Cell Structure AQA GCSE Biology

Flashcards covering content from the Cell Structure AQA GCSE Biology lecture notes.

What components do all cells have in common?

Have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, and ribosomes.

What is a defining feature of eukaryotic cells?

Their genetic material (DNA) is enclosed within a nucleus.

What is a defining feature of prokaryotic cells?

Their genetic material is not enclosed within a nucleus, it is found as a single loop of DNA within the cytoplasm.

Give an example of a eukaryotic cell.

Plant and animal cells.

Give an example of a prokaryotic cell.

Bacterial cells.

How many micrometers are in 1 mm?

1000 µm.

What is meant by 'difference in order of magnitude' when comparing the size of cells?

The difference in size calculated by a factor of 10.

What are organelles?

Subcellular 'compartments' where specific processes take place within the cell.

What are the main subcellular structures in animal cells?

Nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, and cytoplasm.

In addition to the subcellular parts found in animal cells, what other features do plant cells have?

A cell wall made of cellulose and a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap.

Where would you find a plant cell containing chloroplasts?

Leaves of a plant.

What is a specialized cell?

A cell that has a structure that aids its specific function.

What is the function of a nerve cell?

Conduction of electrical impulses.

What is the function of a muscle cell?

Contraction for movement.

What is the function of a sperm cell?

Transfer of genetic material to an egg cell for fertilization.

What is the function of root hair cells?

Absorption of water and mineral ions from soil.

What is the function of xylem vessels?

Transport of water and dissolved ions.

What is the function of pholem cells?

Transport of dissolved sugars and amino acids.

What is cell differentiation?

Cell changes to become specialized.

What is cell division mainly restricted to, in mature animals?

Repair and replacement in mature animals.

What is the difference between light microscopes and electron microscopes?

Light microscopes use light and lenses to magnify specimens, while electron microscopes use electron beams.

What is the formula for calculating magnification?

Magnification = Drawing size / Actual size

What is binary fission?

Bacteria multiply by a type of simple cell division.

How do bacteria multiply?

Binary fission.

Where can bacteria be grown?

Nutrient broth solution or on an agar gel plate.

What is calculating the inhibition zone area used for?

To calculate the area of an inhibition zone around a disc of the substance being tested.

What is the aim of the microbiology required practical?

Investigate the effect of antiseptics or antibiotics on bacterial growth using agar plates and measuring zones of inhibition.

Why is it important to provide the ideal temperature for bacterial growth?

To reduce the chances of growing harmful pathogens.

What is a control group?

A paper disc placed on the bacterial agar plate not soaked in antiseptic or antibiotic but sterile water instead.