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10 Dec 2025

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CCEA Double Award Science: Biology 1.1 - Cells Explained

K

Katie Hendren @katiehendren_fgoy

Your body is like a massive city made up of billions of tiny building blocks called cells. Understanding... Show more

Biology Cells
-
Nucleus control center of the cell containing genetic information (chromosomes)
Cellulose cell wall-rigid structure made of

Cell Structure and Function

Every cell is like a miniature factory with specialised parts doing specific jobs. The nucleus acts as the control centre, storing all your genetic information on chromosomes – think of it as the cell's brain making all the important decisions.

The cytoplasm is where the magic happens – this jelly-like substance hosts all the chemical reactions that keep your cells alive. Meanwhile, the cell membrane works like a bouncer at a club, carefully controlling what gets in and what stays out of your cell.

Plant cells have some extra features that animal cells don't. The cellulose cell wall gives plants their rigid structure (which is why trees don't collapse!), whilst chloroplasts contain chlorophyll that captures sunlight for photosynthesis. The large permanent vacuole stores cell sap and helps keep plants upright.

Quick Tip Remember that mitochondria are your cellular power stations – they're where cell respiration happens to release energy for everything you do!

How Cells Team Up

Here's something brilliant cells don't work alone. They form tissues, which combine into organs, which work together in organ systems to create you! Your digestive system (teeth, stomach, intestines, liver) breaks down food, whilst your respiratory system (lungs, bronchi, trachea) handles gas exchange.

Your circulatory system transports materials around your body through your heart and blood vessels. The excretory system removes toxic waste via kidneys, bladder and lungs, and your nervous system helps you respond to the world around you.

Don't forget your skeletal system for support and protection, plus your reproductive system for creating the next generation. Each system has a specific job, but they all work together seamlessly.

Observing Cells in Practice

When you're looking at onion cells under a microscope, iodine staining makes the transparent cells visible by highlighting the cell membrane, nucleus and cell wall. Always start with the low power objective lens to get a wider view and avoid damaging your slide.

Handle slides and coverslips by the edges only – fingerprints will mess up your observations! Those annoying black circles you see are air bubbles, which you can avoid by using forceps to lower the coverslip gently from one side to the other.

Lab Success Proper microscope technique isn't just about following rules – it's about getting clear, accurate observations that help you understand how life actually works at the cellular level.

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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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.

Basil

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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.

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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.

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

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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.

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.

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Rohan U

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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

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Biology

65

10 Dec 2025

1 page

CCEA Double Award Science: Biology 1.1 - Cells Explained

K

Katie Hendren

@katiehendren_fgoy

Your body is like a massive city made up of billions of tiny building blocks called cells. Understanding how cells work and team up to create the amazing systems that keep you alive is absolutely fundamental to biology – and... Show more

Biology Cells
-
Nucleus control center of the cell containing genetic information (chromosomes)
Cellulose cell wall-rigid structure made of

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Cell Structure and Function

Every cell is like a miniature factory with specialised parts doing specific jobs. The nucleus acts as the control centre, storing all your genetic information on chromosomes – think of it as the cell's brain making all the important decisions.

The cytoplasm is where the magic happens – this jelly-like substance hosts all the chemical reactions that keep your cells alive. Meanwhile, the cell membrane works like a bouncer at a club, carefully controlling what gets in and what stays out of your cell.

Plant cells have some extra features that animal cells don't. The cellulose cell wall gives plants their rigid structure (which is why trees don't collapse!), whilst chloroplasts contain chlorophyll that captures sunlight for photosynthesis. The large permanent vacuole stores cell sap and helps keep plants upright.

Quick Tip: Remember that mitochondria are your cellular power stations – they're where cell respiration happens to release energy for everything you do!

How Cells Team Up

Here's something brilliant: cells don't work alone. They form tissues, which combine into organs, which work together in organ systems to create you! Your digestive system (teeth, stomach, intestines, liver) breaks down food, whilst your respiratory system (lungs, bronchi, trachea) handles gas exchange.

Your circulatory system transports materials around your body through your heart and blood vessels. The excretory system removes toxic waste via kidneys, bladder and lungs, and your nervous system helps you respond to the world around you.

Don't forget your skeletal system for support and protection, plus your reproductive system for creating the next generation. Each system has a specific job, but they all work together seamlessly.

Observing Cells in Practice

When you're looking at onion cells under a microscope, iodine staining makes the transparent cells visible by highlighting the cell membrane, nucleus and cell wall. Always start with the low power objective lens to get a wider view and avoid damaging your slide.

Handle slides and coverslips by the edges only – fingerprints will mess up your observations! Those annoying black circles you see are air bubbles, which you can avoid by using forceps to lower the coverslip gently from one side to the other.

Lab Success: Proper microscope technique isn't just about following rules – it's about getting clear, accurate observations that help you understand how life actually works at the cellular level.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

1

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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

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BiologyBiology
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Cell Structures & Functions

Explore the essential adaptations and functions of specialized animal and plant cells in this detailed study note. Covering key concepts such as red blood cells, nerve cells, root hair cells, and yeast cells, this resource provides insights into cellular structures, their roles, and the processes that sustain life. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.

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BiologyBiology
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Microscope Types & Functions

Explore the various types of microscopes including Optical, Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs), and Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs). This summary covers key concepts such as magnification, resolution, and the advantages and disadvantages of each microscope type. Ideal for A-level biology students studying cell structure and microscopy techniques.

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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

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Samantha Klich

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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.

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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