Cell Biology is a core part of GCSE Biology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Key concepts
Specialised cellCell with a shape suited to one job
Sperm cellLong tail, many mitochondria, packed with enzymes
Root hair cellLong thin extension — huge surface area for water
Stem cellUnspecialised cell that can become other cell types
MitosisNuclear division giving two identical daughter nuclei
CytokinesisCytoplasm splits — one cell becomes two
MagnificationHow many times bigger the image is than real
ResolutionSmallest gap two points can have and still be seen
Image sizeHow big the cell looks on screen or paper
Actual sizeTrue real-life size of the cell
Light microscopeUses light — cheap, sees living cells, lower detail
Electron microscopeUses electrons — huge magnification, tiny organelles
CellThe smallest functional unit of a living organism
NucleusCell control centre — holds the DNA
Common mistakes to avoid
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
What is the key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?✗ Prokaryotes have no DNA — that's why they have no nucleus. ✓ Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes do not.
What is the key difference between mitosis and meiosis?✗ Mitosis and meiosis both produce gametes; they are basically the same. ✓ Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid cells; meiosis produces four genetically different haploid cells (gametes).
What is a stem cell?✗ Stem cells are taken only from embryos and cannot be found in adults. ✓ An undifferentiated cell capable of dividing to produce more stem cells or differentiating into specialised cell types.
Why does a sperm cell have many mitochondria?✗ To carry oxygen ✓ To release energy for swimming
Where do plants get most of their biomass from?✗ Plants get most of their mass from the soil through their roots. ✓ From carbon dioxide in the air — the carbon in plant tissue comes mostly from CO2 fixed during photosynthesis.
Practise Cell Biology — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
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