GCSE Biology: Cell Biology Revision

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What is the key structural difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

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

What your exam board covers

Where Cell Biology sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQACell biologySpec 8461

Cell structure
Cell division
Transport in and out of cells

Source: AQA GCSE Biology (8461) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

CCEACellsSpec 1010

Part of: Unit 1 — Cells, living processes and biodiversity

Source: CCEA GCSE Biology (2017) specification, accessed 9 July 2026.

EdexcelTopic 2 — Cells and controlSpec 1BI0

Part of: Paper 1 topics

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Biology (1BI0) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Eduqas/WJECCell biologySpec C400P

Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Growth and development of cells
Cell metabolism

Source: Eduqas GCSE Biology specification, accessed 9 July 2026.

OCRB1 Cell level systemsSpec J247

B1.1 Cell structures
B1.2 What happens in cells (and what do cells need)?
B1.3 Respiration
B1.4 Photosynthesis

Source: OCR GCSE (9–1) Biology (Gateway A) (J247) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Cell Biology step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Other boards:Cambridge IGCSE Edexcel IGCSE

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

Practise Cell Biology — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

See all 22 games in the Revision Arcade →

Cell Biology

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Cell Biology — free games

More GCSE Biology topics