AQA A-Level Biology: Benign and Malignant Tumours (8.2.3) Lesson

This engaging and fully-resourced lesson introduces the characteristics of benign and malignant tumours. As the first of two lessons covering point 8.2.3 of the AQA A-level Biology specification, it links prior knowledge of mitosis to the concept of tumour formation.

Key Features:

• Mitosis and Tumour Formation:

  • Begins with a recall challenge focusing on mitosis as a controlled process.
  • Introduces the concept of tumours, highlighting how mutations in genes can lead to uncontrolled cell division.

• Characteristics of Benign Tumours:

  • Explains that benign tumours are non-cancerous, with slower growth rates and no invasion of neighboring tissues due to a fibrous connective tissue covering.
  • Includes a task linking to prior topics like osmoregulation, digestion, and blood glucose regulation, showing how mass effects from benign tumours can cause secondary issues.

• Malignant Tumours and Metastasis:

  • Focuses on the aggressive nature of malignant tumours, emphasizing their ability to metastasise and the associated dangers.

This lesson integrates clear explanations, prior knowledge checks, and application tasks to help students understand the differences between tumour types and their biological significance.

• Exam Board: AQA
• Subject: Biology
• Level: A-Level
• Resource Type: Lesson
• Year: 2025
• Year Group/s: Year 12 and Year 13

This resource was created by GJHeducation