe and compare the structure of a plant 1 Describe and compare the structure of a plant
cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell
membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts,
ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles
2 Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, 2 Describe the structure of a bacterial cell,
limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm,
ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids
3 Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 3 Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2
in diagrams and images of plant, animal and in diagrams and images of plant, animal and
bacterial cells bacterial cells
4 Describe the functions of the structures listed in 4 Describe the functions of the structures listed in
2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in plant, animal and bacterial cells 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in plant, animal and bacterial cells
5 State that new cells are produced by division of 5 State that new cells are produced by division of
existing cells existing cells
6 State that specialised cells have specific 6 State that specialised cells have specific
functions, limited to: functions, limited to:
(a) ciliated cells – movement of mucus in the (a) ciliated cells – movement of mucus in the
trachea and bronchi trachea and bronchi
(b) root hair cells – absorption (b) root hair cells – absorption
(c) palisade mesophyll cells – photosynthesis (c) palisade mesophyll cells – photosynthesis
(d) neurones – conduction of electrical impulses (d) neurones – conduction of electrical impulses
(e) red blood cells – transport of oxygen (e) red blood cells – transport of oxygen
(f) sperm and egg cells (gametes) – reproduction (f) sperm and egg cells (gametes) – reproduction
7 Describe the meaning of the terms: cell, tissue, 7 Describe the meaning of the terms: cell, tissue,
organ, organ system and organism as illustrated organ, organ system and organism as illustrated
by examples given in the syllabus by examples given in the syllabus
2.2 Size of specimens 2.2 Size of specimens
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State and use the formula: 1 State and use the formula:
magnification = image size ÷ actual size magnification = image size ÷ actual size
2 Calculate magnification and size of biological 3 Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) 2 Calculate magnification and size of biological 3 Convert measurements between millimetres (mm)
specimens using millimetres as units and micrometres (μm) specimens using millimetres as units and micrometres (μm)
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
3 Movement into and out of cells 3 Movement into and out of cells
3.1 Diffusion 3.1 Diffusion
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe diffusion as the net movement 1 Describe diffusion as the net movement
of particles from a region of their higher of particles from a region of their higher
concentration to a region of their lower concentration to a region of their lower
concentration (i.e. down a concentration concentration (i.e. down a concentration
gradient), as a result of their random movement gradient), as a result of their random movement
2 State that the energy for diffusion comes from 2 State that the energy for diffusion comes from
the kinetic energy of random movement of the kinetic energy of random movement of
molecules and ions molecules and ions
3 State that some substances move into and out of 3 State that some substances move into and out of
cells by diffusion through the cell membrane cells by diffusion through the cell membrane
4 Describe the importance of diffusion of gases and 4 Describe the importance of diffusion of gases and
solutes in living organisms solutes in living organisms
5 Investigate the factors that influence diffusion, 5 Investigate the factors that influence diffusion,
limited to: surface area, temperature, limited to: surface area, temperature,
concentration gradient and distance concentration gradient and distance
3.2 Osmosis 3.2 Osmosis
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the role of water as a solvent in 7 Describe osmosis as the net movement of 1 Describe the role of water as a solvent in 7 Describe osmosis as the net movement of
organisms with reference to digestion, excretion water molecules from a region of higher water organisms with reference to digestion, excretion water molecules from a region of higher water
and transport potential (dilute solution) to a region of lower and transport potential (dilute solution) to a region of lower
2 State that water diffuses through partially water potential (concentrated solution), through 2 State that water diffuses through partially water potential (concentrated solution), through
permeable membranes by osmosis a partially permeable membrane permeable membranes by osmosis a partially permeable membrane
3 State that water moves into and out of cells by 3 State that water moves into and out of cells by
osmosis through the cell membrane osmosis through the cell membrane
4 Investigate osmosis using materials such as 4 Investigate osmosis using materials such as
dialysis tubing dialysis tubing
5 Investigate and describe the effects on plant 8 Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing 5 Investigate and describe the effects on plant 8 Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing
tissues of immersing them in solutions of them in solutions of different concentrations tissues of immersing them in solutions of them in solutions of different concentrations
different concentrations by using the terms: turgid, turgor pressure, different concentrations by using the terms: turgid, turgor pressure,
plasmolysis, flaccid plasmolysis, flaccid
9 Explain the importance of water potential and 9 Explain the importance of water potential and
osmosis in the uptake and loss of water by osmosis in the uptake and loss of water by
organisms organisms
6 State that plants are supported by the pressure 6 State that plants are supported by the pressure
of water inside the cells pressing outwards on the of water inside the cells pressing outwards on the
cell wall cell wall
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
3.3 Active transport 3.3 Active transport
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe active transport as the movement of 2 Explain the importance of active transport as 1 Describe active transport as the movement of 2 Explain the importance of active transport as
particles through a cell membrane from a region a process for movement of molecules or ions particles through a cell membrane from a region a process for movement of molecules or ions
of lower concentration to a region of higher across membranes, including ion uptake by root of lower concentration to a region of higher across membranes, including ion uptake by root
concentration (i.e. against a concentration hairs concentration (i.e. against a concentration hairs
gradient), using energy from respiration gradient), using energy from respiration
3 State that protein carriers move molecules or 3 State that protein carriers move molecules or
ions across a membrane during active transport ions across a membrane during active transport
4 Biological molecules 4 Biological molecules
4.1 Biological molecules 4.1 Biological molecules
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 List the chemical elements that make up: 1 List the chemical elements that make up:
carbohydrates, fats and proteins carbohydrates, fats and proteins
2 State that large molecules are made from smaller 2 State that large molecules are made from smaller
molecules, limited to: molecules, limited to:
(a) starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose (a) starch, glycogen and cellulose from glucose
(b) proteins from amino acids (b) proteins from amino acids
(c) fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol (c) fats and oils from fatty acids and glycerol
3 Describe the use of: 3 Describe the use of:
(a) iodine solution test for starch (a) iodine solution test for starch
(b) Benedict’s solution test for reducing sugars (b) Benedict’s solution test for reducing sugars
(c) biuret test for proteins (c) biuret test for proteins
(d) ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils (d) ethanol emulsion test for fats and oils
(e) DCPIP test for vitamin C (e) DCPIP test for vitamin C
4 Describe the structure of a DNA molecule: 4 Describe the structure of a DNA molecule:
(a) two strands coiled together to form a double (a) two strands coiled together to form a double
helix helix
(b) each strand contains chemicals called bases (b) each strand contains chemicals called bases
(c) bonds between pairs of bases hold the (c) bonds between pairs of bases hold the
strands together strands together
(d) the bases always pair up in the same way: (d) the bases always pair up in the same way:
A with T, and C with G (full names are not A with T, and C with G (full names are not
required) required)
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
5 Enzymes 5 Enzymes
5.1 Enzymes 5.1 Enzymes
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a catalyst as a substance that increases 1 Describe a catalyst as a substance that increases
the rate of a chemical reaction and is not the rate of a chemical reaction and is not
changed by the reaction changed by the reaction
2 Describe enzymes as proteins that are involved 2 Describe enzymes as proteins that are involved
in all metabolic reactions, where they function as in all metabolic reactions, where they function as
biological catalysts biological catalysts
3 Describe why enzymes are important in all living 3 Describe why enzymes are important in all living
organisms in terms of a reaction rate necessary organisms in terms of a reaction rate necessary
to sustain life to sustain life
4 Describe enzyme action with reference to 6 Explain enzyme action with reference to: active 4 Describe enzyme action with reference to 6 Explain enzyme action with reference to: active
the shape of the active site of an enzyme site, enzyme-substrate complex, substrate and the shape of the active site of an enzyme site, enzyme-substrate complex, substrate and
being complementary to its substrate and the product being complementary to its substrate and the product
formation of products 7 Explain the specificity of enzymes in terms of the formation of products 7 Explain the specificity of enzymes in terms of the
complementary shape and fit of the active site complementary shape and fit of the active site
with the substrate with the substrate
5 Investigate and describe the effect of changes 8 Explain the effect of changes in temperature on 5 Investigate and describe the effect of changes 8 Explain the effect of changes in temperature on
in temperature and pH on enzyme activity enzyme activity in terms of kinetic energy, shape in temperature and pH on enzyme activity enzyme activity in terms of kinetic energy, shape
with reference to optimum temperature and and fit, frequency of effective collisions and with reference to optimum temperature and and fit, frequency of effective collisions and
denaturation denaturation denaturation denaturation
9 Explain the effect of changes in pH on 9 Explain the effect of changes in pH on
enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and enzyme activity in terms of shape and fit and
denaturation denaturation
6 Plant nutrition 6 Plant nutrition
6.1 Photosynthesis 6.1 Photosynthesis
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe photosynthesis as the process by 1 Describe photosynthesis as the process by
which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw which plants synthesise carbohydrates from raw
materials using energy from light materials using energy from light
2 State the word equation for photosynthesis as: 10 State the balanced chemical equation for 2 State the word equation for photosynthesis as: 10 State the balanced chemical equation for
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen photosynthesis as: carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen photosynthesis as:
in the presence of light and chlorophyll 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 in the presence of light and chlorophyll 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
3 State that chlorophyll is a green pigment that is 3 State that chlorophyll is a green pigment that is
found in chloroplasts found in chloroplasts
4 State that chlorophyll transfers energy from light 4 State that chlorophyll transfers energy from light
into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of into energy in chemicals, for the synthesis of
carbohydrates carbohydrates
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
6.1 Photosynthesis continued 6.1 Photosynthesis continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
5 Outline the subsequent use and storage of the 5 Outline the subsequent use and storage of the
carbohydrates made in photosynthesis, limited carbohydrates made in photosynthesis, limited
to: to:
(a) starch as an energy store (a) starch as an energy store
(b) cellulose to build cell walls (b) cellulose to build cell walls
(c) glucose used in respiration to provide energy (c) glucose used in respiration to provide energy
(d) sucrose for transport in the phloem (d) sucrose for transport in the phloem
(e) nectar to attract insects for pollination (e) nectar to attract insects for pollination
6 Explain the importance of: 6 Explain the importance of:
(a) nitrate ions for making amino acids (a) nitrate ions for making amino acids
(b) magnesium ions for making chlorophyll (b) magnesium ions for making chlorophyll
7 Investigate the need for chlorophyll, light 7 Investigate the need for chlorophyll, light
and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, using and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, using
appropriate controls appropriate controls
8 Investigate and describe the effects of varying 8 Investigate and describe the effects of varying
light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and
temperature on the rate of photosynthesis temperature on the rate of photosynthesis
9 Investigate and describe the effect of light and 9 Investigate and describe the effect of light and
dark conditions on gas exchange in an aquatic dark conditions on gas exchange in an aquatic
plant using hydrogencarbonate indicator solution plant using hydrogencarbonate indicator solution
11 Identify and explain the limiting factors of 11 Identify and explain the limiting factors of
photosynthesis in different environmental photosynthesis in different environmental
conditions conditions
6.2 Leaf structure 6.2 Leaf structure
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that most leaves have a large surface area 1 State that most leaves have a large surface area
and are thin, and explain how these features are and are thin, and explain how these features are
adaptations for photosynthesis adaptations for photosynthesis
2 Identify in diagrams and images the following 2 Identify in diagrams and images the following
structures in the leaf of a dicotyledonous plant: structures in the leaf of a dicotyledonous plant:
chloroplasts, cuticle, guard cells and stomata, chloroplasts, cuticle, guard cells and stomata,
upper and lower epidermis, palisade mesophyll, upper and lower epidermis, palisade mesophyll,
spongy mesophyll, air spaces, vascular bundles, spongy mesophyll, air spaces, vascular bundles,
xylem and phloem xylem and phloem
3 Explain how the structures listed in 6.2.2 adapt 3 Explain how the structures listed in 6.2.2 adapt
leaves for photosynthesis leaves for photosynthesis
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
7 Human nutrition 7 Human nutrition
7.1 Diet 7.1 Diet
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe what is meant by a balanced diet 1 Describe what is meant by a balanced diet
2 State the principal dietary sources and describe 2 State the principal dietary sources and describe
the importance of: the importance of:
(a) carbohydrates (a) carbohydrates
(b) fats and oils (b) fats and oils
(c) proteins (c) proteins
(d) vitamins, limited to C and D (d) vitamins, limited to C and D
(e) mineral ions, limited to calcium and iron (e) mineral ions, limited to calcium and iron
(f) fibre (roughage) (f) fibre (roughage)
(g) water (g) water
3 State the causes of scurvy and rickets 3 State the causes of scurvy and rickets
7.2 Digestive system 7.2 Digestive system
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Identify in diagrams and images the main organs 1 Identify in diagrams and images the main organs
of the digestive system, limited to: of the digestive system, limited to:
(a) alimentary canal: mouth, oesophagus, (a) alimentary canal: mouth, oesophagus,
stomach, small intestine (duodenum and stomach, small intestine (duodenum and
ileum) and large intestine (colon, rectum, ileum) and large intestine (colon, rectum,
anus) anus)
(b) associated organs: salivary glands, pancreas, (b) associated organs: salivary glands, pancreas,
liver and gall bladder liver and gall bladder
2 Describe the functions of the organs of the 2 Describe the functions of the organs of the
digestive system listed in 7.2.1, in relation to: digestive system listed in 7.2.1, in relation to:
(a) ingestion – the taking of substances, e.g. food (a) ingestion – the taking of substances, e.g. food
and drink, into the body and drink, into the body
(b) digestion – the breakdown of food (b) digestion – the breakdown of food
(c) absorption – the movement of nutrients from (c) absorption – the movement of nutrients from
the intestines into the blood the intestines into the blood
(d) assimilation – uptake and use of nutrients by (d) assimilation – uptake and use of nutrients by
cells cells
(e) egestion – the removal of undigested food (e) egestion – the removal of undigested food
from the body as faeces from the body as faeces
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
7.3 Physical digestion 7.3 Physical digestion
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe physical digestion as the breakdown of 1 Describe physical digestion as the breakdown of
food into smaller pieces without chemical change food into smaller pieces without chemical change
to the food molecules to the food molecules
2 State that physical digestion increases the 2 State that physical digestion increases the
surface area of food for the action of enzymes in surface area of food for the action of enzymes in
chemical digestion chemical digestion
3 Identify in diagrams and images the types of 3 Identify in diagrams and images the types of
human teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and human teeth: incisors, canines, premolars and
molars molars
4 Describe the structure of human teeth, limited 4 Describe the structure of human teeth, limited
to: enamel, dentine, pulp, nerves, blood vessels to: enamel, dentine, pulp, nerves, blood vessels
and cement, and understand that teeth are and cement, and understand that teeth are
embedded in bone and the gums embedded in bone and the gums
5 Describe the functions of the types of human 5 Describe the functions of the types of human
teeth in physical digestion of food teeth in physical digestion of food
6 Describe the function of the stomach in physical 6 Describe the function of the stomach in physical
digestion digestion
7 Outline the role of bile in emulsifying fats and 7 Outline the role of bile in emulsifying fats and
oils to increase the surface area for chemical oils to increase the surface area for chemical
digestion digestion
7.4 Chemical digestion 7.4 Chemical digestion
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe chemical digestion as the break down 1 Describe chemical digestion as the break down
of large insoluble molecules into small soluble of large insoluble molecules into small soluble
molecules molecules
2 State the role of chemical digestion in producing 2 State the role of chemical digestion in producing
small soluble molecules that can be absorbed small soluble molecules that can be absorbed
3 Describe the functions of enzymes as follows: 6 Describe the digestion of starch in the digestive 3 Describe the functions of enzymes as follows: 6 Describe the digestion of starch in the digestive
(a) amylase breaks down starch to simple system: (a) amylase breaks down starch to simple system:
reducing sugars (a) amylase breaks down starch to maltose reducing sugars (a) amylase breaks down starch to maltose
(b) proteases break down protein to amino acids (b) maltase breaks down maltose to glucose on (b) proteases break down protein to amino acids (b) maltase breaks down maltose to glucose on
(c) lipase breaks down fats and oils to fatty acids the membranes of the epithelium lining the (c) lipase breaks down fats and oils to fatty acids the membranes of the epithelium lining the
and glycerol small intestine and glycerol small intestine
4 State where, in the digestive system, amylase, 7 Describe the digestion of protein by proteases in 4 State where, in the digestive system, amylase, 7 Describe the digestion of protein by proteases in
protease and lipase are secreted and where they the digestive system: protease and lipase are secreted and where they the digestive system:
act (a) pepsin breaks down protein in the acidic act (a) pepsin breaks down protein in the acidic
5 Describe the functions of hydrochloric acid conditions of the stomach 5 Describe the functions of hydrochloric acid conditions of the stomach
in gastric juice, limited to killing harmful (b) trypsin breaks down protein in the alkaline in gastric juice, limited to killing harmful (b) trypsin breaks down protein in the alkaline
microorganisms in food and providing an acidic conditions of the small intestine microorganisms in food and providing an acidic conditions of the small intestine
pH for optimum enzyme activity pH for optimum enzyme activity
8 Explain that bile is an alkaline mixture that 8 Explain that bile is an alkaline mixture that
neutralises the acidic mixture of food and gastric neutralises the acidic mixture of food and gastric
juices entering the duodenum from the stomach, juices entering the duodenum from the stomach,
to provide a suitable pH for enzyme action to provide a suitable pH for enzyme action
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
7.5 Absorption 7.5 Absorption
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that the small intestine is the region where 1 State that the small intestine is the region where
nutrients are absorbed nutrients are absorbed
3 Explain the significance of villi and microvilli in 3 Explain the significance of villi and microvilli in
increasing the internal surface area of the small increasing the internal surface area of the small
intestine intestine
4 Describe the structure of a villus 4 Describe the structure of a villus
5 Describe the roles of capillaries and lacteals in 5 Describe the roles of capillaries and lacteals in
villi villi
2 State that most water is absorbed from the small 2 State that most water is absorbed from the small
intestine but that some is also absorbed from the intestine but that some is also absorbed from the
colon colon
8 Transport in plants 8 Transport in plants
8.1 Xylem and phloem 8.1 Xylem and phloem
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State the functions of xylem and phloem: 3 Relate the structure of xylem vessels to their 1 State the functions of xylem and phloem: 3 Relate the structure of xylem vessels to their
(a) xylem – transport of water and mineral ions, function, limited to: (a) xylem – transport of water and mineral ions, function, limited to:
and support (a) thick walls with lignin (details of lignification and support (a) thick walls with lignin (details of lignification
(b) phloem – transport of sucrose and amino are not required) (b) phloem – transport of sucrose and amino are not required)
acids (b) no cell contents acids (b) no cell contents
2 Identify in diagrams and images the position of (c) cells joined end to end with no cross walls to 2 Identify in diagrams and images the position of (c) cells joined end to end with no cross walls to
xylem and phloem as seen in sections of roots, form a long continuous tube xylem and phloem as seen in sections of roots, form a long continuous tube
stems and leaves of non-woody dicotyledonous stems and leaves of non-woody dicotyledonous
plants plants
8.2 Water uptake 8.2 Water uptake
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Identify in diagrams and images root hair cells 1 Identify in diagrams and images root hair cells
and state their functions and state their functions
2 State that the large surface area of root hairs 2 State that the large surface area of root hairs
increases the uptake of water and mineral ions increases the uptake of water and mineral ions
3 Outline the pathway taken by water through the 3 Outline the pathway taken by water through the
root, stem and leaf as: root hair cells, root cortex root, stem and leaf as: root hair cells, root cortex
cells, xylem, mesophyll cells cells, xylem, mesophyll cells
4 Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway of 4 Investigate, using a suitable stain, the pathway of
water through the above-ground parts of a plant water through the above-ground parts of a plant
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
8.3 Transpiration 8.3 Transpiration
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe transpiration as the loss of water vapour 1 Describe transpiration as the loss of water vapour
from leaves from leaves
2 State that water evaporates from the surfaces of 2 State that water evaporates from the surfaces of
the mesophyll cells into the air spaces and then the mesophyll cells into the air spaces and then
diffuses out of the leaves through the stomata as diffuses out of the leaves through the stomata as
water vapour water vapour
4 Explain how water vapour loss is related to: 4 Explain how water vapour loss is related to:
the large internal surface area provided by the the large internal surface area provided by the
interconnecting air spaces between mesophyll interconnecting air spaces between mesophyll
cells and the size and number of stomata cells and the size and number of stomata
5 Explain the mechanism by which water moves 5 Explain the mechanism by which water moves
upwards in the xylem in terms of a transpiration upwards in the xylem in terms of a transpiration
pull that draws up a column of water molecules, pull that draws up a column of water molecules,
held together by forces of attraction between held together by forces of attraction between
water molecules water molecules
3 Investigate and describe the effects of variation 6 Explain the effects on the rate of transpiration of 3 Investigate and describe the effects of variation 6 Explain the effects on the rate of transpiration of
of temperature and wind speed on transpiration varying the following factors: temperature, wind of temperature and wind speed on transpiration varying the following factors: temperature, wind
rate speed and humidity rate speed and humidity
7 Explain how and why wilting occurs 7 Explain how and why wilting occurs
8.4 Translocation 8.4 Translocation
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe translocation as the movement of 1 Describe translocation as the movement of
sucrose and amino acids in phloem from sources sucrose and amino acids in phloem from sources
to sinks to sinks
2 Describe: 2 Describe:
(a) sources as the parts of plants that release (a) sources as the parts of plants that release
sucrose or amino acids sucrose or amino acids
(b) sinks as the parts of plants that use or store (b) sinks as the parts of plants that use or store
sucrose or amino acids sucrose or amino acids
3 Explain why some parts of a plant may act as a 3 Explain why some parts of a plant may act as a
source and a sink at different times source and a sink at different times
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
9 Transport in animals 9 Transport in animals
9.1 Circulatory systems 9.1 Circulatory systems
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the circulatory system as a system of 1 Describe the circulatory system as a system of
blood vessels with a pump and valves to ensure blood vessels with a pump and valves to ensure
one-way flow of blood one-way flow of blood
2 Describe the single circulation of a fish 2 Describe the single circulation of a fish
3 Describe the double circulation of a mammal 3 Describe the double circulation of a mammal
4 Explain the advantages of a double circulation 4 Explain the advantages of a double circulation
9.2 Heart 9.2 Heart
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Identify in diagrams and images the structures of 7 Identify in diagrams and images the 1 Identify in diagrams and images the structures of 7 Identify in diagrams and images the
the mammalian heart, limited to: muscular wall, atrioventricular and semilunar valves in the the mammalian heart, limited to: muscular wall, atrioventricular and semilunar valves in the
septum, left and right ventricles, left and right mammalian heart septum, left and right ventricles, left and right mammalian heart
atria, one-way valves and coronary arteries 8 Explain the relative thickness of: atria, one-way valves and coronary arteries 8 Explain the relative thickness of:
(a) the muscle walls of the left and right (a) the muscle walls of the left and right
ventricles ventricles
(b) the muscle walls of the atria compared to (b) the muscle walls of the atria compared to
those of the ventricles those of the ventricles
9 Explain the importance of the septum in 9 Explain the importance of the septum in
separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood separating oxygenated and deoxygenated blood
10 Describe the functioning of the heart in terms 10 Describe the functioning of the heart in terms
of the contraction of muscles of the atria and of the contraction of muscles of the atria and
ventricles and the action of the valves ventricles and the action of the valves
2 State that blood is pumped away from the heart 2 State that blood is pumped away from the heart
in arteries and returns to the heart in veins in arteries and returns to the heart in veins
3 State that the activity of the heart may be 3 State that the activity of the heart may be
monitored by: ECG, pulse rate and listening to monitored by: ECG, pulse rate and listening to
sounds of valves closing sounds of valves closing
4 Investigate and describe the effect of physical 11 Explain the effect of physical activity on the heart 4 Investigate and describe the effect of physical 11 Explain the effect of physical activity on the heart
activity on the heart rate rate activity on the heart rate rate
5 Describe coronary heart disease in terms of 5 Describe coronary heart disease in terms of
the blockage of coronary arteries and state the blockage of coronary arteries and state
the possible risk factors including: diet, lack of the possible risk factors including: diet, lack of
exercise, stress, smoking, genetic predisposition, exercise, stress, smoking, genetic predisposition,
age and sex age and sex
6 Discuss the roles of diet and exercise in reducing 6 Discuss the roles of diet and exercise in reducing
the risk of coronary heart disease the risk of coronary heart disease
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
9.3 Blood vessels 9.3 Blood vessels
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the structure of arteries, veins and 4 Explain how the structure of arteries and veins 1 Describe the structure of arteries, veins and 4 Explain how the structure of arteries and veins
capillaries, limited to: relative thickness of wall, is related to the pressure of the blood that they capillaries, limited to: relative thickness of wall, is related to the pressure of the blood that they
diameter of the lumen and the presence of valves transport diameter of the lumen and the presence of valves transport
in veins in veins
2 State the functions of capillaries 5 Explain how the structure of capillaries is related 2 State the functions of capillaries 5 Explain how the structure of capillaries is related
to their functions to their functions
3 Identify in diagrams and images the main blood 6 Identify, in diagrams and images, the main blood 3 Identify in diagrams and images the main blood 6 Identify, in diagrams and images, the main blood
vessels to and from the: vessels to and from the liver as: hepatic artery, vessels to and from the: vessels to and from the liver as: hepatic artery,
(a) heart, limited to: vena cava, aorta, pulmonary hepatic veins and hepatic portal vein (a) heart, limited to: vena cava, aorta, pulmonary hepatic veins and hepatic portal vein
artery and pulmonary vein artery and pulmonary vein
(b) lungs, limited to: pulmonary artery and (b) lungs, limited to: pulmonary artery and
pulmonary vein pulmonary vein
(c) kidney, limited to: renal artery and renal vein (c) kidney, limited to: renal artery and renal vein
9.4 Blood 9.4 Blood
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 List the components of blood as: red blood cells, 1 List the components of blood as: red blood cells,
white blood cells, platelets and plasma white blood cells, platelets and plasma
2 Identify red and white blood cells in 5 Identify lymphocytes and phagocytes in 2 Identify red and white blood cells in 5 Identify lymphocytes and phagocytes in
photomicrographs and diagrams photomicrographs and diagrams photomicrographs and diagrams photomicrographs and diagrams
3 State the functions of the following components 6 State the functions of: 3 State the functions of the following components 6 State the functions of:
of blood: (a) lymphocytes – antibody production of blood: (a) lymphocytes – antibody production
(a) red blood cells in transporting oxygen, (b) phagocytes – engulfing pathogens by (a) red blood cells in transporting oxygen, (b) phagocytes – engulfing pathogens by
including the role of haemoglobin phagocytosis including the role of haemoglobin phagocytosis
(b) white blood cells in phagocytosis and (b) white blood cells in phagocytosis and
antibody production antibody production
(c) platelets in clotting (details are not required) (c) platelets in clotting (details are not required)
(d) plasma in the transport of blood cells, ions, (d) plasma in the transport of blood cells, ions,
nutrients, urea, hormones and carbon dioxide nutrients, urea, hormones and carbon dioxide
4 State the roles of blood clotting as preventing 7 Describe the process of clotting as the conversion 4 State the roles of blood clotting as preventing 7 Describe the process of clotting as the conversion
blood loss and the entry of pathogens of fibrinogen to fibrin to form a mesh blood loss and the entry of pathogens of fibrinogen to fibrin to form a mesh
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
10 Diseases and immunity 10 Diseases and immunity
10.1 Diseases and immunity 10.1 Diseases and immunity
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a pathogen as a disease-causing 1 Describe a pathogen as a disease-causing
organism organism
2 Describe a transmissible disease as a disease in 2 Describe a transmissible disease as a disease in
which the pathogen can be passed from one host which the pathogen can be passed from one host
to another to another
3 State that a pathogen is transmitted: 3 State that a pathogen is transmitted:
(a) by direct contact, including through blood (a) by direct contact, including through blood
and other body fluids and other body fluids
(b) indirectly, including from contaminated (b) indirectly, including from contaminated
surfaces, food, animals and air surfaces, food, animals and air
4 Describe the body defences, limited to: skin, 6 Describe active immunity as defence against a 4 Describe the body defences, limited to: skin, 6 Describe active immunity as defence against a
hairs in the nose, mucus, stomach acid and white pathogen by antibody production in the body hairs in the nose, mucus, stomach acid and white pathogen by antibody production in the body
blood cells 7 State that each pathogen has its own antigens, blood cells 7 State that each pathogen has its own antigens,
5 Explain the importance of the following in which have specific shapes 5 Explain the importance of the following in which have specific shapes
controlling the spread of disease: 8 Describe antibodies as proteins that bind controlling the spread of disease: 8 Describe antibodies as proteins that bind
(a) a clean water supply to antigens leading to direct destruction (a) a clean water supply to antigens leading to direct destruction
(b) hygienic food preparation of pathogens or marking of pathogens for (b) hygienic food preparation of pathogens or marking of pathogens for
destruction by phagocytes destruction by phagocytes
(c) good personal hygiene (c) good personal hygiene
9 State that specific antibodies have 9 State that specific antibodies have
(d) waste disposal (d) waste disposal
complementary shapes which fit specific antigens complementary shapes which fit specific antigens
(e) sewage treatment (details of the stages of (e) sewage treatment (details of the stages of
10 Explain that active immunity is gained after an 10 Explain that active immunity is gained after an
sewage treatment are not required) sewage treatment are not required)
infection by a pathogen or by vaccination infection by a pathogen or by vaccination
11 Outline the process of vaccination: 11 Outline the process of vaccination:
(a) weakened pathogens or their antigens are (a) weakened pathogens or their antigens are
put into the body put into the body
(b) the antigens stimulate an immune response (b) the antigens stimulate an immune response
by lymphocytes which produce antibodies by lymphocytes which produce antibodies
(c) memory cells are produced that give (c) memory cells are produced that give
long-term immunity long-term immunity
12 Explain the role of vaccination in controlling the 12 Explain the role of vaccination in controlling the
spread of diseases spread of diseases
13 Explain that passive immunity is a short-term 13 Explain that passive immunity is a short-term
defence against a pathogen by antibodies defence against a pathogen by antibodies
acquired from another individual, including acquired from another individual, including
across the placenta and in breast milk across the placenta and in breast milk
14 Explain the importance of breast-feeding for the 14 Explain the importance of breast-feeding for the
development of passive immunity in infants development of passive immunity in infants
15 State that memory cells are not produced in 15 State that memory cells are not produced in
passive immunity passive immunity
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
10.1 Diseases and immunity continued 10.1 Diseases and immunity continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
16 Describe cholera as a disease caused by a 16 Describe cholera as a disease caused by a
bacterium which is transmitted in contaminated bacterium which is transmitted in contaminated
water water
17 Explain that the cholera bacterium produces a 17 Explain that the cholera bacterium produces a
toxin that causes secretion of chloride ions into toxin that causes secretion of chloride ions into
the small intestine, causing osmotic movement the small intestine, causing osmotic movement
of water into the gut, causing diarrhoea, of water into the gut, causing diarrhoea,
dehydration and loss of ions from the blood dehydration and loss of ions from the blood
11 Gas exchange in humans 11 Gas exchange in humans
11.1 Gas exchange in humans 11.1 Gas exchange in humans
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the features of gas exchange surfaces 1 Describe the features of gas exchange surfaces
in humans, limited to: large surface area, thin in humans, limited to: large surface area, thin
surface, good blood supply and good ventilation surface, good blood supply and good ventilation
with air with air
2 Identify in diagrams and images the following 6 Identify in diagrams and images the internal and 2 Identify in diagrams and images the following 6 Identify in diagrams and images the internal and
parts of the breathing system: lungs, diaphragm, external intercostal muscles parts of the breathing system: lungs, diaphragm, external intercostal muscles
ribs, intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi, ribs, intercostal muscles, larynx, trachea, bronchi,
bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries bronchioles, alveoli and associated capillaries
7 State the function of cartilage in the trachea 7 State the function of cartilage in the trachea
8 Explain the role of the ribs, the internal and 8 Explain the role of the ribs, the internal and
external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm external intercostal muscles and the diaphragm
in producing volume and pressure changes in the in producing volume and pressure changes in the
thorax leading to the ventilation of the lungs thorax leading to the ventilation of the lungs
3 Investigate the differences in composition 9 Explain the differences in composition between 3 Investigate the differences in composition 9 Explain the differences in composition between
between inspired and expired air using limewater inspired and expired air between inspired and expired air using limewater inspired and expired air
as a test for carbon dioxide as a test for carbon dioxide
4 Describe the differences in composition between 4 Describe the differences in composition between
inspired and expired air, limited to: oxygen, inspired and expired air, limited to: oxygen,
carbon dioxide and water vapour carbon dioxide and water vapour
5 Investigate and describe the effects of physical 10 Explain the link between physical activity and 5 Investigate and describe the effects of physical 10 Explain the link between physical activity and
activity on the rate and depth of breathing the rate and depth of breathing in terms of: an activity on the rate and depth of breathing the rate and depth of breathing in terms of: an
increased carbon dioxide concentration in the increased carbon dioxide concentration in the
blood, which is detected by the brain, leading to blood, which is detected by the brain, leading to
an increased rate and greater depth of breathing an increased rate and greater depth of breathing
11 Explain the role of goblet cells, mucus and 11 Explain the role of goblet cells, mucus and
ciliated cells in protecting the breathing system ciliated cells in protecting the breathing system
from pathogens and particles from pathogens and particles
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
12 Respiration 12 Respiration
12.1 Respiration 12.1 Respiration
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State the uses of energy in living organisms, 1 State the uses of energy in living organisms,
including: muscle contraction, protein synthesis, including: muscle contraction, protein synthesis,
cell division, active transport, growth, the cell division, active transport, growth, the
passage of nerve impulses and the maintenance passage of nerve impulses and the maintenance
of a constant body temperature of a constant body temperature
2 Investigate and describe the effect of 2 Investigate and describe the effect of
temperature on respiration in yeast temperature on respiration in yeast
12.2 Aerobic respiration 12.2 Aerobic respiration
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe aerobic respiration as the chemical 1 Describe aerobic respiration as the chemical
reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down reactions in cells that use oxygen to break down
nutrient molecules to release energy nutrient molecules to release energy
2 State the word equation for aerobic respiration as: 3 State the balanced chemical equation for aerobic 2 State the word equation for aerobic respiration as: 3 State the balanced chemical equation for aerobic
glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water respiration as: glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water respiration as:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
12.3 Anaerobic respiration 12.3 Anaerobic respiration
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe anaerobic respiration as the chemical 1 Describe anaerobic respiration as the chemical
reactions in cells that break down nutrient reactions in cells that break down nutrient
molecules to release energy without using molecules to release energy without using
oxygen oxygen
2 State that anaerobic respiration releases much 2 State that anaerobic respiration releases much
less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic
respiration respiration
3 State the word equation for anaerobic respiration 5 State the balanced chemical equation for 3 State the word equation for anaerobic respiration 5 State the balanced chemical equation for
in yeast as: anaerobic respiration in yeast as: in yeast as: anaerobic respiration in yeast as:
glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2 glucose → alcohol + carbon dioxide C6H12O6 → 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
4 State the word equation for anaerobic respiration 4 State the word equation for anaerobic respiration
in muscles during vigorous exercise as: in muscles during vigorous exercise as:
glucose → lactic acid glucose → lactic acid
6 State that lactic acid builds up in muscles and 6 State that lactic acid builds up in muscles and
blood during vigorous exercise causing an oxygen blood during vigorous exercise causing an oxygen
debt debt
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
12.3 Anaerobic respiration continued 12.3 Anaerobic respiration continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
7 Outline how the oxygen debt is removed after 7 Outline how the oxygen debt is removed after
exercise, limited to: exercise, limited to:
(a) continuation of fast heart rate to transport (a) continuation of fast heart rate to transport
lactic acid in the blood from the muscles to lactic acid in the blood from the muscles to
the liver the liver
(b) continuation of deeper and faster breathing (b) continuation of deeper and faster breathing
to supply oxygen for aerobic respiration of to supply oxygen for aerobic respiration of
lactic acid lactic acid
(c) aerobic respiration of lactic acid in the liver (c) aerobic respiration of lactic acid in the liver
13 Excretion in humans 13 Excretion in humans
13.1 Excretion in humans 13.1 Excretion in humans
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that carbon dioxide is excreted through the 1 State that carbon dioxide is excreted through the
lungs lungs
2 State that the kidneys excrete urea and excess 2 State that the kidneys excrete urea and excess
water and ions water and ions
3 Identify in diagrams and images the kidneys, 4 Identify in diagrams and images the structure of 3 Identify in diagrams and images the kidneys, 4 Identify in diagrams and images the structure of
ureters, bladder and urethra the kidney, limited to the cortex and medulla ureters, bladder and urethra the kidney, limited to the cortex and medulla
5 Outline the structure and function of a nephron 5 Outline the structure and function of a nephron
and its associated blood vessels, limited to: and its associated blood vessels, limited to:
(a) the role of the glomerulus in the filtration (a) the role of the glomerulus in the filtration
from the blood of water, glucose, urea and from the blood of water, glucose, urea and
ions ions
(b) the role of the nephron in the reabsorption of (b) the role of the nephron in the reabsorption of
all of the glucose, some of the ions and most all of the glucose, some of the ions and most
of the water back into the blood of the water back into the blood
(c) the formation of urine containing urea, (c) the formation of urine containing urea,
excess water and excess ions excess water and excess ions
(details of these processes are not required) (details of these processes are not required)
6 Describe the role of the liver in the assimilation 6 Describe the role of the liver in the assimilation
of amino acids by converting them to proteins of amino acids by converting them to proteins
7 State that urea is formed in the liver from excess 7 State that urea is formed in the liver from excess
amino acids amino acids
8 Describe deamination as the removal of the 8 Describe deamination as the removal of the
nitrogen-containing part of amino acids to form nitrogen-containing part of amino acids to form
urea urea
9 Explain the importance of excretion, limited to 9 Explain the importance of excretion, limited to
toxicity of urea toxicity of urea
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
14 Coordination and response 14 Coordination and response
14.1 Coordination and response 14.1 Coordination and response
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that electrical impulses travel along 1 State that electrical impulses travel along
neurones neurones
2 Describe the mammalian nervous system in 2 Describe the mammalian nervous system in
terms of: terms of:
(a) the central nervous system (CNS) consisting (a) the central nervous system (CNS) consisting
of the brain and the spinal cord of the brain and the spinal cord
(b) the peripheral nervous system (PNS) (b) the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
consisting of the nerves outside of the brain consisting of the nerves outside of the brain
and spinal cord and spinal cord
3 Describe the role of the nervous system as 3 Describe the role of the nervous system as
coordination and regulation of body functions coordination and regulation of body functions
4 Identify in diagrams and images sensory, relay 4 Identify in diagrams and images sensory, relay
and motor neurones and motor neurones
5 Describe a simple reflex arc in terms of: receptor, 5 Describe a simple reflex arc in terms of: receptor,
sensory neurone, relay neurone, motor neurone sensory neurone, relay neurone, motor neurone
and effector and effector
6 Describe a reflex action as a means of 6 Describe a reflex action as a means of
automatically and rapidly integrating and automatically and rapidly integrating and
coordinating stimuli with the responses of coordinating stimuli with the responses of
effectors (muscles and glands) effectors (muscles and glands)
7 Describe a synapse as a junction between two 8 Describe the structure of a synapse, including the 7 Describe a synapse as a junction between two 8 Describe the structure of a synapse, including the
neurones presence of vesicles containing neurotransmitter neurones presence of vesicles containing neurotransmitter
molecules, the synaptic gap and receptor molecules, the synaptic gap and receptor
proteins proteins
9 Describe the events at a synapse as: 9 Describe the events at a synapse as:
(a) an impulse stimulates the release of (a) an impulse stimulates the release of
neurotransmitter molecules from vesicles neurotransmitter molecules from vesicles
into the synaptic gap into the synaptic gap
(b) the neurotransmitter molecules diffuse (b) the neurotransmitter molecules diffuse
across the gap across the gap
(c) neurotransmitter molecules bind with (c) neurotransmitter molecules bind with
receptor proteins on the next neurone receptor proteins on the next neurone
(d) an impulse is then stimulated in the next (d) an impulse is then stimulated in the next
neurone neurone
10 State that synapses ensure that impulses travel in 10 State that synapses ensure that impulses travel in
one direction only one direction only
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
14.2 Sense organs 14.2 Sense organs
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe sense organs as groups of receptor cells 1 Describe sense organs as groups of receptor cells
responding to specific stimuli: light, sound, touch, responding to specific stimuli: light, sound, touch,
temperature and chemicals temperature and chemicals
2 Identify in diagrams and images the structures of 2 Identify in diagrams and images the structures of
the eye, limited to: cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, the eye, limited to: cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina,
optic nerve and blind spot optic nerve and blind spot
3 Describe the function of each part of the eye, 3 Describe the function of each part of the eye,
limited to: limited to:
(a) cornea – refracts light (a) cornea – refracts light
(b) iris – controls how much light enters the (b) iris – controls how much light enters the
pupil pupil
(c) lens – focuses light on to the retina (c) lens – focuses light on to the retina
(d) retina – contains light receptors, some (d) retina – contains light receptors, some
sensitive to light of different colours sensitive to light of different colours
(e) optic nerve – carries impulses to the brain (e) optic nerve – carries impulses to the brain
4 Explain the pupil reflex, limited to changes in 5 Explain the pupil reflex in terms of the 4 Explain the pupil reflex, limited to changes in 5 Explain the pupil reflex in terms of the
light intensity and pupil diameter antagonistic action of circular and radial muscles light intensity and pupil diameter antagonistic action of circular and radial muscles
in the iris in the iris
6 Explain accommodation to view near and distant 6 Explain accommodation to view near and distant
objects in terms of the contraction and relaxation objects in terms of the contraction and relaxation
of the ciliary muscles, tension in the suspensory of the ciliary muscles, tension in the suspensory
ligaments, shape of the lens and refraction of ligaments, shape of the lens and refraction of
light light
7 Describe the distribution of rods and cones in the 7 Describe the distribution of rods and cones in the
retina of a human retina of a human
8 Outline the function of rods and cones, limited 8 Outline the function of rods and cones, limited
to: to:
(a) greater sensitivity of rods for night vision (a) greater sensitivity of rods for night vision
(b) three different kinds of cones, absorbing light (b) three different kinds of cones, absorbing light
of different colours, for colour vision of different colours, for colour vision
9 Identify in diagrams and images the position of 9 Identify in diagrams and images the position of
the fovea and state its function the fovea and state its function
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
14.3 Hormones 14.3 Hormones
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a hormone as a chemical substance, 1 Describe a hormone as a chemical substance,
produced by a gland and carried by the blood, produced by a gland and carried by the blood,
which alters the activity of one or more specific which alters the activity of one or more specific
target organs target organs
2 Identify in diagrams and images specific 5 State that glucagon is secreted by the pancreas 2 Identify in diagrams and images specific 5 State that glucagon is secreted by the pancreas
endocrine glands and state the hormones they endocrine glands and state the hormones they
secrete, limited to: secrete, limited to:
(a) adrenal glands and adrenaline (a) adrenal glands and adrenaline
(b) pancreas and insulin (b) pancreas and insulin
(c) testes and testosterone (c) testes and testosterone
(d) ovaries and oestrogen (d) ovaries and oestrogen
3 Describe adrenaline as the hormone secreted in 6 Describe the role of adrenaline in the control of 3 Describe adrenaline as the hormone secreted in 6 Describe the role of adrenaline in the control of
‘fight or flight’ situations and its effects, limited metabolic activity, limited to: ‘fight or flight’ situations and its effects, limited metabolic activity, limited to:
to: (a) increasing the blood glucose concentration to: (a) increasing the blood glucose concentration
(a) increased breathing rate (b) increasing heart rate (a) increased breathing rate (b) increasing heart rate
(b) increased heart rate (b) increased heart rate
(c) increased pupil diameter (c) increased pupil diameter
4 Compare nervous and hormonal control, limited 4 Compare nervous and hormonal control, limited
to speed of action and duration of effect to speed of action and duration of effect
14.4 Homeostasis 14.4 Homeostasis
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe homeostasis as the maintenance of a 3 Explain the concept of homeostatic control by 1 Describe homeostasis as the maintenance of a 3 Explain the concept of homeostatic control by
constant internal environment negative feedback with reference to a set point constant internal environment negative feedback with reference to a set point
2 State that insulin decreases blood glucose 4 Describe the control of blood glucose 2 State that insulin decreases blood glucose 4 Describe the control of blood glucose
concentration concentration by the liver and the roles of insulin concentration concentration by the liver and the roles of insulin
and glucagon and glucagon
5 Outline the treatment of Type 1 diabetes 5 Outline the treatment of Type 1 diabetes
6 Identify in diagrams and images of the skin: hairs, 6 Identify in diagrams and images of the skin: hairs,
hair erector muscles, sweat glands, receptors, hair erector muscles, sweat glands, receptors,
sensory neurones, blood vessels and fatty tissue sensory neurones, blood vessels and fatty tissue
7 Describe the maintenance of a constant internal 7 Describe the maintenance of a constant internal
body temperature in mammals in terms of: body temperature in mammals in terms of:
insulation, sweating, shivering and the role of the insulation, sweating, shivering and the role of the
brain brain
8 Describe the maintenance of a constant internal 8 Describe the maintenance of a constant internal
body temperature in mammals in terms of body temperature in mammals in terms of
vasodilation and vasoconstriction of arterioles vasodilation and vasoconstriction of arterioles
supplying skin surface capillaries supplying skin surface capillaries
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
14.5 Tropic responses 14.5 Tropic responses
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe gravitropism as a response in which 4 Explain phototropism and gravitropism of a shoot 1 Describe gravitropism as a response in which 4 Explain phototropism and gravitropism of a shoot
parts of a plant grow towards or away from as examples of the chemical control of plant parts of a plant grow towards or away from as examples of the chemical control of plant
gravity growth gravity growth
2 Describe phototropism as a response in which 5 Explain the role of auxin in controlling shoot 2 Describe phototropism as a response in which 5 Explain the role of auxin in controlling shoot
parts of a plant grow towards or away from the growth, limited to: parts of a plant grow towards or away from the growth, limited to:
direction of the light source (a) auxin is made in the shoot tip direction of the light source (a) auxin is made in the shoot tip
3 Investigate and describe gravitropism and (b) auxin diffuses through the plant from the 3 Investigate and describe gravitropism and (b) auxin diffuses through the plant from the
phototropism in shoots and roots shoot tip phototropism in shoots and roots shoot tip
(c) auxin is unequally distributed in response to (c) auxin is unequally distributed in response to
light and gravity light and gravity
(d) auxin stimulates cell elongation (d) auxin stimulates cell elongation
15 Drugs 15 Drugs
15.1 Drugs 15.1 Drugs
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a drug as any substance taken into the 1 Describe a drug as any substance taken into the
body that modifies or affects chemical reactions body that modifies or affects chemical reactions
in the body in the body
2 Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment 2 Describe the use of antibiotics for the treatment
of bacterial infections of bacterial infections
3 State that some bacteria are resistant to 5 Explain how using antibiotics only when essential 3 State that some bacteria are resistant to 5 Explain how using antibiotics only when essential
antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of can limit the development of resistant bacteria antibiotics which reduces the effectiveness of can limit the development of resistant bacteria
antibiotics such as MRSA antibiotics such as MRSA
4 State that antibiotics kill bacteria but do not 4 State that antibiotics kill bacteria but do not
affect viruses affect viruses
16 Reproduction 16 Reproduction
16.1 Asexual reproduction 16.1 Asexual reproduction
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe asexual reproduction as a process 1 Describe asexual reproduction as a process
resulting in the production of genetically resulting in the production of genetically
identical offspring from one parent identical offspring from one parent
2 Identify examples of asexual reproduction in 2 Identify examples of asexual reproduction in
diagrams, images and information provided diagrams, images and information provided
3 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 3 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
asexual reproduction: asexual reproduction:
(a) to a population of a species in the wild (a) to a population of a species in the wild
(b) to crop production (b) to crop production
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
16.2 Sexual reproduction 16.2 Sexual reproduction
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe sexual reproduction as a process 3 State that nuclei of gametes are haploid and that 1 Describe sexual reproduction as a process 3 State that nuclei of gametes are haploid and that
involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes the nucleus of a zygote is diploid involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes the nucleus of a zygote is diploid
to form a zygote and the production of offspring to form a zygote and the production of offspring
that are genetically different from each other that are genetically different from each other
2 Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei of 2 Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei of
gametes gametes
4 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 4 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
sexual reproduction: sexual reproduction:
(a) to a population of a species in the wild (a) to a population of a species in the wild
(b) to crop production (b) to crop production
16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants 16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Identify in diagrams and images and draw the 1 Identify in diagrams and images and draw the
following parts of an insect-pollinated flower: following parts of an insect-pollinated flower:
sepals, petals, stamens, filaments, anthers, sepals, petals, stamens, filaments, anthers,
carpels, style, stigma, ovary and ovules carpels, style, stigma, ovary and ovules
2 State the functions of the structures listed in 2 State the functions of the structures listed in
16.3.1 16.3.1
3 Identify in diagrams and images and describe the 3 Identify in diagrams and images and describe the
anthers and stigmas of a wind-pollinated flower anthers and stigmas of a wind-pollinated flower
4 Distinguish between the pollen grains of 4 Distinguish between the pollen grains of
insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers
5 Describe pollination as the transfer of pollen 5 Describe pollination as the transfer of pollen
grains from an anther to a stigma grains from an anther to a stigma
9 Describe self-pollination as the transfer of pollen 9 Describe self-pollination as the transfer of pollen
grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma grains from the anther of a flower to the stigma
of the same flower or a different flower on the of the same flower or a different flower on the
same plant same plant
10 Describe cross-pollination as the transfer of 10 Describe cross-pollination as the transfer of
pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the pollen grains from the anther of a flower to the
stigma of a flower on a different plant of the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the
same species same species
11 Discuss the potential effects of self-pollination 11 Discuss the potential effects of self-pollination
and cross-pollination on a population, in terms of and cross-pollination on a population, in terms of
variation, capacity to respond to changes in the variation, capacity to respond to changes in the
environment and reliance on pollinators environment and reliance on pollinators
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants continued 16.3 Sexual reproduction in plants continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
6 State that fertilisation occurs when a pollen 12 Describe the growth of the pollen tube and its 6 State that fertilisation occurs when a pollen 12 Describe the growth of the pollen tube and its
nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule entry into the ovule followed by fertilisation nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule entry into the ovule followed by fertilisation
7 Describe the structural adaptations of (details of production of endosperm and 7 Describe the structural adaptations of (details of production of endosperm and
insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers development are not required) insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers development are not required)
8 Investigate and describe the environmental 8 Investigate and describe the environmental
conditions that affect germination of seeds, conditions that affect germination of seeds,
limited to the requirement for: water, oxygen and limited to the requirement for: water, oxygen and
a suitable temperature a suitable temperature
16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans 16.4 Sexual reproduction in humans
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Identify on diagrams and state the functions 1 Identify on diagrams and state the functions
of the following parts of the male reproductive of the following parts of the male reproductive
system: testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate system: testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate
gland, urethra and penis gland, urethra and penis
2 Identify on diagrams and state the functions of 2 Identify on diagrams and state the functions of
the following parts of the female reproductive the following parts of the female reproductive
system: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and system: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix and
vagina vagina
3 Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei 3 Describe fertilisation as the fusion of the nuclei
from a male gamete (sperm) and a female from a male gamete (sperm) and a female
gamete (egg cell) gamete (egg cell)
4 Explain the adaptive features of sperm, limited 4 Explain the adaptive features of sperm, limited
to: flagellum, mitochondria and enzymes in the to: flagellum, mitochondria and enzymes in the
acrosome acrosome
5 Explain the adaptive features of egg cells, limited 5 Explain the adaptive features of egg cells, limited
to: energy stores and the jelly coat that changes to: energy stores and the jelly coat that changes
at fertilisation at fertilisation
6 Compare male and female gametes in terms of: 6 Compare male and female gametes in terms of:
size, structure, motility and numbers size, structure, motility and numbers
7 State that in early development, the zygote 7 State that in early development, the zygote
forms an embryo which is a ball of cells that forms an embryo which is a ball of cells that
implants into the lining of the uterus implants into the lining of the uterus
8 Identify on diagrams and state the functions of 9 Describe the function of the placenta and 8 Identify on diagrams and state the functions of 9 Describe the function of the placenta and
the following in the development of the fetus: umbilical cord in relation to the exchange of the following in the development of the fetus: umbilical cord in relation to the exchange of
umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic sac and dissolved nutrients, gases and excretory products umbilical cord, placenta, amniotic sac and dissolved nutrients, gases and excretory products
amniotic fluid between the blood of the mother and the blood amniotic fluid between the blood of the mother and the blood
of the fetus of the fetus
10 State that some pathogens and toxins can pass 10 State that some pathogens and toxins can pass
across the placenta and affect the fetus across the placenta and affect the fetus
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
16.5 Sexual hormones in humans 16.5 Sexual hormones in humans
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the roles of testosterone and oestrogen 1 Describe the roles of testosterone and oestrogen
in the development and regulation of secondary in the development and regulation of secondary
sexual characteristics during puberty sexual characteristics during puberty
2 Describe the menstrual cycle in terms of changes 3 Describe the sites of production of oestrogen 2 Describe the menstrual cycle in terms of changes 3 Describe the sites of production of oestrogen
in the ovaries and in the lining of the uterus and progesterone in the menstrual cycle and in in the ovaries and in the lining of the uterus and progesterone in the menstrual cycle and in
pregnancy pregnancy
4 Explain the role of hormones in controlling the 4 Explain the role of hormones in controlling the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy, limited to FSH, menstrual cycle and pregnancy, limited to FSH,
LH, progesterone and oestrogen LH, progesterone and oestrogen
16.6 Sexually transmitted infections 16.6 Sexually transmitted infections
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as 1 Describe a sexually transmitted infection (STI) as
an infection that is transmitted through sexual an infection that is transmitted through sexual
contact contact
2 State that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) 2 State that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
is a pathogen that causes an STI is a pathogen that causes an STI
3 State that HIV infection may lead to AIDS 3 State that HIV infection may lead to AIDS
4 Describe the methods of transmission of HIV 4 Describe the methods of transmission of HIV
5 Explain how the spread of STIs is controlled 5 Explain how the spread of STIs is controlled
17 Inheritance 17 Inheritance
17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins 17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that chromosomes are made of DNA, 1 State that chromosomes are made of DNA,
which contains genetic information in the form which contains genetic information in the form
of genes of genes
2 Define a gene as a length of DNA that codes for a 2 Define a gene as a length of DNA that codes for a
protein protein
3 Define an allele as an alternative form of a gene 3 Define an allele as an alternative form of a gene
4 Describe the inheritance of sex in humans with 4 Describe the inheritance of sex in humans with
reference to X and Y chromosomes reference to X and Y chromosomes
5 State that the sequence of bases in a gene 5 State that the sequence of bases in a gene
determines the sequence of amino acids used to determines the sequence of amino acids used to
make a specific protein (knowledge of the details make a specific protein (knowledge of the details
of nucleotide structure is not required) of nucleotide structure is not required)
6 Explain that different sequences of amino acids 6 Explain that different sequences of amino acids
give different shapes to protein molecules give different shapes to protein molecules
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins continued 17.1 Chromosomes, genes and proteins continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
7 Explain that DNA controls cell function by 7 Explain that DNA controls cell function by
controlling the production of proteins, including controlling the production of proteins, including
enzymes, membrane carriers and receptors for enzymes, membrane carriers and receptors for
neurotransmitters neurotransmitters
8 Explain how a protein is made, limited to: 8 Explain how a protein is made, limited to:
• the gene coding for the protein remains in • the gene coding for the protein remains in
the nucleus the nucleus
• messenger RNA (mRNA) is a copy of a gene • messenger RNA (mRNA) is a copy of a gene
• mRNA molecules are made in the nucleus • mRNA molecules are made in the nucleus
and move to the cytoplasm and move to the cytoplasm
• the mRNA passes through ribosomes • the mRNA passes through ribosomes
• the ribosome assembles amino acids into • the ribosome assembles amino acids into
protein molecules protein molecules
• the specific sequence of amino acids is • the specific sequence of amino acids is
determined by the sequence of bases in the determined by the sequence of bases in the
mRNA mRNA
(knowledge of the details of transcription or (knowledge of the details of transcription or
translation is not required) translation is not required)
9 Explain that most body cells in an organism 9 Explain that most body cells in an organism
contain the same genes, but many genes in a contain the same genes, but many genes in a
particular cell are not expressed because the cell particular cell are not expressed because the cell
only makes the specific proteins it needs only makes the specific proteins it needs
10 Describe a haploid nucleus as a nucleus 10 Describe a haploid nucleus as a nucleus
containing a single set of chromosomes containing a single set of chromosomes
11 Describe a diploid nucleus as a nucleus containing 11 Describe a diploid nucleus as a nucleus containing
two sets of chromosomes two sets of chromosomes
12 State that in a diploid cell, there is a pair of each 12 State that in a diploid cell, there is a pair of each
type of chromosome and in a human diploid cell type of chromosome and in a human diploid cell
there are 23 pairs there are 23 pairs
17.2 Mitosis 17.2 Mitosis
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe mitosis as nuclear division giving rise to 1 Describe mitosis as nuclear division giving rise to
genetically identical cells (details of the stages of genetically identical cells (details of the stages of
mitosis are not required) mitosis are not required)
2 State the role of mitosis in growth, repair of 2 State the role of mitosis in growth, repair of
damaged tissues, replacement of cells and damaged tissues, replacement of cells and
asexual reproduction asexual reproduction
3 State that the exact replication of chromosomes 3 State that the exact replication of chromosomes
occurs before mitosis occurs before mitosis
4 State that during mitosis, the copies of 4 State that during mitosis, the copies of
chromosomes separate, maintaining the chromosomes separate, maintaining the
chromosome number in each daughter cell chromosome number in each daughter cell
5 Describe stem cells as unspecialised cells that 5 Describe stem cells as unspecialised cells that
divide by mitosis to produce daughter cells that divide by mitosis to produce daughter cells that
can become specialised for specific functions can become specialised for specific functions
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
17.3 Meiosis 17.3 Meiosis
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that meiosis is involved in the production 1 State that meiosis is involved in the production
of gametes of gametes
2 Describe meiosis as a reduction division in which 2 Describe meiosis as a reduction division in which
the chromosome number is halved from diploid the chromosome number is halved from diploid
to haploid resulting in genetically different cells to haploid resulting in genetically different cells
(details of the stages of meiosis are not required) (details of the stages of meiosis are not required)
17.4 Monohybrid inheritance 17.4 Monohybrid inheritance
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe inheritance as the transmission 1 Describe inheritance as the transmission
of genetic information from generation to of genetic information from generation to
generation generation
2 Describe genotype as the genetic make-up of an 2 Describe genotype as the genetic make-up of an
organism and in terms of the alleles present organism and in terms of the alleles present
3 Describe phenotype as the observable features of 3 Describe phenotype as the observable features of
an organism an organism
4 Describe homozygous as having two identical 4 Describe homozygous as having two identical
alleles of a particular gene alleles of a particular gene
5 State that two identical homozygous individuals 5 State that two identical homozygous individuals
that breed together will be pure-breeding that breed together will be pure-breeding
6 Describe heterozygous as having two different 6 Describe heterozygous as having two different
alleles of a particular gene alleles of a particular gene
7 State that a heterozygous individual will not be 7 State that a heterozygous individual will not be
pure-breeding pure-breeding
8 Describe a dominant allele as an allele that is 8 Describe a dominant allele as an allele that is
expressed if it is present in the genotype expressed if it is present in the genotype
9 Describe a recessive allele as an allele that is only 9 Describe a recessive allele as an allele that is only
expressed when there is no dominant allele of expressed when there is no dominant allele of
the gene present in the genotype the gene present in the genotype
10 Interpret pedigree diagrams for the inheritance of 10 Interpret pedigree diagrams for the inheritance of
a given characteristic a given characteristic
11 Use genetic diagrams to predict the results of 13 Explain how to use a test cross to identify an 11 Use genetic diagrams to predict the results of 13 Explain how to use a test cross to identify an
monohybrid crosses and calculate phenotypic unknown genotype monohybrid crosses and calculate phenotypic unknown genotype
ratios, limited to 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 ratios ratios, limited to 1 : 1 and 3 : 1 ratios
12 Use Punnett squares in crosses which result in 12 Use Punnett squares in crosses which result in
more than one genotype to work out and show more than one genotype to work out and show
the possible different genotypes continued the possible different genotypes continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
17.4 Monohybrid inheritance continued 17.4 Monohybrid inheritance continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
14 Describe codominance as a situation in 14 Describe codominance as a situation in
which both alleles in heterozygous organisms which both alleles in heterozygous organisms
contribute to the phenotype contribute to the phenotype
15 Explain the inheritance of ABO blood groups: 15 Explain the inheritance of ABO blood groups:
phenotypes are A, B, AB and O blood groups and phenotypes are A, B, AB and O blood groups and
alleles are IA, IB and Io alleles are IA, IB and Io
16 Describe a sex-linked characteristic as a feature 16 Describe a sex-linked characteristic as a feature
in which the gene responsible is located on in which the gene responsible is located on
a sex chromosome and that this makes the a sex chromosome and that this makes the
characteristic more common in one sex than in characteristic more common in one sex than in
the other the other
17 Describe red-green colour blindness as an 17 Describe red-green colour blindness as an
example of sex linkage example of sex linkage
18 Use genetic diagrams to predict the results of 18 Use genetic diagrams to predict the results of
monohybrid crosses involving codominance or monohybrid crosses involving codominance or
sex linkage and calculate phenotypic ratios sex linkage and calculate phenotypic ratios
18 Variation and selection 18 Variation and selection
18.1 Variation 18.1 Variation
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe variation as differences between 1 Describe variation as differences between
individuals of the same species individuals of the same species
2 State that continuous variation results in a range 2 State that continuous variation results in a range
of phenotypes between two extremes; examples of phenotypes between two extremes; examples
include body length and body mass include body length and body mass
3 State that discontinuous variation results 3 State that discontinuous variation results
in a limited number of phenotypes with no in a limited number of phenotypes with no
intermediates; examples include ABO blood intermediates; examples include ABO blood
groups, seed shape in peas and seed colour in groups, seed shape in peas and seed colour in
peas peas
4 State that discontinuous variation is usually 4 State that discontinuous variation is usually
caused by genes only and continuous variation is caused by genes only and continuous variation is
caused by both genes and the environment caused by both genes and the environment
5 Investigate and describe examples of continuous 5 Investigate and describe examples of continuous
and discontinuous variation and discontinuous variation
6 Describe mutation as genetic change 9 Describe gene mutation as a random change in 6 Describe mutation as genetic change 9 Describe gene mutation as a random change in
the base sequence of DNA the base sequence of DNA
7 State that mutation is the way in which new 10 State that mutation, meiosis, random mating 7 State that mutation is the way in which new 10 State that mutation, meiosis, random mating
alleles are formed and random fertilisation are sources of genetic alleles are formed and random fertilisation are sources of genetic
variation in populations variation in populations
8 State that ionising radiation and some chemicals 8 State that ionising radiation and some chemicals
increase the rate of mutation increase the rate of mutation
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
18.2 Adaptive features 18.2 Adaptive features
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe an adaptive feature as an inherited 1 Describe an adaptive feature as an inherited
feature that helps an organism to survive and feature that helps an organism to survive and
reproduce in its environment reproduce in its environment
2 Interpret images or other information about a 2 Interpret images or other information about a
species to describe its adaptive features species to describe its adaptive features
3 Explain the adaptive features of hydrophytes and 3 Explain the adaptive features of hydrophytes and
xerophytes to their environments xerophytes to their environments
18.3 Selection 18.3 Selection
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe natural selection with reference to: 4 Describe adaptation as the process, resulting 1 Describe natural selection with reference to: 4 Describe adaptation as the process, resulting
(a) genetic variation within populations from natural selection, by which populations (a) genetic variation within populations from natural selection, by which populations
become more suited to their environment over become more suited to their environment over
(b) production of many offspring (b) production of many offspring
many generations many generations
(c) struggle for survival, including competition (c) struggle for survival, including competition
for resources for resources
(d) a greater chance of reproduction by (d) a greater chance of reproduction by
individuals that are better adapted to the individuals that are better adapted to the
environment than others environment than others
(e) these individuals pass on their alleles to the (e) these individuals pass on their alleles to the
next generation next generation
5 Describe the development of strains of antibiotic 5 Describe the development of strains of antibiotic
resistant bacteria as an example of natural resistant bacteria as an example of natural
selection selection
2 Describe selective breeding with reference to: 2 Describe selective breeding with reference to:
(a) selection by humans of individuals with (a) selection by humans of individuals with
desirable features desirable features
(b) crossing these individuals to produce the (b) crossing these individuals to produce the
next generation next generation
(c) selection of offspring showing the desirable (c) selection of offspring showing the desirable
features features
3 Outline how selective breeding by artificial 6 Outline the differences between natural and 3 Outline how selective breeding by artificial 6 Outline the differences between natural and
selection is carried out over many generations to artificial selection selection is carried out over many generations to artificial selection
improve crop plants and domesticated animals improve crop plants and domesticated animals
and apply this to given contexts and apply this to given contexts
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
19 Organisms and their environment 19 Organisms and their environment
19.1 Energy flow 19.1 Energy flow
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that the Sun is the principal source of 1 State that the Sun is the principal source of
energy input to biological systems energy input to biological systems
2 Describe the flow of energy through living 2 Describe the flow of energy through living
organisms, including light energy from the organisms, including light energy from the
Sun and chemical energy in organisms, and its Sun and chemical energy in organisms, and its
eventual transfer to the environment eventual transfer to the environment
19.2 Food chains and food webs 19.2 Food chains and food webs
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a food chain as showing the transfer of 1 Describe a food chain as showing the transfer of
energy from one organism to the next, beginning energy from one organism to the next, beginning
with a producer with a producer
2 Construct and interpret simple food chains 2 Construct and interpret simple food chains
3 Describe a food web as a network of 3 Describe a food web as a network of
interconnected food chains and interpret food interconnected food chains and interpret food
webs webs
4 Describe a producer as an organism that makes 4 Describe a producer as an organism that makes
its own organic nutrients, usually using energy its own organic nutrients, usually using energy
from sunlight, through photosynthesis from sunlight, through photosynthesis
5 Describe a consumer as an organism that gets its 5 Describe a consumer as an organism that gets its
energy by feeding on other organisms energy by feeding on other organisms
6 State that consumers may be classed as primary, 6 State that consumers may be classed as primary,
secondary, tertiary and quaternary according to secondary, tertiary and quaternary according to
their position in a food chain their position in a food chain
7 Describe a herbivore as an animal that gets its 7 Describe a herbivore as an animal that gets its
energy by eating plants energy by eating plants
8 Describe a carnivore as an animal that gets its 8 Describe a carnivore as an animal that gets its
energy by eating other animals energy by eating other animals
9 Describe a decomposer as an organism that gets 9 Describe a decomposer as an organism that gets
its energy from dead or waste organic material its energy from dead or waste organic material
10 Use food chains and food webs to describe the 10 Use food chains and food webs to describe the
impact humans have through overharvesting of impact humans have through overharvesting of
food species and through introducing foreign food species and through introducing foreign
species to a habitat species to a habitat
11 Draw, describe and interpret pyramids of 15 Draw, describe and interpret pyramids of energy 11 Draw, describe and interpret pyramids of 15 Draw, describe and interpret pyramids of energy
numbers and pyramids of biomass numbers and pyramids of biomass
12 Discuss the advantages of using a pyramid of 16 Discuss the advantages of using a pyramid of 12 Discuss the advantages of using a pyramid of 16 Discuss the advantages of using a pyramid of
biomass rather than a pyramid of numbers to energy rather than pyramids of numbers or biomass rather than a pyramid of numbers to energy rather than pyramids of numbers or
represent a food chain biomass to represent a food chain represent a food chain biomass to represent a food chain
13 Describe a trophic level as the position of an 13 Describe a trophic level as the position of an
organism in a food chain, food web or ecological organism in a food chain, food web or ecological
pyramid continued pyramid continued
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
19.2 Food chains and food webs continued 19.2 Food chains and food webs continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
14 Identify the following as the trophic levels in 14 Identify the following as the trophic levels in
food webs, food chains and ecological pyramids: food webs, food chains and ecological pyramids:
producers, primary consumers, secondary producers, primary consumers, secondary
consumers, tertiary consumers and quaternary consumers, tertiary consumers and quaternary
consumers consumers
17 Explain why the transfer of energy from one 17 Explain why the transfer of energy from one
trophic level to another is often not efficient trophic level to another is often not efficient
18 Explain, in terms of energy loss, why food chains 18 Explain, in terms of energy loss, why food chains
usually have fewer than five trophic levels usually have fewer than five trophic levels
19 Explain why it is more energy efficient for 19 Explain why it is more energy efficient for
humans to eat crop plants than to eat livestock humans to eat crop plants than to eat livestock
that have been fed on crop plants that have been fed on crop plants
19.3 Nutrient cycles 19.3 Nutrient cycles
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the carbon cycle, limited to: 1 Describe the carbon cycle, limited to:
photosynthesis, respiration, feeding, photosynthesis, respiration, feeding,
decomposition, formation of fossil fuels and decomposition, formation of fossil fuels and
combustion combustion
2 Describe the nitrogen cycle with reference to: 2 Describe the nitrogen cycle with reference to:
• decomposition of plant and animal protein to • decomposition of plant and animal protein to
ammonium ions ammonium ions
• nitrification • nitrification
• nitrogen fixation by lightning and bacteria • nitrogen fixation by lightning and bacteria
• absorption of nitrate ions by plants • absorption of nitrate ions by plants
• production of amino acids and proteins • production of amino acids and proteins
• feeding and digestion of proteins • feeding and digestion of proteins
• deamination • deamination
• denitrification • denitrification
3 State the roles of microorganisms in the nitrogen 3 State the roles of microorganisms in the nitrogen
cycle, limited to: decomposition, nitrification, cycle, limited to: decomposition, nitrification,
nitrogen fixation and denitrification (generic nitrogen fixation and denitrification (generic
names of individual bacteria, e.g. Rhizobium, are names of individual bacteria, e.g. Rhizobium, are
not required) not required)
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
19.4 Populations 19.4 Populations
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a population as a group of organisms of 1 Describe a population as a group of organisms of
one species, living in the same area, at the same one species, living in the same area, at the same
time time
2 Describe a community as all of the populations 2 Describe a community as all of the populations
of different species in an ecosystem of different species in an ecosystem
3 Describe an ecosystem as a unit containing the 3 Describe an ecosystem as a unit containing the
community of organisms and their environment, community of organisms and their environment,
interacting together interacting together
4 Identify and state the factors affecting the rate 4 Identify and state the factors affecting the rate
of population growth for a population of an of population growth for a population of an
organism, limited to food supply, competition, organism, limited to food supply, competition,
predation and disease predation and disease
5 Identify the lag, exponential (log), stationary 7 Explain the factors that lead to each phase in 5 Identify the lag, exponential (log), stationary 7 Explain the factors that lead to each phase in
and death phases in the sigmoid curve of the sigmoid curve of population growth, making and death phases in the sigmoid curve of the sigmoid curve of population growth, making
population growth for a population growing in an reference, where appropriate, to the role of population growth for a population growing in an reference, where appropriate, to the role of
environment with limited resources limiting factors environment with limited resources limiting factors
6 Interpret graphs and diagrams of population 6 Interpret graphs and diagrams of population
growth growth
20 Human influences on ecosystems 20 Human influences on ecosystems
20.1 Food supply 20.1 Food supply
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe how humans have increased food 1 Describe how humans have increased food
production, limited to: production, limited to:
(a) agricultural machinery to use larger areas of (a) agricultural machinery to use larger areas of
land and improve efficiency land and improve efficiency
(b) chemical fertilisers to improve yields (b) chemical fertilisers to improve yields
(c) insecticides to improve quality and yield (c) insecticides to improve quality and yield
(d) herbicides to reduce competition with weeds (d) herbicides to reduce competition with weeds
(e) selective breeding to improve production by (e) selective breeding to improve production by
crop plants and livestock crop plants and livestock
2 Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 2 Describe the advantages and disadvantages of
large-scale monocultures of crop plants large-scale monocultures of crop plants
3 Describe the advantages and disadvantages of 3 Describe the advantages and disadvantages of
intensive livestock production intensive livestock production
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
20.2 Habitat destruction 20.2 Habitat destruction
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe biodiversity as the number of different 1 Describe biodiversity as the number of different
species that live in an area species that live in an area
2 Describe the reasons for habitat destruction, 2 Describe the reasons for habitat destruction,
including: including:
(a) increased area for housing, crop plant (a) increased area for housing, crop plant
production and livestock production production and livestock production
(b) extraction of natural resources (b) extraction of natural resources
(c) freshwater and marine pollution (c) freshwater and marine pollution
3 State that through altering food webs and food 3 State that through altering food webs and food
chains, humans can have a negative impact on chains, humans can have a negative impact on
habitats habitats
4 Explain the undesirable effects of deforestation 4 Explain the undesirable effects of deforestation
as an example of habitat destruction, to include: as an example of habitat destruction, to include:
reducing biodiversity, extinction, loss of soil, reducing biodiversity, extinction, loss of soil,
flooding and increase of carbon dioxide in the flooding and increase of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere atmosphere
20.3 Pollution 20.3 Pollution
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the effects of untreated sewage and 4 Explain the process of eutrophication of water, 1 Describe the effects of untreated sewage and 4 Explain the process of eutrophication of water,
excess fertiliser on aquatic ecosystems limited to: excess fertiliser on aquatic ecosystems limited to:
• increased availability of nitrate and other • increased availability of nitrate and other
ions ions
• increased growth of producers • increased growth of producers
• increased decomposition after death of • increased decomposition after death of
producers producers
• increased aerobic respiration by decomposers • increased aerobic respiration by decomposers
• reduction in dissolved oxygen • reduction in dissolved oxygen
• death of organisms requiring dissolved • death of organisms requiring dissolved
oxygen in water oxygen in water
2 Describe the effects of non-biodegradable 2 Describe the effects of non-biodegradable
plastics, in both aquatic and terrestrial plastics, in both aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems ecosystems
3 Describe the sources and effects of pollution of 3 Describe the sources and effects of pollution of
the air by methane and carbon dioxide, limited the air by methane and carbon dioxide, limited
to: the enhanced greenhouse effect and climate to: the enhanced greenhouse effect and climate
change change
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
20.4 Conservation 20.4 Conservation
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe a sustainable resource as one which is 1 Describe a sustainable resource as one which is
produced as rapidly as it is removed from the produced as rapidly as it is removed from the
environment so that it does not run out environment so that it does not run out
2 State that some resources can be conserved and 5 Explain how forests can be conserved using: 2 State that some resources can be conserved and 5 Explain how forests can be conserved using:
managed sustainably, limited to forests and fish education, protected areas, quotas and replanting managed sustainably, limited to forests and fish education, protected areas, quotas and replanting
stocks 6 Explain how fish stocks can be conserved using: stocks 6 Explain how fish stocks can be conserved using:
education, closed seasons, protected areas, education, closed seasons, protected areas,
controlled net types and mesh size, quotas and controlled net types and mesh size, quotas and
monitoring monitoring
3 Explain why organisms become endangered 3 Explain why organisms become endangered
or extinct, including: climate change, habitat or extinct, including: climate change, habitat
destruction, hunting, overharvesting, pollution destruction, hunting, overharvesting, pollution
and introduced species and introduced species
4 Describe how endangered species can be 7 Describe the reasons for conservation 4 Describe how endangered species can be 7 Describe the reasons for conservation
conserved, limited to: programmes, limited to: conserved, limited to: programmes, limited to:
(a) monitoring and protecting species and (a) maintaining or increasing biodiversity (a) monitoring and protecting species and (a) maintaining or increasing biodiversity
habitats (b) reducing extinction habitats (b) reducing extinction
(b) education (c) protecting vulnerable ecosystems (b) education (c) protecting vulnerable ecosystems
(c) captive breeding programmes (d) maintaining ecosystem functions, limited (c) captive breeding programmes (d) maintaining ecosystem functions, limited
(d) seed banks to nutrient cycling and resource provision, (d) seed banks to nutrient cycling and resource provision,
including food, drugs, fuel and genes including food, drugs, fuel and genes
8 Describe the use of artificial insemination (AI) 8 Describe the use of artificial insemination (AI)
and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in captive breeding and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) in captive breeding
programmes programmes
9 Explain the risks to a species if its population size 9 Explain the risks to a species if its population size
decreases, reducing genetic variation (knowledge decreases, reducing genetic variation (knowledge
of genetic drift is not required) of genetic drift is not required)
21 Biotechnology and genetic modification 21 Biotechnology and genetic modification
21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification 21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 State that bacteria are useful in biotechnology 2 Discuss why bacteria are useful in biotechnology 1 State that bacteria are useful in biotechnology 2 Discuss why bacteria are useful in biotechnology
and genetic modification due to their rapid and genetic modification, limited to: and genetic modification due to their rapid and genetic modification, limited to:
reproduction rate and their ability to make (a) few ethical concerns over their manipulation reproduction rate and their ability to make (a) few ethical concerns over their manipulation
complex molecules and growth complex molecules and growth
(b) the presence of plasmids (b) the presence of plasmids
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 Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
21.2 Biotechnology 21.2 Biotechnology
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast 1 Describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast
during the production of ethanol for biofuels during the production of ethanol for biofuels
2 Describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast 2 Describe the role of anaerobic respiration in yeast
during bread-making during bread-making
3 Describe the use of pectinase in fruit juice 3 Describe the use of pectinase in fruit juice
production production
4 Investigate and describe the use of biological 4 Investigate and describe the use of biological
washing powders that contain enzymes washing powders that contain enzymes
5 Explain the use of lactase to produce lactose-free 5 Explain the use of lactase to produce lactose-free
milk milk
6 Describe how fermenters can be used for the 6 Describe how fermenters can be used for the
large-scale production of useful products by large-scale production of useful products by
bacteria and fungi, including insulin, penicillin and bacteria and fungi, including insulin, penicillin and
mycoprotein mycoprotein
7 Describe and explain the conditions that need to be 7 Describe and explain the conditions that need to be
controlled in a fermenter, including: temperature, controlled in a fermenter, including: temperature,
pH, oxygen, nutrient supply and waste products pH, oxygen, nutrient supply and waste products
21.3 Genetic modification 21.3 Genetic modification
Core Supplement Core Supplement
1 Describe genetic modification as changing the 3 Outline the process of genetic modification using 1 Describe genetic modification as changing the 3 Outline the process of genetic modification using
genetic material of an organism by removing, bacterial production of a human protein as an genetic material of an organism by removing, bacterial production of a human protein as an
changing or inserting individual genes example, limited to: changing or inserting individual genes example, limited to:
(a) isolation of the DNA making up a human (a) isolation of the DNA making up a human
gene using restriction enzymes, forming gene using restriction enzymes, forming
sticky ends sticky ends
(b) cutting of bacterial plasmid DNA with (b) cutting of bacterial plasmid DNA with
the same restriction enzymes, forming the same restriction enzymes, forming
complementary sticky ends complementary sticky ends
(c) insertion of human DNA into bacterial (c) insertion of human DNA into bacterial
plasmid DNA using DNA ligase to form a plasmid DNA using DNA ligase to form a
recombinant plasmid recombinant plasmid
(d) insertion of recombinant plasmids into (d) insertion of recombinant plasmids into
bacteria (specific details are not required) bacteria (specific details are not required)
(e) multiplication of bacteria containing (e) multiplication of bacteria containing
recombinant plasmids recombinant plasmids
(f) expression in bacteria of the human gene to (f) expression in bacteria of the human gene to
make the human protein make the human protein
continued continued
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Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Subject content
21.3 Genetic modification continued 21.3 Genetic modification continued
Core Supplement Core Supplement
2 Outline examples of genetic modification: 2 Outline examples of genetic modification:
(a) the insertion of human genes into bacteria to (a) the insertion of human genes into bacteria to
produce human proteins produce human proteins
(b) the insertion of genes into crop plants to (b) the insertion of genes into crop plants to
confer resistance to herbicides confer resistance to herbicides
(c) the insertion of genes into crop plants to (c) the insertion of genes into crop plants to
confer resistance to insect pests confer resistance to insect pests
(d) the insertion of genes into crop plants to (d) the insertion of genes into crop plants to
improve nutritional qualities improve nutritional qualities
4 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of 4 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of
genetically modifying crops, including soya, genetically modifying crops, including soya,
maize and rice maize and rice
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