Cells

Combined science

Light microscopy: observing and drawing cells

Animal cells: common structures and specialised cells

Plant cells: common structures and specialised cells

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms

Common structures of prokaryotic cells

The size and scale of cells: the basics

Pupils will learn about biological molecules that are essential to life, including sugars and other carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and the role of enzymes in catalysing the chemical reactions in which these substances are used and made.

Pupils learned that photosynthesis in producers makes glucose, a type of carbohydrate, which is used to make biomass and as a fuel for cellular respiration.

This unit covers the structure and function of sub-cellular components in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and explores DNA as the genetic material of organisms. It explains genetic terms, protein synthesis, and how genetic variants influence phenotypes.

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

A type of microscope that uses visible light and a system of lenses to generate magnified images of small objects.

A piece of glass or other transparent material with curved sides, used in a microscope to magnify objects.

Making small objects appear larger in order to see more detail.

A point where light rays converge to form an image.

A jelly-like substance containing dissolved nutrients and salts where many chemical reactions happen.

A partially permeable structure that surrounds the cell; it controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

A sub-cellular structure that contains genetic material, which controls cellular activities.

A molecule found in the nucleus of cells and contains the genetic code for making proteins.

Sub-cellular structures that contain the enzymes for respiration, and is where most energy is released in respiration.

A subcellular structure made from cellulose fibres that strengthens the cell and supports the plant.

A subcellular structure that contains the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis.

A subcellular structure filled with cell sap that helps keep the cell turgid.

A chemical reaction that plants use to make glucose, taking place in the chloroplasts.

The net movement of particles from a low to high concentration, against a concentration gradient, using energy.

Eukaryotic cells contain a membrane bound nucleus; this contains the DNA.

Organisms that are made up of more than one cell are multicellular.

Prokaryotic cells have no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm.

An organism that consists of only one cell is unicellular.

A type of cell with no membrane bound nucleus; DNA is free floating in the cytoplasm.

Small ring of DNA found in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.

The form of cell division that bacteria use to replicate.

A type of cell that contains a membrane bound nucleus; the DNA is usually found inside.

One millionth of a metre, or 1 m / 1 000 000.

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Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells

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