Edexcel IGCSE Biology: Cell Structure and Differentiation

Flashcards covering cell structures, organelles, specialized cells, and the role of stem cells in medicine based on the Edexcel IGCSE Biology syllabus.

The jelly-like substance inside the cell membrane that consists of water with dissolved substances is the __________.

Cytoplasm

The organelle that contains genetic material in the form of chromosomes is the __________.

Nucleus

The singular term for the organelle responsible for aerobic respiration is __________, while the plural is mitochondria.

Mitochondrion

The site of protein synthesis within a cell is the __________.

Ribosome

Plant cells have a __________ made of cellulose that gives the cell extra support and defines its shape.

Cell wall

The organelle in plant cells that contains chlorophyll to absorb light for photosynthesis is the __________.

Chloroplast

Ribosomes and mitochondria are too small to be viewed under a light microscope but are visible under an __________ microscope.

Electron

A plant cell's __________ vacuole contains cell sap and helps the cell stay firm.

Permanent

Cell __________ is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized.

Differentiation

Undifferentiated cells that can divide by mitosis to form more stem cells or specialized cells are called __________.

Stem cells

In animals, undifferentiated cells mainly involved in replacing and repairing blood or skin cells are called __________.

Adult stem cells

__________ cells move mucus in the trachea and bronchi using hair-like extensions.

Ciliated

Nerve cells have __________ covered in a fatty sheath that insulates and speeds up nerve transmission.

Axons

Red blood cells are packed with the protein __________, which transports oxygen from the lungs.

Haemoglobin

The __________ shape of red blood cells provides a high surface area to volume ratio for oxygen diffusion.

Biconcave

Root hair cells have thin walls and long extensions to increase __________ for maximum absorption.

Surface area

__________ cells are column-shaped and tightly packed beneath the upper epidermis to maximize light absorption.

Palisade mesophyll

__________ stem cells are found only in embryos and can differentiate into all different cell types.

Embryonic

Bone marrow stem cells can be used to treat __________, which is caused by the blood not being able to transport enough oxygen.

Anaemia

A disadvantage of using donor stem cells is that the patient may need __________ drugs to prevent the immune system from rejecting the cells.

Immunosuppressant

The proteins on the cell surface that can cause a patient's immune system to reject donor cells are called __________.

Antigens