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28 Nov 2025
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Understanding Cell Structure and Organization - Biology AS Level Unit 1
Peri <3
@peristudies
1 / 4
Cell Structure and Organisation
Every living thing you can think of is made from cells - from bacteria to plants to you! All cells have a plasma membrane that acts like a bouncer at a club, controlling what gets in and out.
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells are the simple ones - think bacteria. Their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm without being wrapped up in a nucleus. They're tiny but efficient, with essential features like peptidoglycan cell walls, circular DNA, and small ribosomes.
Eukaryotic cells are the sophisticated cousins that make up plants, animals, and fungi. They're much larger and keep their DNA safely tucked away in a nucleus. These cells are like tiny cities with different membrane-bound organelles acting as specialised departments - each with its own job to keep the cell running smoothly.
Quick tip: Remember "pro" means "before" - prokaryotes came first in evolution and are structurally simpler!
Comparing Cell Types and Viruses
The key differences between cell types are actually quite straightforward when you compare them side by side. Prokaryotes (bacteria) have no nuclear membrane, small ribosomes, and peptidoglycan cell walls. Eukaryotic animals have large ribosomes and no cell wall, whilst eukaryotic plants have cellulose cell walls and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Viruses are the rebels of biology - they're not even proper cells! They can't survive on their own and need to hijack host cells to reproduce. A virus is basically just genetic material (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat called a capsid, sometimes with a few enzymes thrown in.
Understanding these differences isn't just academic - it's why antibiotics work on bacteria but not viruses, and why plant cells can photosynthesise but animal cells can't.
Remember: Viruses can't carry out respiration or make ATP on their own - they're cellular parasites!
Cell Organelles and Teamwork
Think of organelles as the cell's workforce - each has a specific job that keeps everything running smoothly. Mitochondria are the powerhouses, making ATP through aerobic respiration. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is covered in ribosomes and acts like a protein factory, whilst the smooth ER handles lipid synthesis.
The real magic happens when organelles work together. During protein synthesis, the nucleus transcribes DNA, ribosomes translate the code, the RER packages the proteins, and the Golgi complex processes them for delivery. It's like a cellular assembly line!
Exocytosis and endocytosis show another brilliant example of teamwork - vesicles bud off from organelles to either secrete substances or bring materials into the cell, constantly adjusting the cell's surface area as needed.
Key concept: Organelles don't work in isolation - they're constantly communicating and collaborating through vesicle transport!
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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
Understanding Cell Structure and Organization - Biology AS Level Unit 1
Peri <3
@peristudies
Cells are the building blocks of all life, but not all cells are created equal. Understanding the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, along with how they organise into tissues and organs, is fundamental to biology and will help you... Show more
Cell Structure and Organisation
Every living thing you can think of is made from cells - from bacteria to plants to you! All cells have a plasma membrane that acts like a bouncer at a club, controlling what gets in and out.
There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Prokaryotic cells are the simple ones - think bacteria. Their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm without being wrapped up in a nucleus. They're tiny but efficient, with essential features like peptidoglycan cell walls, circular DNA, and small ribosomes.
Eukaryotic cells are the sophisticated cousins that make up plants, animals, and fungi. They're much larger and keep their DNA safely tucked away in a nucleus. These cells are like tiny cities with different membrane-bound organelles acting as specialised departments - each with its own job to keep the cell running smoothly.
Quick tip: Remember "pro" means "before" - prokaryotes came first in evolution and are structurally simpler!
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Comparing Cell Types and Viruses
The key differences between cell types are actually quite straightforward when you compare them side by side. Prokaryotes (bacteria) have no nuclear membrane, small ribosomes, and peptidoglycan cell walls. Eukaryotic animals have large ribosomes and no cell wall, whilst eukaryotic plants have cellulose cell walls and chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Viruses are the rebels of biology - they're not even proper cells! They can't survive on their own and need to hijack host cells to reproduce. A virus is basically just genetic material (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat called a capsid, sometimes with a few enzymes thrown in.
Understanding these differences isn't just academic - it's why antibiotics work on bacteria but not viruses, and why plant cells can photosynthesise but animal cells can't.
Remember: Viruses can't carry out respiration or make ATP on their own - they're cellular parasites!
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Cell Organelles and Teamwork
Think of organelles as the cell's workforce - each has a specific job that keeps everything running smoothly. Mitochondria are the powerhouses, making ATP through aerobic respiration. The rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) is covered in ribosomes and acts like a protein factory, whilst the smooth ER handles lipid synthesis.
The real magic happens when organelles work together. During protein synthesis, the nucleus transcribes DNA, ribosomes translate the code, the RER packages the proteins, and the Golgi complex processes them for delivery. It's like a cellular assembly line!
Exocytosis and endocytosis show another brilliant example of teamwork - vesicles bud off from organelles to either secrete substances or bring materials into the cell, constantly adjusting the cell's surface area as needed.
Key concept: Organelles don't work in isolation - they're constantly communicating and collaborating through vesicle transport!
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We thought you’d never ask...
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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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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