Life Processes and Cells

Describe the characteristics of living organisms by defining the terms: movement, respiration, sensitivity, growth, reproduction, excretion, nutrition Describe and compare the structure of a plant cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles State the functions of the structures in the plant cell and in the animal cell. Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids Identify the cell structures listed above in diagrams and images of plant, animal and bacterial cells Describe the meaning of the terms cell, tissue, organ, organ system and organism Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units State and use the formula: magnification = image size / actual size Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (μm) State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: root hair cells – absorption palisade mesophyll cells – photosynthesis red blood cells – transport of oxygen Define diffusion State that substances move into and out of cells by diffusion through the cell membrane Describe the importance of diffusion of gases and solutes in living organisms Investigate the factors that influence diffusion, limited to: surface area, temperature, concentration gradient and distance State that water diffuses through partially permeable membranes by osmosis Define osmosis State that water moves in and out of cells by osmosis through the cell membrane Investigate and describe the effects on plant tissues of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations Explain the effects on plant cells of immersing them in solutions of different concentrations by using the terms: turgid, turgor pressure, plasmolysis, flaccid Describe active transport as the movement of particles through a cell membrane from a region of lower concentration to a region of higher concentration (i.e. against a concentration gradient), using energy from respiration Explain the importance of active transport as a process for movement of molecules or ions across membranes, including ion uptake by root hairs

Movement

is the change in position of an organism or its parts, allowing it to respond to stimuli or relocate in search of resources.

Respiration

The biochemical process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Movement

is the change in position of an organism or its parts, allowing it to respond to stimuli or relocate in search of resources.

Respiration

The biochemical process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Sensitivity

is the ability of an organism to detect and respond to changes in its environment, also known as irritability.

Growth

is the process by which organisms increase in size and mass through cell division and development. It involves both the increase in the number of cells and the size of individual cells.

Excretion

is the biological process through which waste products are removed from the body. This process helps maintain homeostasis and eliminates toxic substances.