Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

GCSE Biology B1 Cell Biology Revision Notes - PDF FREE Download

Open

379

4

I

Imogen

14/04/2023

Biology

Biology B1 Notes/Revision - Cell Biology

GCSE Biology B1 Cell Biology Revision Notes - PDF FREE Download

Overall Summary

Cell Biology is a fundamental topic in GCSE Biology, covering essential concepts such as active transport, cell structure, microscopy, and cell differentiation. This comprehensive guide provides AQA GCSE Biology revision notes on these crucial areas, offering detailed explanations and examples to aid student understanding.

  • Active transport and material exchange in cells
  • Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structures
  • Microscopy techniques and slide preparation
  • Cell differentiation and specialized cell types
  • Diffusion processes in biological systems
...

14/04/2023

7479

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

View

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

This section of the AQA GCSE Biology revision notes delves into the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, providing a comprehensive overview of cell structures and their functions.

Definition: Prokaryotic cells are cells that do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are cells that do have a nucleus.

The notes provide detailed descriptions of both plant and animal cells, which are eukaryotic:

Plant Cell Features:

  • Cell membrane
  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
  • Cellulose cell wall
  • Chloroplasts
  • Permanent vacuole

Animal Cell Features:

  • Cell membrane
  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes

Vocabulary: Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance where most chemical reactions occur in the cell, containing enzymes that control these reactions.

The section also explains the unique features of bacterial cells, which are prokaryotic:

  • Single circular strand of DNA floating in the cytoplasm instead of a nucleus
  • One or more small rings of DNA called plasmids
  • Absence of chloroplasts and mitochondria

Highlight: Understanding the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is crucial for grasping the diversity of life forms and their cellular organization.

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

View

Microscopy and Slide Preparation

This section of the GCSE Biology revision notes PDF focuses on microscopy techniques and the preparation of slides for cellular observation. It provides essential information for students studying Cell Biology revision notes PDF.

The notes discuss two main types of microscopes:

  1. Light Microscopes: Use light and lenses to form an image Allow visualization of individual cells and large subcellular structures
  2. Electron Microscopes: Use electrons instead of light Offer higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes

Definition: Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points. Higher resolution results in a sharper image.

The notes provide a detailed diagram of a light microscope, labeling key components such as the eyepiece lens, objective lens, stage, and focusing wheels.

Highlight: Understanding the parts of a microscope is crucial for proper use and maintenance in laboratory settings.

The section also outlines the step-by-step process for preparing microscope slides:

  1. Add a drop of water to the center of a clean slide
  2. Place the cell sample into the water
  3. Add a drop of iodine solution to stain the objects
  4. Place a cover slip on top, avoiding air bubbles

Example: When preparing a slide of onion cells, adding iodine solution helps to stain the cell walls and nuclei, making them more visible under the microscope.

The notes include information on magnification calculations, explaining the relationship between the size of the image, the size of the object, and the magnification factor.

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

View

Cell Differentiation and Specialized Cells

This final section of the AQA GCSE Biology B1 summary notes explores cell differentiation and provides examples of specialized cells, crucial for understanding how organisms develop and function.

Definition: Cell differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its specific job within an organism.

The notes provide detailed examples of specialized cells and their functions:

  1. Sperm Cells: Function: To deliver male DNA to the female DNA Features: Long tail, streamlined head, numerous mitochondria, enzymes in the head
  2. Nerve Cells: Function: To carry electrical signals throughout the body Features: Long structure, branched connections at ends
  3. Muscle Fibre Cells: Function: To contract quickly Features: Long structure, abundant mitochondria
  4. Root Hair Cells: Function: To absorb water and minerals from soil Features: Long hairs that extend into the soil, increasing surface area
  5. Phloem and Xylem Cells: Function: To transport substances within plants Features: Long cells joined end-to-end, forming tubes; xylem cells are hollow, phloem cells have few subcellular structures

Example: Sperm cells have a streamlined shape and numerous mitochondria to provide energy for swimming to the egg cell.

The section concludes with an introduction to diffusion:

Definition: Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Key points about diffusion:

  • Occurs in both solutions and gases
  • Rate depends on the concentration gradient
  • Higher temperatures increase diffusion rate

Highlight: Understanding cell differentiation and specialized cell types is essential for comprehending how complex organisms develop and function at a cellular level.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

21 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.

 

Biology

7,479

14 Apr 2023

4 pages

GCSE Biology B1 Cell Biology Revision Notes - PDF FREE Download

I

Imogen

@imogenxo

Overall Summary

Cell Biology is a fundamental topic in GCSE Biology, covering essential concepts such as active transport, cell structure, microscopy, and cell differentiation. This comprehensive guide provides AQA GCSE Biology revision noteson these crucial areas, offering detailed... Show more

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

This section of the AQA GCSE Biology revision notes delves into the fundamental differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, providing a comprehensive overview of cell structures and their functions.

Definition: Prokaryotic cells are cells that do not have a nucleus, while eukaryotic cells are cells that do have a nucleus.

The notes provide detailed descriptions of both plant and animal cells, which are eukaryotic:

Plant Cell Features:

  • Cell membrane
  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes
  • Cellulose cell wall
  • Chloroplasts
  • Permanent vacuole

Animal Cell Features:

  • Cell membrane
  • Nucleus
  • Cytoplasm
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes

Vocabulary: Cytoplasm is the gel-like substance where most chemical reactions occur in the cell, containing enzymes that control these reactions.

The section also explains the unique features of bacterial cells, which are prokaryotic:

  • Single circular strand of DNA floating in the cytoplasm instead of a nucleus
  • One or more small rings of DNA called plasmids
  • Absence of chloroplasts and mitochondria

Highlight: Understanding the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is crucial for grasping the diversity of life forms and their cellular organization.

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Microscopy and Slide Preparation

This section of the GCSE Biology revision notes PDF focuses on microscopy techniques and the preparation of slides for cellular observation. It provides essential information for students studying Cell Biology revision notes PDF.

The notes discuss two main types of microscopes:

  1. Light Microscopes: Use light and lenses to form an image Allow visualization of individual cells and large subcellular structures
  2. Electron Microscopes: Use electrons instead of light Offer higher magnification and resolution than light microscopes

Definition: Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two points. Higher resolution results in a sharper image.

The notes provide a detailed diagram of a light microscope, labeling key components such as the eyepiece lens, objective lens, stage, and focusing wheels.

Highlight: Understanding the parts of a microscope is crucial for proper use and maintenance in laboratory settings.

The section also outlines the step-by-step process for preparing microscope slides:

  1. Add a drop of water to the center of a clean slide
  2. Place the cell sample into the water
  3. Add a drop of iodine solution to stain the objects
  4. Place a cover slip on top, avoiding air bubbles

Example: When preparing a slide of onion cells, adding iodine solution helps to stain the cell walls and nuclei, making them more visible under the microscope.

The notes include information on magnification calculations, explaining the relationship between the size of the image, the size of the object, and the magnification factor.

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cell Differentiation and Specialized Cells

This final section of the AQA GCSE Biology B1 summary notes explores cell differentiation and provides examples of specialized cells, crucial for understanding how organisms develop and function.

Definition: Cell differentiation is the process by which a cell changes to become specialized for its specific job within an organism.

The notes provide detailed examples of specialized cells and their functions:

  1. Sperm Cells: Function: To deliver male DNA to the female DNA Features: Long tail, streamlined head, numerous mitochondria, enzymes in the head
  2. Nerve Cells: Function: To carry electrical signals throughout the body Features: Long structure, branched connections at ends
  3. Muscle Fibre Cells: Function: To contract quickly Features: Long structure, abundant mitochondria
  4. Root Hair Cells: Function: To absorb water and minerals from soil Features: Long hairs that extend into the soil, increasing surface area
  5. Phloem and Xylem Cells: Function: To transport substances within plants Features: Long cells joined end-to-end, forming tubes; xylem cells are hollow, phloem cells have few subcellular structures

Example: Sperm cells have a streamlined shape and numerous mitochondria to provide energy for swimming to the egg cell.

The section concludes with an introduction to diffusion:

Definition: Diffusion is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Key points about diffusion:

  • Occurs in both solutions and gases
  • Rate depends on the concentration gradient
  • Higher temperatures increase diffusion rate

Highlight: Understanding cell differentiation and specialized cell types is essential for comprehending how complex organisms develop and function at a cellular level.

-Active transport
the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to
an area of higher concentration, against their concentrat

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Active Transport and Material Exchange

Active transport is a crucial process in cellular biology, involving the movement of particles against their concentration gradient. This section of the GCSE Biology B1 Cell Biology revision notes explores the mechanics and importance of active transport in various biological contexts.

Definition: Active transport is the movement of particles from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration, against their concentration gradient, requiring energy from respiration.

The notes highlight two key examples of active transport in biological systems:

  1. Root hairs: These structures take up water and mineral ions from the soil. Active transport is necessary because mineral ions often have a higher concentration in the root hair cells than in the soil.
  2. The gut: Substances like glucose and amino acids move from the gut to the bloodstream. Active transport is required when the concentration of these molecules is lower in the gut than in the blood.

Example: In the gut, when sugar concentration is lower than in the blood, active transport moves sugar molecules against the concentration gradient into the bloodstream.

The section also covers material exchange in other biological processes:

  • Gas exchange in alveoli: Oxygen diffuses into red blood cells, while carbon dioxide diffuses out into the alveoli.
  • Digestion: Small molecules from digestion are absorbed into the blood in the small intestine.

Highlight: Understanding active transport is crucial for comprehending how cells maintain homeostasis and acquire essential nutrients against concentration gradients.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

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