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SS1 WEEK 8, BIOLOGY NUTRIENT CYCLING IN NATURE

  Carbon Cycle Definition The carbon cycle is the natural process by which carbon moves between the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere through biological, chemical, and geological processes. Processes Photosynthesis: Plants absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds. Respiration: Organisms release CO₂ back into the atmosphere by breaking down glucose. Decomposition: Microorganisms break down dead organisms, releasing CO₂ into the soil and air. Combustion: Burning fossil fuels and biomass releases CO₂. Ocean Uptake and Release: Oceans absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere, which is later released through marine respiration and decomposition. Importance Maintains atmospheric CO₂ balance. Supports plant growth and food chains. Regulates global temperature (greenhouse effect). Forms fossil fuels over millions of years. Nitrogen Cycle Definition The nitrogen cycle is the continuous movement of nitrogen in different forms betwee...

SS2, WEEK 8 SECOND TERM.. PRATICALS

  Practical on Skeletal System Observation of Bones: Study different bones using real specimens or models. Joint Movement Demonstration: Examine ball-and-socket, hinge, and pivot joints. Bone Strength Test: Compare the strength of dried and fresh bones by applying pressure. X-ray Analysis: Observe X-ray images to identify fractures and bone structures. Practical on Digestion Starch Test (Iodine Test): Add iodine to food samples to detect starch (blue-black color). Protein Test (Biuret Test): Mix food with Biuret solution; purple color indicates protein. Fat Test (Grease Spot Test): Rub food on paper; a translucent spot confirms fat. Enzyme Activity: Observe how amylase breaks down starch into maltose using iodine test. Practical on Circulatory System Heart Dissection: Study chambers, valves, and major blood vessels of a mammalian heart. Pulse Rate Measurement: Measure pulse rate before and after exercise to observe changes. Blood Smear Examination: View...

SS1 SECOND TERM, WEEK 5, ENERGY TRANSFORMATION IN NATURE

 Energy Transformation in Nature Energy transformation in nature refers to the conversion of energy from one form to another in biological and ecological systems. The primary source of energy for most life forms is the sun , which is transformed through various biological and physical processes. Key Energy Transformations in Nature: Photosynthesis – Plants, algae, and some bacteria capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + L i g h t E n e r g y → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + Light Energy → C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 Cellular Respiration – Organisms break down glucose through aerobic or anaerobic respiration to release ATP (usable energy). C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2 → 6 C O 2 + 6 H 2 O + A T P C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 → 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP Decomposition – Dead organisms are broken down by decomposers (fungi, bacteria), converting chemical energy into heat and nutrients for the soil. Trophic Interactions – Energy is transf...

SECOND TERM, SS1 WEEK 4 (FUNCTIONING ECOSYSTEM)

  FUNCTIONING ECOSYSTEM  Roles of Autotrophs, Heterotrophs, and Decomposers Autotrophs (Producers) : Organisms (e.g., plants, algae) that produce their own food using sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemicals (chemosynthesis). Heterotrophs (Consumers) : Organisms that obtain energy by consuming other organisms (e.g., herbivores, carnivores, omnivores). Decomposers : Organisms (e.g., fungi, bacteria) that break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem. Trophic Level Represents a feeding position in a food chain/web. Levels: Producers → Primary Consumers → Secondary Consumers → Tertiary Consumers → Decomposers . Food Chain and Food Webs Food Chain : A linear sequence of organisms through which energy flows. Example: Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Hawk . Food Web : A complex network of interconnected food chains showing multiple feeding relationships. Energy Flow Along Trophic Levels (Ecological Pyramids) Pyramid of Numbers : Shows...

SS2, WEEK 6, CELL DIVISION

                                                                   Cell Division Definition of Cell Division Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is essential for growth, development, reproduction, and tissue repair in living organisms. Types of Cell Division Mitosis : Produces two genetically identical daughter cells; occurs in somatic (body) cells. Meiosis : Produces four genetically diverse daughter cells with half the chromosome number; occurs in gametes (sex cells). Illustration: Mitosis: 2n → 2n + 2n (Diploid to diploid) Meiosis: 2n → n + n + n + n (Diploid to haploid) Stages of Mitosis Prophase : Chromosomes condense, nuclear envelope breaks down, spindle fibers form. Metaphase : Chromosomes align at...

SS2 WEEK 5 BIOLOGY_ TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN HIGHER PLANT

Mechanism of Transport in Higher Plants Transport in higher plants involves a series of complex processes that ensure the movement of water, minerals, and nutrients across different parts of the plant. This transportation is vital for plant growth, metabolic activities, and overall functioning. It primarily occurs through two mechanisms: absorption and transport of water and minerals, and transpiration and translocation. Below, we discuss each of these processes in detail. A) Absorption and Transport of Water and Mineral Salts 1. Absorption of Water and Mineral Salts: Water and mineral salts are absorbed primarily through the root system. The process begins when water from the soil is absorbed by the roots, moving through specialized root cells. Root Hair Cells: The outermost layer of roots consists of tiny extensions called root hairs, which greatly increase the surface area for absorption. These cells have a semi-permeable membrane that allows water and dissolved minerals to ente...

SS1 BIOLOGY WEEK 4: FUNCTIONING ECOSYSTEM

FUNCTIONING ECOSYSTEM Autotrophs : These are organisms that do not rely on other organisms for food. These organisms include green plants and some bacteria. They play the role of the producers in the functional ecosystem. Heterotrophs : These are organisms, mainly animals which cannot manufacture their food but depend directly or indirectly on plants. They play the role of the consumer. Decomposers : Decomposers are fungi or bacteria that live saprophytically by feeding on dead remains of plants, animals, and organisms, leading to or breaking down of organic matter to produce soluble nutrients that are absorbed by plants. Food Chain  is a linear feeding relationship involving the transfer of energy through food from the producers to the consumers Food Web  is a complex feeding relationship amongst organisms in the same environment with two or more interrelated food chains. Trophic level  is the feeding level of each stage in a food chain or food web Energy Flow Along Trop...