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7 Jan 2026
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Eukaryotic Cell Organelles Explained (A-Level Biology)
Charlie Chomanicz
@charliechomanicz
1 / 3
Eukaryotic Cell Structure & Energy Powerhouses
Eukaryotic cells are way more complex than their bacterial cousins, packed with specialised compartments called organelles. Think of them as tiny factories with different departments handling specific jobs.
The mitochondria are your cell's power stations, where aerobic respiration happens. They've got a clever double-membrane design - the outer membrane acts like the factory walls, whilst the inner membrane folds into structures called cristae to maximise surface area. The matrix inside is where the magic of energy production really kicks off.
Chloroplasts are the plant world's solar panels, capturing sunlight for photosynthesis. Like mitochondria, they're wrapped in two membranes. Inside, you'll find the stroma (the fluid bit) and stacked grana connected by lamellae - basically nature's own solar panel system.
Quick Tip: Remember that animal cells have mitochondria but no chloroplasts, whilst plant cells have both - they need mitochondria for respiration even though they photosynthesise!
Protein Processing & Cellular Cleanup
The Golgi apparatus is like your cell's post office and packaging centre rolled into one. It takes proteins and lipids from elsewhere in the cell, processes them, packages them up, and ships them out in little vesicles. It's also responsible for making lysosomes - think of it as quality control and distribution.
Vesicles are the cell's delivery trucks, storing and transporting materials wherever they need to go. Some head to the cell membrane to export their cargo, whilst others distribute goods around the cell.
Lysosomes are the cellular cleanup crew, packed with digestive enzymes called lysozymes. They're brilliant at breaking down worn-out cell components and destroying any unwanted invaders that sneak into the cell.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum gets its bumpy appearance from ribosomes stuck to its surface. This is where protein folding and processing happens - essentially the cell's protein assembly line.
Memory Trick: Think "Rough ER = Ribosomes = pRotein processing" - the R's help you remember!
Lipid Production Central
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum might look less busy without ribosomes dotting its surface, but it's got a crucial job. This organelle specialises in synthesising and processing lipids - the fats and oils your cells need for membranes and signalling.
Unlike its rough cousin that deals with proteins, smooth ER is your cell's dedicated lipid factory. It's particularly abundant in cells that produce lots of hormones or need to detoxify substances.
Key Point: Smooth ER = Lipids, Rough ER = Proteins. Different jobs, different tools!
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Stefan S
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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.
David K
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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
Eukaryotic Cell Organelles Explained (A-Level Biology)
Charlie Chomanicz
@charliechomanicz
Ever wondered what makes your cells tick? Eukaryotic cells are the sophisticated building blocks of all animals, plants, algae, and fungi - including you! Let's dive into the essential organelles that keep these cellular powerhouses running smoothly.
Eukaryotic Cell Structure & Energy Powerhouses
Eukaryotic cells are way more complex than their bacterial cousins, packed with specialised compartments called organelles. Think of them as tiny factories with different departments handling specific jobs.
The mitochondria are your cell's power stations, where aerobic respiration happens. They've got a clever double-membrane design - the outer membrane acts like the factory walls, whilst the inner membrane folds into structures called cristae to maximise surface area. The matrix inside is where the magic of energy production really kicks off.
Chloroplasts are the plant world's solar panels, capturing sunlight for photosynthesis. Like mitochondria, they're wrapped in two membranes. Inside, you'll find the stroma (the fluid bit) and stacked grana connected by lamellae - basically nature's own solar panel system.
Quick Tip: Remember that animal cells have mitochondria but no chloroplasts, whilst plant cells have both - they need mitochondria for respiration even though they photosynthesise!
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Protein Processing & Cellular Cleanup
The Golgi apparatus is like your cell's post office and packaging centre rolled into one. It takes proteins and lipids from elsewhere in the cell, processes them, packages them up, and ships them out in little vesicles. It's also responsible for making lysosomes - think of it as quality control and distribution.
Vesicles are the cell's delivery trucks, storing and transporting materials wherever they need to go. Some head to the cell membrane to export their cargo, whilst others distribute goods around the cell.
Lysosomes are the cellular cleanup crew, packed with digestive enzymes called lysozymes. They're brilliant at breaking down worn-out cell components and destroying any unwanted invaders that sneak into the cell.
The rough endoplasmic reticulum gets its bumpy appearance from ribosomes stuck to its surface. This is where protein folding and processing happens - essentially the cell's protein assembly line.
Memory Trick: Think "Rough ER = Ribosomes = pRotein processing" - the R's help you remember!
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Lipid Production Central
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum might look less busy without ribosomes dotting its surface, but it's got a crucial job. This organelle specialises in synthesising and processing lipids - the fats and oils your cells need for membranes and signalling.
Unlike its rough cousin that deals with proteins, smooth ER is your cell's dedicated lipid factory. It's particularly abundant in cells that produce lots of hormones or need to detoxify substances.
Key Point: Smooth ER = Lipids, Rough ER = Proteins. Different jobs, different tools!
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?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content in Biology
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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 Knowunity AI. 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 Knowunity AI. 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