Foundations
Build the vocabulary and mechanisms that every later topic depends on.
- Cells
- Classification
- Movement into and out of cells
- Biological molecules
- Enzymes
Cambridge O Level Biology · 5090
Know the Biology. Show the examiner you know it.
A syllabus-led learning route for the 2026–2028 Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 course—connecting strong concepts with practical judgment, data interpretation and precise answers.
Assessment at a glance
Three components. Three different kinds of readiness.
All candidates take Paper 1 and Paper 2, plus either the Practical Test or Alternative to Practical.
Paper 1Multiple Choice
1 hour · 40 marks · 30%
Paper 2Theory
1 hour 45 min · 80 marks · 50%
Paper 3 or 4Practical skills
1 hr 30 min Practical Test or 1 hr Alternative to Practical · 40 marks · 20%
The 5090 syllabus map
Learn nineteen topics as four connected systems.
This grouping is a study route; the topic names follow the official Cambridge 2026–2028 syllabus.
Plant biology
Connect structure to nutrition, transport, coordination and response.
- Plant nutrition
- Transport in flowering plants
- Coordination and response in plants
Human systems
Follow materials, information and regulation across the whole organism.
- Human nutrition
- Human gas exchange
- Respiration
- Transport in humans
- Disease and immunity
- Excretion
- Coordination and control
Continuity and environment
Explain how organisms reproduce, inherit, change and interact.
- Development of organisms and continuity of life
- Inheritance
- Biotechnology and genetic modification
- Relationships of organisms with one another and with the environment
The skills layer
Content knowledge alone does not secure the marks.
Practical design
Identify independent, dependent and controlled variables; write repeatable methods; judge risk, reliability and improvement.
Observations and data
Record suitable precision, choose the correct graph, calculate rates and percentages, and describe patterns without inventing causes.
Command words
Distinguish state, describe, explain, compare, calculate, suggest and predict so the depth of each answer matches the instruction.
Structured answers
Build visible biological chains: change → mechanism → consequence. Each mark-worthy link should be stated, not implied.
19 topics
01Foundations
Cells
Use cell structure to explain function, compare cell types and work confidently with microscopy and magnification.
Open topic route02Foundations
Classification
Recognise shared characteristics, use classification keys and explain how DNA evidence can refine biological relationships.
Open topic route03Foundations
Movement into and out of cells
Explain diffusion, osmosis and active transport through gradients, membranes, energy use and surface-area relationships.
Open topic route04Foundations
Biological molecules
Connect carbohydrates, lipids and proteins with their building blocks, biological roles and standard food tests.
Open topic route05Foundations
Enzymes
Explain enzyme specificity and interpret how temperature, pH and concentration affect reaction rate.
Open topic route06Plant biology
Plant nutrition
Relate leaf structure, limiting factors and mineral requirements to photosynthesis and plant growth.
Open topic route07Plant biology
Transport in flowering plants
Trace water, mineral ions and assimilates through roots, xylem, leaves and phloem.
Open topic route08Plant biology
Coordination and response in plants
Explain directional growth responses and how auxin distribution produces different root and shoot responses.
Open topic route09Human systems
Human nutrition
Connect diet, digestion, absorption and assimilation across the alimentary canal.
Open topic route10Human systems
Human gas exchange
Use pressure, muscle action and diffusion to explain ventilation and exchange at the alveoli.
Open topic route11Human systems
Respiration
Distinguish aerobic and anaerobic respiration and explain why cells require controlled energy release.
Open topic route12Human systems
Transport in humans
Explain double circulation, heart action, vessel adaptations, blood components and coronary disease.
Open topic route13Human systems
Disease and immunity
Connect pathogen transmission, body defences, antibodies, vaccination and public-health control.
Open topic route14Human systems
Excretion
Explain removal of metabolic waste, kidney function and regulation of water concentration.
Open topic route15Human systems
Coordination and control
Compare nervous and hormonal coordination and explain receptors, reflexes and homeostatic control.
Open topic route16Continuity & environment
Development and continuity of life
Connect sexual and asexual reproduction with gametes, fertilisation, development and plant reproduction.
Open topic route17Continuity & environment
Inheritance
Move from chromosomes and genes to crosses, variation, selection and modern genetic interpretation.
Open topic route18Continuity & environment
Biotechnology and genetic modification
Explain how microorganisms, enzymes and gene transfer are used to make useful biological products.
Open topic route19Continuity & environment
Relationships of organisms with one another and with the environment
Use food webs, nutrient cycles, population data and human impacts to explain ecosystem change.
Open topic routeStart learning
Cambridge-focused guides
Cambridge O Level4 min read
19
Cells & molecules · Movement in and out of cells
Diffusion, osmosis and active transport for Cambridge O Level
A syllabus-focused guide to gradients, water movement and energy-dependent transport—with the comparisons exam answers need.
Read articleCambridge O Level4 min read
20
Practical & exam skills · Practical skills
Cambridge practical Biology: food tests, variables and fair experiments
Plan investigations, identify variables, use controls and report biological food tests with the precision practical papers reward.
Read articleCambridge O Level4 min read
21
Practical & exam skills · Exam technique
Cambridge Biology data questions: graphs, calculations and structured answers
Turn tables and unfamiliar experiments into precise observations, calculations and biological explanations.
Read articleThis independent teaching resource is aligned to Cambridge O Level Biology 5090 and is not endorsed by Cambridge International Education.
Check the official subject page