GCSE Biology: Organisation Revision

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What drives water up the xylem in a tall tree?

Organisation is a core part of GCSE Biology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

CellThe basic unit of life.

TissueSimilar cells working together.

OrganTissues forming a functional unit.

Organ systemOrgans working together.

DifferentiationCells becoming specialised.

Levels of organisationCells → tissues → organs → systems.

What your exam board covers

Where Organisation sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQAOrganisationSpec 8461

Principles of organisation
Animal tissues, organs and organ systems
Plant tissues, organs and systems

Source: AQA GCSE Biology (8461) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

Cambridge IGCSEOrganisation of the organismSpec 0610

Cell structure
Size of specimens

Source: Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Organisation step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Other boards:CCEA Edexcel Eduqas/WJEC OCR Edexcel IGCSE

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

What drives water up the xylem in a tall tree?✗ Roots actively pump water up to the leaves like a heart. ✓ Transpiration pull — evaporation from leaves creates tension that pulls water up the continuous water column.

How do hormones reach their target organs?✗ Hormones are sent through nerves directly to specific organs. ✓ They are carried in the bloodstream and act on cells with specific receptors for that hormone.

What is the correct order of organisation?✗ Tissues → cells → organs → systems. ✓ Cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

Can a single cell be a complete living organism?✗ No, life always needs many cells. ✓ Yes — many organisms (e.g. amoeba, bacteria) are single-celled.

Practise Organisation — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

Organisation

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Organisation — free games

More GCSE Biology topics