GCSE Biology (AQA) – Cell Structure Grade 9
Revision Pack
1. Cell Basics
1 A cell is the smallest unit of life.
2 All living organisms are made of cells.
3 Cells come from pre-existing cells (cell theory).
2. Animal vs Plant Cells
1 Animal cells: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes
2 Plant cells: all of the above PLUS cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuole
3 Key difference: Plant cells can photosynthesise, animal cells cannot
3. Cell Organelles (Grade 9 Detail)
1 Nucleus: contains DNA, controls cell activities
2 Cytoplasm: site of chemical reactions (enzymes work here)
3 Cell membrane: selectively permeable (controls entry/exit)
4 Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration (releases energy)
5 Ribosomes: protein synthesis
6 Cell wall: made of cellulose, strengthens plant cell
7 Chloroplasts: contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis
8 Vacuole: contains cell sap, maintains turgor pressure
4. Specialised Cells (Exam Focus)
1 Sperm cell: flagellum for movement, many mitochondria, acrosome for enzymes
2 Nerve cell: long axon for rapid signal transmission
3 Muscle cell: many mitochondria for contraction energy
4 Root hair cell: large surface area for absorbing water/minerals
5. Microscopy (Required Practical + Theory)
1 Light microscope: lower magnification, can view living cells
Revision Pack
1. Cell Basics
1 A cell is the smallest unit of life.
2 All living organisms are made of cells.
3 Cells come from pre-existing cells (cell theory).
2. Animal vs Plant Cells
1 Animal cells: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes
2 Plant cells: all of the above PLUS cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuole
3 Key difference: Plant cells can photosynthesise, animal cells cannot
3. Cell Organelles (Grade 9 Detail)
1 Nucleus: contains DNA, controls cell activities
2 Cytoplasm: site of chemical reactions (enzymes work here)
3 Cell membrane: selectively permeable (controls entry/exit)
4 Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration (releases energy)
5 Ribosomes: protein synthesis
6 Cell wall: made of cellulose, strengthens plant cell
7 Chloroplasts: contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis
8 Vacuole: contains cell sap, maintains turgor pressure
4. Specialised Cells (Exam Focus)
1 Sperm cell: flagellum for movement, many mitochondria, acrosome for enzymes
2 Nerve cell: long axon for rapid signal transmission
3 Muscle cell: many mitochondria for contraction energy
4 Root hair cell: large surface area for absorbing water/minerals
5. Microscopy (Required Practical + Theory)
1 Light microscope: lower magnification, can view living cells
