AQA Biology GCSE - Cell Biology

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions related to Cell Biology for the AQA Biology GCSE.

Eukaryotic cell

A type of cell that has a nucleus and organelles enclosed within membranes, found in animals and plants.

Prokaryotic cell

A type of cell that does not have a nucleus; bacteria are examples of prokaryotic cells.

Cell membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of all cells from the outside environment.

Cytoplasm

The fluid substance within a cell, where chemical reactions occur and organelles are found.

Nucleus

The organelle that contains the cell's DNA and is responsible for controlling cell activities.

Mitochondria

Organelles known as the powerhouses of the cell, where aerobic respiration occurs to produce energy.

Chloroplasts

Organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place, containing chlorophyll.

Ribosomes

Cellular structures where protein synthesis occurs.

Cell wall

The rigid outer layer found in plant cells and some bacteria, providing structure and support.

Diffusion

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

Osmosis

The movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane from a less concentrated solution to a more concentrated one.

Active transport

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

Stem cells

Undifferentiated cells that can give rise to various cell types and have the ability to divide and differentiate.

Chromosomes

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

Mitosis

The process of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells.

Cell specialization

The process by which cells differentiate and acquire specific functions.

Culturing microorganisms

The process of growing microbes in a controlled environment, such as nutrient broth or agar plates.

Inhibition zone

The clear area around antibiotic discs on an agar plate, indicating the effectiveness of the antibiotic.

Surface area to volume ratio

A measure that describes the amount of surface area per unit volume of an organism, influencing diffusion rates.

Plasmids

Small circular DNA molecules found in prokaryotic cells that can replicate independently.

Agar gel plate

A petri dish filled with agar used to culture microorganisms.

Turgor pressure

Pressure within the vacuole of a cell that helps keep the plant rigid.