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4 Dec 2025

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GCSE Biology Revision: Cells 1.1 Overview

C

CF @revision_

Cells are the building blocks of all living things, from tiny bacteria to massive humans! Understanding how cells... Show more

Cell membrane-controls what leaves renters
the cell
Cytoplasm- where chemical reactions occur
Present in
animals Plant
bacteria
Nucleus-Cont

Cell Structure and Organisation

Every living thing is made up of cells - think of them as nature's Lego blocks. Different parts of a cell have specific jobs, just like rooms in your house serve different purposes.

The cell membrane acts like a bouncer at a club, controlling what gets in and out of the cell. Inside, the cytoplasm is where all the important chemical reactions happen - it's basically the cell's kitchen. The nucleus is the control centre that stores DNA and runs the whole show.

Mitochondria are the cell's power stations where respiration occurs to create energy. Plant cells have extra bits a cell wall for structure (like scaffolding), vacuoles for storage and support, and chloroplasts containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis happens. Bacteria keep things simple with plasmids - small rings of DNA floating about.

Quick tip Remember that animal and plant cells share some parts but plants have the extras they need to make their own food!

Scientists use electron microscopes to see cells clearly because they have much better resolution than regular microscopes. When measuring tiny things, we use micrometers (1×10⁻⁶m) - that's incredibly small!

Cells don't work alone though. They team up to form tissues (like skin), which combine into organs (like your brain), then into organ systems (like your digestive system), and finally make up complete organisms like you!

Stem cells are special because they can turn into any type of cell the body needs. Adult stem cells can only become certain types, whilst embryonic stem cells can become anything. They're brilliant for treating diseases like leukaemia, but using embryonic ones raises ethical questions since it involves destroying embryos.

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Biology

107

4 Dec 2025

1 page

GCSE Biology Revision: Cells 1.1 Overview

C

CF

@revision_

Cells are the building blocks of all living things, from tiny bacteria to massive humans! Understanding how cells work and how they're organised into complex organisms is crucial for grasping how life functions at every level.

Cell membrane-controls what leaves renters
the cell
Cytoplasm- where chemical reactions occur
Present in
animals Plant
bacteria
Nucleus-Cont

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Cell Structure and Organisation

Every living thing is made up of cells - think of them as nature's Lego blocks. Different parts of a cell have specific jobs, just like rooms in your house serve different purposes.

The cell membrane acts like a bouncer at a club, controlling what gets in and out of the cell. Inside, the cytoplasm is where all the important chemical reactions happen - it's basically the cell's kitchen. The nucleus is the control centre that stores DNA and runs the whole show.

Mitochondria are the cell's power stations where respiration occurs to create energy. Plant cells have extra bits: a cell wall for structure (like scaffolding), vacuoles for storage and support, and chloroplasts containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis happens. Bacteria keep things simple with plasmids - small rings of DNA floating about.

Quick tip: Remember that animal and plant cells share some parts but plants have the extras they need to make their own food!

Scientists use electron microscopes to see cells clearly because they have much better resolution than regular microscopes. When measuring tiny things, we use micrometers (1×10⁻⁶m) - that's incredibly small!

Cells don't work alone though. They team up to form tissues (like skin), which combine into organs (like your brain), then into organ systems (like your digestive system), and finally make up complete organisms like you!

Stem cells are special because they can turn into any type of cell the body needs. Adult stem cells can only become certain types, whilst embryonic stem cells can become anything. They're brilliant for treating diseases like leukaemia, but using embryonic ones raises ethical questions since it involves destroying embryos.

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?

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

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Stem Cells & Mitosis Overview

Explore the fundamentals of stem cells and mitosis in this comprehensive summary. Understand the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells, their applications in medicine, and the cell cycle stages including cytokinesis. This resource is essential for students studying cell biology and regenerative medicine.

BiologyBiology
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Stem Cells & Cloning Insights

Explore the fundamentals of stem cells and therapeutic cloning, including their applications in medicine and plant biology. This summary covers the differentiation of stem cells, the process of therapeutic cloning, and the ethical considerations involved. Ideal for students studying cell biology and regenerative medicine.

BiologyBiology
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Stem Cells in Biology

Explore the essential concepts of stem cells in AQA GCSE Biology, including their types, differentiation, and applications in medicine and agriculture. This summary covers embryonic and adult stem cells, therapeutic cloning, ethical considerations, and plant stem cells in meristems. Ideal for revision and understanding key biological processes.

BiologyBiology
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Stem Cell Research Insights

Explore the complexities of stem cell research, including the ethical debates surrounding embryonic stem cells, their potential in medicine, and the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells. This summary covers key concepts such as differentiation, cloning, and the role of stem cells in treating diseases. Ideal for biology students studying cell biology (Topic B1).

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Stefan S

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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

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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

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

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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

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