Readable syllabus overview and practice questions
Cambridge International AS & A Level Biology 9700
Examinations 2025–2027. Readable text and equivalent practice questions. Practice scores are not Cambridge grades.
1 · Biology 9700
Cambridge International AS & A Level
Biology 9700
Explore the topics you will study and the skills you will develop.
Examinations 2025–2027 · Syllabus Overview
2 · How the course is organised
AS Level: topics 1–11 and practical skills. Full A Level: all AS content plus topics 12–19 and further practical skills.
Use the syllabus for examinations 2025–2027. Confirm your examination year and any options with your centre.
3 · AS Level · 1
Compulsory within this study stage.
1 Cell structure
Compare cell structures and use microscopy to connect structures with functions.
2 Biological molecules
Explore the properties and roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water.
4 · AS Level · 2
Compulsory within this study stage.
3 Enzymes
Investigate biological catalysts and factors affecting reaction rates.
5 · AS Level · 1
Compulsory within this study stage.
4 Cell membranes and transport
Explain membrane structure and movement of substances into and out of cells.
5 The mitotic cell cycle
Study cell division, growth and the maintenance of genetic information.
6 · AS Level · 2
Compulsory within this study stage.
6 Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
Connect DNA and RNA with the production of proteins.
7 · AS Level · 1
Compulsory within this study stage.
7 Transport in plants
Explain movement of water, minerals and assimilates through plants.
8 Transport in mammals
Explore circulation, blood and the transport of substances.
8 · AS Level · 2
Compulsory within this study stage.
9 Gas exchange
Relate gas exchange surfaces and ventilation to their functions.
9 · AS Level
Compulsory within this study stage.
10 Infectious diseases
Study pathogens, transmission and approaches to disease control.
11 Immunity
Explain immune responses and how vaccination protects populations.
10 · A Level additional · 1
Compulsory within this study stage.
12 Energy and respiration
Explain how cells transfer energy and produce ATP through respiration.
13 Photosynthesis
Explore light-dependent and light-independent processes in plants.
11 · A Level additional · 2
Compulsory within this study stage.
14 Homeostasis
Explain how organisms regulate internal conditions.
12 · A Level additional · 1
Compulsory within this study stage.
15 Control and coordination
Compare nervous and hormonal communication and responses.
16 Inheritance
Use genetic principles to explain patterns of inheritance.
13 · A Level additional · 2
Compulsory within this study stage.
17 Selection and evolution
Connect variation and selection with evolutionary change.
14 · A Level additional
Compulsory within this study stage.
18 Classification, biodiversity and conservation
Classify organisms, evaluate diversity and consider conservation strategies.
19 Genetic technology
Explore techniques for investigating and modifying genetic material.
15 · Skills you will develop
Use practical investigations to develop measurement, observation, data presentation, analysis and evaluation. Practical skills run alongside the topic map.
16 · Keep the syllabus beside you
– Use the official syllabus for 2025–2027.
– Find each numbered topic or labelled option in the subject-content section.
– Use its detailed requirements to plan study and review progress.
[Open the official Cambridge syllabus](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/664560-2025-2027-syllabus.pdf)
The next five questions check your understanding of this topic map. They are optional practice with feedback and retries, not Cambridge grades.
Topic check 1 · Find the right area
Which topic concerns membrane structure and transport into cells?
– 8 Transport in mammals
– 4 Cell membranes and transport
– 11 Immunity
Show answer and feedback
Correct: 4 Cell membranes and transport
Correct feedback: 4 Cell membranes and transport: Explain membrane structure and movement of substances into and out of cells. Review slide 05 and 06.
If 8 Transport in mammals is selected: 8 Transport in mammals: Explore circulation, blood and the transport of substances. Review slide 07 and 08. The best match to this question is 4 Cell membranes and transport.
If 11 Immunity is selected: 11 Immunity: Explain immune responses and how vaccination protects populations. Review slide 09. The best match to this question is 4 Cell membranes and transport.
Topic check 2 · Understand the course structure
True or false: AS Level includes topic 19 Genetic technology.
Show answer and feedback
Correct: False
Correct feedback: Correct. Genetic technology is A Level additional content; AS topics are 1–11.
Incorrect feedback: Revisit slide 02. Genetic technology is A Level additional content; AS topics are 1–11.
Topic check 3 · Complete the topic title
Explain immune responses and how vaccination protects populations.
Complete the missing word in this topic title: 11 ____
Show answer and feedback
Accepted answer: Immunity. Ignore case and surrounding whitespace; do not require the topic number.
Correct feedback: 11 Immunity: Explain immune responses and how vaccination protects populations. Review slide 09.
Incorrect feedback: Use the description to identify the topic. The missing word is “Immunity”; the complete title is 11 Immunity. Review slide 09.
Topic check 4 · Match topics to their focus
Match each description with its topic label. Use each label once.
Draggable labels: 3 Enzymes; 13 Photosynthesis; 16 Inheritance
– Investigate biological catalysts and factors affecting reaction rates. → [drop zone]
– Explore light-dependent and light-independent processes in plants. → [drop zone]
– Use genetic principles to explain patterns of inheritance. → [drop zone]
Show answer and feedback
– Row 1: 3 Enzymes. Review slide 03 and 04.
– Row 2: 13 Photosynthesis. Review slide 10 and 11.
– Row 3: 16 Inheritance. Review slide 12 and 13.
Correct feedback: Each label now matches its study focus.
Incorrect/partial feedback: Keep correct matches and revisit the topic descriptions above; use the solution to compare each pair.
Topic check 5 · Identify the study areas
Select the two topic labels that match these descriptions:
– Explain movement of water, minerals and assimilates through plants.
– Relate gas exchange surfaces and ventilation to their functions.
Selectable text:
7 Transport in plants / 1 Cell structure / 9 Gas exchange / 2 Biological molecules
Show answer and feedback
Correct labels: 7 Transport in plants; 9 Gas exchange.
Incorrect labels: 1 Cell structure; 2 Biological molecules.
Correct feedback: 7 Transport in plants: Explain movement of water, minerals and assimilates through plants. Review slide 07 and 08. 9 Gas exchange: Relate gas exchange surfaces and ventilation to their functions. Review slide 07 and 08.
Incorrect/partial feedback: Match the meaning of each description, not just a familiar word. 1 Cell structure: Compare cell structures and use microscopy to connect structures with functions. Review slide 03 and 04. 2 Biological molecules: Explore the properties and roles of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and water. Review slide 03 and 04.