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Photon Guidebook · 2026 Edition

Photon Biology: Study Guide for the IB Diploma (SL & HL)

Build the core ideas, follow illustrated explanations, then practise the questions the IB asks. One volume covers all 40 topics, Tools and inquiry and the exam.

By Ejaz Ahmad and the Photon Academy team of IB tutors. For the IB Diploma Biology course first assessed in 2025.

  • One volume
  • 40 topics
  • about 594 pages
  • E-book: read in your browser
  • 2-year access
  • Print edition coming soon
Buy the e-book · S$150Read Topic C1.1 free
Photon Biology: Study Guide for the IB Diploma (SL & HL) cover
Inside the book

Ideas, worked examples, then practice

Each topic opens with what you should be able to do. Illustrated panels keep equations, structures and diagrams beside the explanation. “How IB asks this” shows how the topic is examined, so you know what to practise.

Basic and Tutorial practice build your working and Advanced practice stretches it. Tools and inquiry covers measurement, uncertainty, graphs and the skills of an investigation, and a closing section shows how to make your biology assessable. HL-only material is marked throughout.

Ejaz Ahmad founded Photon Academy and leads its guidebook series. IB-certified in Mathematics AA HL and Physics HL, he edited this book with Photon's specialist Biology tutors.

Full worked solutions are free at ibtuition.sg/guidebook/biology/, including the printed QR links.

Contents

All four themes, Tools and inquiry, and the exam

One volume Themes A–D · Tools and inquiry · The exam · Answers and index · about 594 pages

  1. FrontTitle and how to use this book
  2. A1.1Water
  3. A1.2Nucleic acids
  4. A2.1Origins of cells
  5. A2.2Cell structure
  6. A2.3Viruses
  7. A3.1Diversity of organisms
  8. A3.2Classification and cladistics
  9. A4.1Evolution and speciation
  10. A4.2Conservation of biodiversity
  11. B1.1Carbohydrates and lipids
  12. B1.2Proteins
  13. B2.1Membranes and membrane transport
  14. B2.2Organelles and compartmentalization
  15. B2.3Cell specialization
  16. B3.1Gas exchange
  17. B3.2Transport
  18. B3.3Muscle and motility
  19. B4.1Adaptation to environment
  20. B4.2Ecological niches
  21. C1.1Enzymes and metabolism
  22. C1.2Cell respiration
  23. C1.3Photosynthesis
  24. C2.1Chemical signalling
  25. C2.2Neural signalling
  26. C3.1Integration of body systems
  27. C3.2Defence against disease
  28. C4.1Populations and communities
  29. C4.2Transfers of energy and matter
  30. D1.1DNA replication
  31. D1.2Protein synthesis
  32. D1.3Mutation and gene editing
  33. D2.1Cell and nuclear division
  34. D2.2Gene expression
  35. D2.3Water potential
  36. D3.1Reproduction
  37. D3.2Inheritance
  38. D3.3Homeostasis
  39. D4.1Natural selection
  40. D4.2Stability and change
  41. D4.3Climate change
  42. Tools for Biology
  43. Scientific inquiry
  44. The exam
  45. Short answers
  46. Index
  47. Online worked solutions

Read Topic C1.1 free, then explore eight sample pages

Enzymes and metabolism is free in the real reader, without sign-in. The gallery also shows a Tools page and an exam page.

Read Topic C1.1: Enzymes and metabolism

  • Topic C1.1 opener: Enzymes and metabolism
  • Illustrated panels: temperature, pH and substrate concentration (C1.1)
  • HL panels are marked: inhibitors of enzymes (C1.1)
  • How IB asks this: the current-course question profile (C1.1)
  • Basic practice: check the core ideas (C1.1)
  • Tutorial practice: build the full answer (C1.1)
  • Tools: magnification and scale bars, from measurement to a reported result
  • The exam: formats, command terms and marks

Buy the Biology e-book · S$150

One payment in SGD. Read in your browser on phone, tablet or laptop. Personal, watermarked access for two years from first opening. Included for Photon students taking Biology HL or SL, with no expiry while enrolled.

Photon Biology: Study Guide for the IB Diploma (SL & HL) cover

Complete book

Themes A–D · Tools and inquiry · The exam · Answers and index

  • 40 topics, Tools and inquiry, the exam, answers and index, about 594 pages
  • Read online on phone, tablet or laptop
  • 2-year access, personal licence

S$150E-book · one-time payment

ISBN 978-981-91022-9-7 (PDF e-book)

Already bought it? Open My e-books. Print edition coming soon.

Biology e-book questions

Is this for SL and HL?

Yes. It covers all 40 topics of the IB Biology course first assessed in 2025. HL-only material is marked so SL readers can follow their course.

Do Photon Biology students get access?

Yes. Sign in with your Photon student account. Biology HL and Biology SL students see Included while enrolled. Other readers can buy access for S$150.

Can I download a PDF?

The e-book is read online in the Photon reader. Your pages carry your account watermark.

Where are the worked solutions?

They are free at the Biology worked solutions hub, with no sign-up.