GCSE/IGCSE Biology notes Topic 1 – Cell Biology notes

Topic 1 – Cell Biology

Table of Content

1.1 Cell structure......................................................................2

1.1.1 Eukaryotes and prokaryotes...................................................................................................................................................2

1.1.2 Animal and plant cells.............................................................................................................................................................2

1.1.3 Cell specialisation....................................................................................................................................................................3

1.1.4 Cell differentiation...................................................................................................................................................................5

1.1.5 Microscopy..............................................................................................................................................................................5

1.1.6 Culturing microorganisms (biology only)................................................................................................................................5

1.2 Cell division........................................................................6

1.2.1 Chromosomes..........................................................................................................................................................................6

1.2.2 Mitosis and the cell cycle........................................................................................................................................................6

1.2.3 Stem cells.................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.3 Transport in cells................................................................8

1.3.1 Diffusion..................................................................................................................................................................................8

1.3.2 Osmosis...................................................................................................................................................................................9

1.3.3 Active transport.....................................................................................................................................................................10

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GCSE/IGCSE Biology notes Topic 1 – Cell Biology notes

1.1 Cell structure

1.1.1 Eukaryotes and prokaryotes

Eukaryotic cell

 Animal, plant, fungi

 Has a cell membrane, cytoplasm & genetic material enclosed in a nucleus

 More complex

1.1.2 Animal and plant cells

Animal cell

Nucleus  Contains genetic material (DNA)

 Control cell's activities

Mitochondria  Where aerobic respiration takes place

 Releasing energy for cells to work

Cytoplasm  Gel-like substance

 Where chemical reaction takes place

 Contains enzymes to control chemical reaction

Ribosome  Where protein synthesis happens

 Make proteins using amino acids

Cell membrane  Hold cells together

 Controls movement of substances in & out of cell

Plant cell

Cell wall  Supports & strengths cell by cellulose

Permanent vacuole  Contains air sap (weak solution of sugar & salt)

 Keep cells rigid to support plant

Chloroplast  Contains chlorophyll that absorb light for photosynthesis

 Where photosynthesis occurs

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