lesson

Cell Biology

Illustration for Cell Biology
Biology learning illustration for GCSE.

Cells are the basic units of living organisms and contain structures that perform specific functions.

Let’s learn

Core knowledge: Cells are the basic units of living organisms and contain structures that perform specific functions.

Identify cell structures and connect each structure to its function.

See it

Animal and plant cells contain a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes. Plant cells also commonly have a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole.

Try it together

Label plant and animal cell diagrams, then highlight shared and distinctive structures.

Now you try

1. State the function of the nucleus. 2. Name two plant-only structures. 3. Why do muscle cells contain many mitochondria?

Check your answers

1. Contains genetic material and controls cell activities. 2. Cell wall and chloroplasts (large vacuole also accepted). 3. To release energy for contraction.

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