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Elizabeth
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Biology
B1 biology revision cards
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10 Dec 2025
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GCSE B1 Biology Revision Cards for OCR
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Elizabeth
@lizabeth_unkqaxcuial
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Animal and Plant Cell Structure
Animal cells and plant cells are both eukaryotic cells, which means they're quite sophisticated with loads of different parts called organelles. Think of these organelles as specialist workers in a factory - each has a specific job to keep the cell running smoothly.
Both cell types share some key organelles. The nucleus acts as the control centre, containing all the DNA that tells the cell what to do. Mitochondria are like power stations, carrying out aerobic respiration to provide energy for everything the cell does. Ribosomes manufacture proteins, whilst the cytoplasm manages all the chemical reactions happening inside.
Plant cells have some extra features that animal cells don't have. The cell wall made of cellulose gives plants their rigid structure (which is why they can grow tall without falling over). Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis - that's why plants are green and can make their own food. The large vacuole stores cell sap and helps maintain the plant's shape.
Quick Tip: Remember that both types have a cell membrane that's partially permeable - this means it carefully controls what goes in and out of the cell through processes like osmosis and diffusion.
Cell Types and Microscopy
Prokaryotic cells like bacteria are much simpler and smaller than the eukaryotic cells you've just learned about. They're basically the basic models compared to the high-tech versions that make up plants and animals.
When you're using microscopes to study cells, you'll need to master the magnification formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size. This calculation comes up loads in exams, so practise converting between metres, centimetres, millimetres, micrometres, and nanometres.
Light microscopes are what you'll typically use in class - they're straightforward to operate and relatively cheap, but they have limited resolution (how much detail you can see). Electron microscopes are the superstars of the microscopy world, offering up to 2000 times better resolution than light microscopes, but they're expensive and tricky to use.
Exam Focus: Make sure you understand the difference between magnification (how much bigger something appears) and resolution (how much detail you can actually distinguish).
Cell Differentiation and Specialisation
Differentiation is how cells transform from basic, unspecialised stem cells into highly specialised cells with specific jobs. It all starts with a zygote (fertilised egg) that divides repeatedly through mitosis to create an embryo.
Specialised cells are perfectly adapted for their roles through their shape and the organelles they contain. Sperm cells have long tails for swimming and loads of mitochondria for energy. Muscle cells pack in extra mitochondria for contraction power. Nerve cells are long and thin with branched endings to connect with other nerves across your body.
Plant cells specialise too - root hair cells have a large surface area for absorbing water, whilst xylem and phloem cells form transport systems moving water and nutrients around the plant. Each specialised cell has evolved the perfect structure to do its job efficiently.
Remember: The more mitochondria a cell has, the more energy it needs - this tells you loads about what that cell actually does!
Stem Cells and Diffusion
Stem cells are like cellular blank slates that can develop into any type of specialised cell your body needs. Embryonic stem cells are particularly powerful because they can become absolutely any cell type. In plants, stem cells hang out in regions called meristems, ready to differentiate into whatever the plant needs.
Diffusion is the natural movement of particles from areas of high concentration to low concentration - think of how a strong perfume gradually spreads across a room. This process is crucial for getting substances into and out of cells.
Several factors affect how fast diffusion happens. A bigger concentration gradient speeds things up, as does higher temperature (particles move faster when they're warmer). Having a larger surface area also increases the rate of diffusion because there's more space for particles to move through.
Real-World Example: When you smell food cooking from the kitchen, that's diffusion in action - flavour molecules are spreading from high concentration (near the food) to low concentration (throughout the house).
Osmosis and Active Transport
Osmosis is a special type of diffusion that only involves water molecules moving across a partially permeable membrane. Water always moves from where there's lots of it (dilute solution) to where there's less of it (concentrated solution).
Active transport is completely different because it works against the natural flow - moving substances from low concentration to high concentration. This is like swimming upstream and requires energy from respiration to make it happen.
Understanding these transport methods is essential because they explain how your cells get the nutrients they need and remove waste products. Your kidneys, for example, use active transport to reclaim useful substances from your blood.
Key Difference: Diffusion and osmosis happen naturally (passive), but active transport needs energy input to work against the concentration gradient.
Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis creates two identical diploid cells from one parent cell - it's essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. In humans, this means each new cell gets the full set of 46 chromosomes. The process goes through several stages: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
Meiosis is completely different because it produces four genetically different gametes (sex cells) for sexual reproduction. The chromosome number halves during this process - so human gametes end up with 23 chromosomes instead of 46. This is why you get half your genes from each parent.
Meiosis creates genetic variation through a process called crossing over, where chromosomes swap genetic material. This variation is crucial for evolution and explains why you're unique (unless you're an identical twin).
Exam Tip: Remember that mitosis produces identical cells for growth and repair, whilst meiosis produces different gametes for reproduction - the purposes are completely different!
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE B1 Biology Revision Cards for OCR
E
Elizabeth
@lizabeth_unkqaxcuial
Your cells are like tiny factories working 24/7 to keep you alive! Understanding how animal and plant cells function, divide, and specialise is crucial for your biology studies and helps explain everything from growth to inheritance.
Animal and Plant Cell Structure
Animal cells and plant cells are both eukaryotic cells, which means they're quite sophisticated with loads of different parts called organelles. Think of these organelles as specialist workers in a factory - each has a specific job to keep the cell running smoothly.
Both cell types share some key organelles. The nucleus acts as the control centre, containing all the DNA that tells the cell what to do. Mitochondria are like power stations, carrying out aerobic respiration to provide energy for everything the cell does. Ribosomes manufacture proteins, whilst the cytoplasm manages all the chemical reactions happening inside.
Plant cells have some extra features that animal cells don't have. The cell wall made of cellulose gives plants their rigid structure (which is why they can grow tall without falling over). Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis - that's why plants are green and can make their own food. The large vacuole stores cell sap and helps maintain the plant's shape.
Quick Tip: Remember that both types have a cell membrane that's partially permeable - this means it carefully controls what goes in and out of the cell through processes like osmosis and diffusion.
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Cell Types and Microscopy
Prokaryotic cells like bacteria are much simpler and smaller than the eukaryotic cells you've just learned about. They're basically the basic models compared to the high-tech versions that make up plants and animals.
When you're using microscopes to study cells, you'll need to master the magnification formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size. This calculation comes up loads in exams, so practise converting between metres, centimetres, millimetres, micrometres, and nanometres.
Light microscopes are what you'll typically use in class - they're straightforward to operate and relatively cheap, but they have limited resolution (how much detail you can see). Electron microscopes are the superstars of the microscopy world, offering up to 2000 times better resolution than light microscopes, but they're expensive and tricky to use.
Exam Focus: Make sure you understand the difference between magnification (how much bigger something appears) and resolution (how much detail you can actually distinguish).
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Cell Differentiation and Specialisation
Differentiation is how cells transform from basic, unspecialised stem cells into highly specialised cells with specific jobs. It all starts with a zygote (fertilised egg) that divides repeatedly through mitosis to create an embryo.
Specialised cells are perfectly adapted for their roles through their shape and the organelles they contain. Sperm cells have long tails for swimming and loads of mitochondria for energy. Muscle cells pack in extra mitochondria for contraction power. Nerve cells are long and thin with branched endings to connect with other nerves across your body.
Plant cells specialise too - root hair cells have a large surface area for absorbing water, whilst xylem and phloem cells form transport systems moving water and nutrients around the plant. Each specialised cell has evolved the perfect structure to do its job efficiently.
Remember: The more mitochondria a cell has, the more energy it needs - this tells you loads about what that cell actually does!
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Stem Cells and Diffusion
Stem cells are like cellular blank slates that can develop into any type of specialised cell your body needs. Embryonic stem cells are particularly powerful because they can become absolutely any cell type. In plants, stem cells hang out in regions called meristems, ready to differentiate into whatever the plant needs.
Diffusion is the natural movement of particles from areas of high concentration to low concentration - think of how a strong perfume gradually spreads across a room. This process is crucial for getting substances into and out of cells.
Several factors affect how fast diffusion happens. A bigger concentration gradient speeds things up, as does higher temperature (particles move faster when they're warmer). Having a larger surface area also increases the rate of diffusion because there's more space for particles to move through.
Real-World Example: When you smell food cooking from the kitchen, that's diffusion in action - flavour molecules are spreading from high concentration (near the food) to low concentration (throughout the house).
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Osmosis and Active Transport
Osmosis is a special type of diffusion that only involves water molecules moving across a partially permeable membrane. Water always moves from where there's lots of it (dilute solution) to where there's less of it (concentrated solution).
Active transport is completely different because it works against the natural flow - moving substances from low concentration to high concentration. This is like swimming upstream and requires energy from respiration to make it happen.
Understanding these transport methods is essential because they explain how your cells get the nutrients they need and remove waste products. Your kidneys, for example, use active transport to reclaim useful substances from your blood.
Key Difference: Diffusion and osmosis happen naturally (passive), but active transport needs energy input to work against the concentration gradient.
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Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis
Mitosis creates two identical diploid cells from one parent cell - it's essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction. In humans, this means each new cell gets the full set of 46 chromosomes. The process goes through several stages: interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis.
Meiosis is completely different because it produces four genetically different gametes (sex cells) for sexual reproduction. The chromosome number halves during this process - so human gametes end up with 23 chromosomes instead of 46. This is why you get half your genes from each parent.
Meiosis creates genetic variation through a process called crossing over, where chromosomes swap genetic material. This variation is crucial for evolution and explains why you're unique (unless you're an identical twin).
Exam Tip: Remember that mitosis produces identical cells for growth and repair, whilst meiosis produces different gametes for reproduction - the purposes are completely different!
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user