🧬 GCSE Biology: Cell Types & Cell Structure

Cell

The basic building block of life that can replicate independently.

Eukaryotic Cell

A complex cell with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, found in animals and plants.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple, single-cell organism without a nucleus, such as bacteria.

Cell Membrane

A structure that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing genetic material (DNA).

Cytoplasm

A gel-like substance where chemical reactions take place and organelles are suspended.

Mitochondria

The powerhouse of the cell; site of aerobic respiration to release energy.

Ribosomes

Tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer in plant cells and bacterial cells that provides structure and support.

Chloroplast

An organelle in plant cells that contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Permanent Vacuole

A large sac in plant cells filled with cell sap, which stores nutrients and maintains cell pressure.

Aerobic Respiration

A process in mitochondria that breaks down glucose to release energy using oxygen.

Plasmid

A small ring of extra DNA in bacteria that carries genes like antibiotic resistance.

Nucleoid

The region in a bacterial cell where the single circular strand of DNA is located.

Flagella

A tail-like structure that helps some bacteria move.

Protein Synthesis

The process where ribosomes make proteins based on genetic instructions.

Photosynthesis

The process in chloroplasts where plants use sunlight to make glucose.

Unicellular

An organism made up of a single cell, like bacteria.

Multicellular

An organism made up of many cells, like animals and plants.