KCSE Biology

FORM ONE SYLLABUS 

INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY  

Specific Objectives 

Definition of biology

Branches of biology 

Importance of biology 

Characteristics of living organisms 

Comparison between plants and animals

 Practical Activities 

Collecting, observing and recording external features of plants and animals

  CLASSIFICATION 

Specific Objectives 

Review the use of magnifying lens 

External features of plants and animals

  Necessity and significance of classification 

 Major units of classification: (naming)  Kingdoms o Monera o Protoctista o Fungi o Plantae o Animalia (At least one example of each)

  Discussion on Binomial nomenclature 

Practical activities 

2.3.1 Use of collecting nets, cutting instruments and hand lens. Collection and detailed observation of:  Small animals e.g. insects  Plants - rhizoids, root systems (taproot, fibrous and adventitious), stems and leaves

 THE CELL 

Specific Objectives 

Definition of the cell 

 Structure and functions of parts of a light microscope 

 Use and care of the light microscope 

 Cell structure and functions as seen under a light microscope an electron microscope 

 Preparation of temporary slides of plant cells 

 Estimation of cell size 

 Cell specialization, tissues, organs and organ systems

  Observe, identify, draw and state the functions of parts of the light microscope

  Prepare and observe temporary slides of plant cells

  Observe permanent slides of animal cells

  Comparison between plant and animal cells

  Observe, estimate size and calculate magnification of plant cells 

 CELL PHYSIOLOGY 

 Specific Objectives 

 Meaning of cell physiology 

 Structure and properties of cell membrane (Theories of membrane structure not required)

  Physiological processes - diffusion, osmosis and active transport

  Factors affecting diffusion, osmosis and active transport

  Role of diffusion, osmosis and active transport in living organisms

  Water relations in plant and animal cells: turgor, plasmolysis, wilting and haemolysis

  Practical Activities

 Diffusion as demonstrated with Potassium permanganate or potassium iodide/flower dyes/coloured plant extracts/smoke

  Experiments with visking tubing and living tissues: fresh arrow roots/cassava/sweet potatoes/leaf petioles/irish potatoes/carrots

  Plasmolysis can be demonstrated by using any of the following: spirogyra, epidermal cells of onion or raw egg that has been put in dilute hydrochloric acid overnight.

  NUTRITION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

 Specific Objectives

  Meaning, importance and types of nutrition

 Nutrition in plants (autotrophism)  Definition of photosynthesis and its importance in nature  Adaptations of leaf to photosynthesis  Structure and function of chloroplast  Process of photosynthesis - light and dark stages (omit details of electron transport system and chemical details of carbon dioxide fixation)  Factors influencing photosynthesis o light intensity o carbon dioxide concentration o water o temperature

  Chemical compounds which constitute living organisms  Chemical composition and functions of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids (omit details of chemical structure of these compounds and mineral salts in plant nutrition)

  Properties and functions of enzymes (omit lock and key hypothesis) 

 Nutrition in Animals (heterotrophism)  Meaning and types of heterotrophism  Modes of feeding in animals  Dentition of a named carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous mammal  Adaptation of the three types of dentition to feeding  Internal structure of mammalian teeth  Common dental diseases, their causes and treatment 

 Digestive system and digestion in a mammal (human)  Digestive system, regions, glands and organs associated with digestion  Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and egestion

  Importance of vitamins, mineral salts, roughage and water in human nutrition 5.2.7 Factors determining energy requirements in humans

  Practical activities

  Carry out experiments on factors affecting photosynthesis

  Observe stomata distribution

  Carry out food test experiments

  Carry out experiments on factors affecting enzymatic activities

  Investigate presence of enzymes in living tissues (plants and animals)

  Observe, identify, draw and label different types of mammalian teeth

  Carry out dissection of a small mammal to observe digestive system and associated organs (demonstration)

 FORM TWO SYLLABUS 

 TRANSPORT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

  Specific Objectives

  Meaning and importance of transport systems

  Absorption of Water and Mineral Salts  Internal structure of root and root hairs  Absorption of water  Active uptake of mineral salts

  Transpiration Definition of transpiration  Review of the structure of the leaf  Structure and function of xylem  Factors affecting transpiration  Forces involved in water movement in plants o Transpiration pull o Cohesion and adhesion o Capillarity o Root pressure

  Translocation  Structure and function of phloem  Materials translocated (omit mechanisms of translocation)

  Comparison between open and closed circulatory system

  Mammalian Circulatory System  Structure and function of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries  Diseases and defects of the circulatory system (Thrombosis, Varicose veins, Arteriosclerosis) and how to control them.

  The Structure and Functions of Blood  Composition of blood  Functions of blood plasma  The structure and functions of red blood cells and white blood  Mechanism of blood clotting and its importance

  Blood groups (ABO system and the Rhesus factor)

  Immune responses  Natural and artificial immunity  Allergic reactions  Importance of vaccinations against diseases (Tuberculosis, Poliomyletis, Measles, Diphtheria, Whooping cough)

  Practical Activities 

 Observe permanent slides of sections of stems and roots

  Carry out experiments to compare transpiration on lower and upper leaf surfaces

  Observe wall charts/models

  Analyze data on transpiration rate under different environmental conditions in Plants

  Dissect a small mammal and observe its transport system (demonstration) 6.3.6 Make a longitudinal section of the mammalian heart to display the chambers and associated blood vessels

  Record pulse rate at the wrist before and after vigorous activities and analyse the results

  Demonstrate the unidirectional flow of blood in the cutaneous veins of the fore arm

  GASEOUS EXCHANGE

 Specific Objectives

  Gaseous exchange in living organisms (necessity)

  Gaseous Exchange in Plants  Mechanisms of opening and closing of stomata  The process of gaseous exchange in root, stem and leaves of both aquatic (floating) and terrestrial plants

  Gaseous Exchange in Animals  Types and Characteristics of Respiratory Surfaces - cell membrane, gills, buccal cavity, skin and lungs  Mechanism of gaseous exchange in o Protozoa – amoeba o Insect – grasshopper o Fish – bonyfish o Amphibia – frog o Mammal - human

  Factors affecting rate of breathing in humans

  Respiratory diseases: Asthma, Bronchitis, Pulmonary tuberculosis, Pneumonia and whooping cough

  Practical Activities

  Observe permanent slides of cross- sections of aerial and aquatic leaves and stems

  Examine the distribution of spiracles on grasshopper or locust

  Examine the gills of a bony fish

  Dissect a small mammal and identify the structures of the respiratory system (demonstration) Construct and use models to demonstrate breathing mechanisms in a mammal (human) Demonstrate the effect of exercise on the rate of breathing

RESPIRATION

 Specific Objectives

  Meaning and significance of respiration

  Tissue respiration

 Mitochondrion - structure and function  Aerobic respiration (Details of kreb’s cycle not required)  Anaerobic respiration in plants and animals, the products and by-products  Application of anaerobic respiration in industry and at home  Compare the energy output of aerobic and anaerobic respiration

  Practical Activities 

 Carry out experiments to Investigate the gas produced when food is burnt,  the gas produced during fermentation4  Heat production by germinating seeds 

 EXCRETION AND HOMEOSTASIS 

 Specific Objectives

  Excretion in Plants  Methods of excretion in plants  Useful and harmful excretory products of plants and their economic importance e.g. caffeine in tea and coffee, quinine, tannins, colchicines, cocaine, rubber, gum, papain (from pawpaw) and products of cannabis sativa (bhang) and khat (miraa)

  Excretion and homeostasis in Animals  Distinction between excretion, homeostasis and egestion  Excretion in a named uni-cellular organism (protozoa)  Structure and functions of skin and kidney  Neuro-endocrine system and homeostasis o Water balance (blood osmotic pressure) o Blood sugar level (control) o Temperature regulation (mention the role of hypothalamus)

  Common kidney diseases, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention and control

  The role of the skin in thermoregulation, salt and water balance.

  Major functions of the liver and their contributions to homeostasis

  Common diseases of the liver, their symptoms and possible methods of prevention/control

  Practical Activities

  Examine and draw the mammalian kidney

  Make vertical sections of the kidney to identify cortex and medulla

  Observe permanent slides of mammalian skin

  Investigate effect of catalase enzyme on hydrogen peroxide 

FORM THREE SYLLABUS

  CLASSIFICATION II

  Specific Objectives

  Review of binomial nomenclature

  General principles of classification

  General characteristics of kingdoms:  Monera - Protoctista - Fungi - Plantae - Animalia

  Main characteristics of major divisions of plantae:  Bryophyta - Pteridophyta - Spermatophyta (cover only up to class level)

  Main Characteristics of the Phyla Arthropoda and Chordata (cover up to classes as shown):  Arthropoda - Diplopoda chilopoda - Insecta - Crustacean - Arachnida  Chordata - Pisces - Amphibian - Reptilian - Ayes - Mammalia

  Construction and use of simple dichotomous keys based on observable features of plants and animals

  Practical activities

  Examine live/preserved specimen or photographs of representatives of major divisions of plantae and phyla arthropoda and chordata

  Construct simple dichotomous keys using leaves/parts of common plants/arthropods/ common chordates in the local environment

  Use dichotomous keys to identify organisms

  ECOLOGY

 Specific Objectives

  Concepts of Ecology:  Habitat - Niche - Population - Community

- Ecosystem - Biomass - Carrying capacity

  Factors in an ecosystem  Abiotic factors (environmental factors) - light, temperature, atmospheric pressure, salinity, humidity, pH and wind  Biotic factors  Inter-relationships – competition, predation, saprophytism, parasitism and symbiosis  Nitrogen cycle

  Energy flow in an ecosystem. Food chains, food webs, decomposers, pyramid of numbers and pyramid of biomass

  Population estimation methods  Quadrat method  Line transect  Belt transect  Capture – recapture method

  Adaptations of plants to various habitats  Xerophytes  Mesophytes (common terrestrial plants)  Hydrophytes - Nymphea, Salvinia, spp  Halophytes — mangrove

  Effect of pollution on human beings and other organisms Causes, effects and control of pollutants in air, water and soil

  Human diseases & Bacterial diseases - Cholera and Typhoid  Protozoa - Malaria and Amoebic dysentry (Amoebiasis)  Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma - Mode of transmission - Effects of the parasites on the hosts - Adaptive characteristics of the parasites - Control/prevention of diseases associated with the parasites 

  Practical activities

 Collect, record, analyse and interpret data from ecological studies (examples of food chains should be used to join up to make food webs. Calculate ratios of consumers to producers from data provided)

  Examine specimens of hydrophytes, mesophytes and xerophytes, and identify the features that adapt them to their habitats

  Examine roots of legumes taken from fertile and poor soils to compare the number of root nodules

  Estimate populations using sampling methods (for quadrat and line/belt transect, measure pl-1, temperature, wind direction and humidity)

  REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS 

 Specific Objectives

  Concept of reproduction  Importance of reproduction

  Chromosomes, mitosis and meiosis (mention gamete formation)

  Asexual reproduction  Binary fission in amoeba  Spore formation/reproduction in mucor/Rhizopus  Budding in yeast

  Sexual reproduction in plants  Structure and functions of parts of named insect and wind pollinated flowers  Pollination and agents of pollination  Features and mechanisms that hinder self-pollination and self-fertilization  The process of fertilization  Fruit and seed formation and dispersal

  Sexual reproduction in animals  External fertilization in amphibians  Structure of the reproductive system of a named mammal (human) functions  Functions of the parts of reproductive system  Fertilization, implantation and the role of placenta  Gestation period  Role of hormones in reproduction in humans (secondary sexual characteristics, menstrual cycle) 

  Sexually transmitted infections (S.T.Is)  Gonorrhoea  Herpes simplex  Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis, Candidiasis  HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) - emphasize preventive measures especially change of behaviour 

 Advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction

 Practical Activities

  Examine stages of mitosis using squashed young onion tip/charts/electron micrographs  Examine stages of meiosis using anthers of a flower

  Grow bread mould and examine using a hand lens

  Examine spores in son of a fern

  Examine various types of insect and wind pollinated flowers and relate structure to function

  Collect, classify and dissect fruits and seeds and relate their structure to mode of dispersal

  Dissect a small mammal to show organs associated with reproduction (demonstration)

  GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

  Specific Objectives

  Concepts of growth and development

  Growth and development in plants  Dormancy and ways of breaking it  Conditions necessary for germination  Epigeal and hypogeal germination  Measurement of one aspect of growth in a named seedling e.g. region of growth  Primary and secondary growth  Role of growth hormones in plants  Apical dominance

  Growth and development in animals,  Complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects  and the role of growth hormones in insects

  Practical activities

  Examine, draw and differentiate seeds 

  Determine the region of growth in shoots and roots

  Investigate hypogeal and epigeal germination

  Carry out experiments to demonstrate apical dominance

  Observe stages of complete and incomplete metamorphosis in insects

  Project work:  Measure either length of internodes/ breadth of leaves/height/dry weight of seedlings over a known period of time, analyse and present the data obtained in form of graphs, charts or histograms

 FORM FOUR SYLLABUS

  GENETICS

  Specific Objectives

  Concepts of genetics  Variation within plant and animal species  Review of chromosomes  Brief mention of genes and DNA (without details of the molecular structure of genes and DNA)

  First law of heredity  Mendel’s experiments - monohybrid inheritance (3:1 ratio)  Complete and incomplete dominance, backcross/testcross  Inheritance of ABO blood groups and Rh factor

  Sex determination in humans

  Linkage  Sex linked genes, sex linked characteristics e.g. Colour blindness, Haemophilia, Hairy ears and Nose

  Mutations:  Types of mutations,  Causes and consequences of chromosomal mutations,  Gene mutations(only cover the following examples of genetic disorders: Albinism, Sickle cell Anaemia, Haemophilia, Colour blindness)

 Practical applications of genetics which include,  Blood transfusion, plant and animal breeding using artificial selection, genetic counselling and genetic engineering

 Practical Activities

  Measure and record heights of class members and plot the data on graphs

  Demonstrate chromosome behaviour in mitosis and meiosis by using clay / plasticine / insulated coloured wires/coloured thread

  Carry out investigations on finger prints and tongue rolling

  EVOLUTION

  Specific Objectives

  Meaning of evolution

  The origin of life  Special creation  Chemical evolution (Brief explanation required)

  Evidences for organic evolution  Fossil records - brief mention of human evolution  Geographical distribution - continental drift  Comparative embryology  Comparative anatomy (Convergent and divergent evolution based on homology and analogy)  Cell biology - occurrence of cell organelles and blood pigments

  Mechanisms of evolution  Lamarck's theory (Brief mention)  Evolution by natural selection  Natural selection in action e.g. peppered moth (industrial melanism)Resistance to drugs, pesticides and antibiotics

  Practical activities

  Compare vertebrate limbs

  Compare wings of birds and insects

  Education tour to an archaeological site/local museum

  RECEPTION, RESPONSE AND COORDINATION IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

  Specific Objectives

  Meaning of stimulus, response and irritability

  Reception, response and coordination in plants  Response to a variety of external stimuli  Tropisms and tactic movements and their survival values  Production of auxins and their effects on plant growth

  Reception, responses and coordination in animals  Components of the nervous system in a mammal  Structure and functions of the neurons  Functions of major parts of human brain  Simple and conditioned reflex actions

  The role of hormones in coordination in a mammal  Effects of over secretion and under secretion of adrenaline and thyroxine in humans  Functional differences and similarities between endocrine and nervous systems

  Effects of drug abuse on the human health

  Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian eye (human)  Accommodation, image formation and interpretations  Common eye defects and their corrections

  Structure and functions of parts of the mammalian ear (human)  Hearing (omit details of cochlea)  Balance and posture (mention only parts involved)

  Practical activities

  Carry out experiments to investigate tactic responses e.g. chemotaxis - use any of the following organisms: worker termites/fly maggots/earth worms/honey bee/grasshoppers/ woodlice

  Carry out experiments on tropisms and etiolation

  Determine the distance of blind spot

  Carry out knee jerk experiment

  SUPPORT AND MOVEMENT IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS

  Specific Objectives

  Plants  Necessity for support and movement in plants  Review of tissue distribution in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants (Histological details of tissues are not required)

  Animals  Necessity for support and movement in animals  Types and functions of the skeleton o Exoskeleton in arthropods o Endoskeleton in vertebrate

  Locomotion in a finned fish

  Identification of the bones of axial and appendicular skeletons (names of individual bones of coccyx not required)

  Types and functions of movable joints (ball and socket, hinge joint)

  Structure, function and location of cardiac, smooth and skeletal muscles (Details of fine structure not required)  

Role of muscles in the arm in humans

  Practical activities

  Observe permanent slides of transverse sections of the stems of herbacious and woody plants

  Observe wilting in young herbacious plants

  Examine the exoskeleton in arthropods

  Observe and identify external features of a finned fish

  Examine and draw different types of bones in mammal