Download/ view CAPE Biology Syllabus

DOWNLOAD the FREE biology syllabus here. This was effective from 2008 so this is the most recent syllabus. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 are included

Biology Module 1 - 4.enzymes 4.4 explain the effects of competitive and non-competitive inhibitors on enzyme activity

4.4 explain the effects of competitive and non-competitive inhibitors on enzyme activity




competitive inhibitor - this slow or stop enzyme controlled reaction


this inhibitor has a similar shape to the enzyme substrate so binds to the enzyme briefly so there will be competition for the active site.

Biology Module 1 - 4.enzymes 4.3 explain the effects of pH, temperature, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration on enzyme action

4.3 explain the effects of pH, temperature, enzyme concentration and substrate concentration on enzyme action





pH - most enzymes have an optimum pH of 7

If the pH is too low there is too much hydrogen ions and if the pH is high there is too little hydrogen ions. In both of these situations the shape of the enzyme is changed thus causing the enzyme to be denatured.

Biology Module 1 - 4.enzymes 4.2 explain the mode of action of enzymes in terms of an active site, enzyme and/or substrate complex, lowering activation energy and enzyme specificity

4.2 explain the mode of action of enzymes in terms of an active site, enzyme and/or substrate complex, lowering activation energy and enzyme specificity

• enzyme catalyses reactions where substrates are broken down to products. Enzyme has an active site which is a pocket in an enzyme molecule and it is shaped so that the substrate can fit closely into it. This is the idea of lock and key.

• as a substrate molecule fits into the active site the

Biology Module 1 - 4.enzymes 4.1 explain that enzymes are globular proteins that catalyse metabolic reactions

 4.1 explain that enzymes are globular proteins that catalyses metabolic reactions



Enzymes are biological catalyst which speeds up metabolic reactions without itself being used up.


metabolism - chemical reactions that take place within an organism

Biology Module 1 - 3.membrane structure and function 3.3 investigate the effects on plant cells of immersion into solutions of different water potentials

3.3 investigate the effects on plant cells of immersion into solutions of different water potentials



high water potential outside and low water potential inside plant cell

• there is osmotic uptake of water where water diffuses into the cell through the partially permeable membrane

• cell contents expands and pressure of the cell content increase and push out on the cell wall