AQA Biology GCSE - Topic 1: Cell Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from AQA Biology GCSE Topic 1: Cell Biology.

Eukaryotes

Organisms made up of cells that contain a nucleus and organelles, such as animals and plants.

Prokaryotes

Single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and organelles, such as bacteria.

Organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

Cell membrane

A barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a cell where metabolic reactions occur.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains DNA and controls cell activities.

Mitochondria

The organelles where aerobic respiration occurs and energy is produced.

Ribosomes

Cell structures where protein synthesis takes place.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, containing chlorophyll.

Differentiation

The process by which a cell becomes specialized for a specific function.

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become different cell types.

Diffusion

The passive movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

Osmosis

The movement of water across a partially permeable membrane from a dilute solution to a concentrated solution.

Active transport

The movement of particles against their concentration gradient, requiring energy from respiration.

Cell cycle

The series of stages that a cell undergoes to divide and replicate.

Mitosis

The stage in the cell cycle where the cell divides its nucleus and genetic material.

Chromosomes

Structures in the nucleus made of DNA that carry genetic information.

Concentration gradient

The difference in concentration of a substance between two areas.

Zone of inhibition

The area surrounding a paper disc soaked in antibiotic, where bacteria have not grown.

Plasmids

Small circular strands of DNA found in prokaryotic cells.

Turgor pressure

The pressure within a plant cell's vacuole that helps maintain its rigidity.