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Lucy knowunity ๐
04/12/2025
Biology
Cells and microscopy revision
335
โข
4 Dec 2025
โข
Cell Biology and Microscopy Guide
Lucy knowunity ๐
@lucya3000
1 / 3
Cell Biology Basics
Cells are literally everywhere - every living thing you see is made up of these microscopic units! There are two main types you need to know about. Eukaryotic cells are the complex ones found in plants and animals, whilst prokaryotic cells are much simpler and smaller (think bacteria).
Inside every cell, you'll find some key structures doing important jobs. The nucleus acts like the cell's control centre, containing all the genetic material that runs the show. The cytoplasm is where most chemical reactions happen - it's a gel-like substance packed with enzymes. The cell membrane works like a bouncer, controlling what gets in and out of the cell.
Plant cells have some special extras that animal cells don't. They've got a tough cell wall made of cellulose for support, chloroplasts for photosynthesis (that's where they make food from sunlight), and a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap.
Top tip: Remember that bacterial cells are prokaryotic, so they don't have a proper nucleus - just loose DNA floating around, sometimes with extra bits called plasmids.
Microscopy and Magnification
Microscopes are your window into the cellular world - without them, cells would remain completely invisible to us! Light microscopes use light and lenses to magnify specimens, letting you see individual cells and larger structures like nuclei. They're perfect for basic cell observation.
Electron microscopes are the heavy-duty option, using electrons instead of light. They give much higher magnification and resolution, which means sharper, more detailed images. These powerful tools can show you tiny structures like ribosomes and plasmids that light microscopes just can't reveal.
You absolutely must know this formula: magnification = image size รท real size. Rearrange it depending on what you need to find. For example, if a 50ฮผm specimen appears 5000ฮผm wide under 100ร magnification, you can work backwards to check your measurements.
Exam tip: Always remember to include units in your final answer and convert between micrometres (ฮผm) and millimetres (mm) when needed - 1000ฮผm = 1mm.
Practical Microscopy Skills
Preparing microscope slides properly is crucial for getting clear images - and it's definitely going to come up in your practical exams! Start by placing a water drop on a clean slide, then carefully position your specimen (like onion tissue) onto it.
Staining makes all the difference to what you can actually see. Add a drop of iodine solution to highlight different structures with colour. When placing the cover slip, stand it upright first, then slowly lower it down to avoid those annoying air bubbles that ruin your view.
Using the microscope follows a logical sequence that you need to master. Clip your slide onto the stage, start with the lowest magnification, and use the coarse adjustment to bring the stage up close to the objective lens. Focus roughly with the coarse adjustment, then fine-tune with the fine adjustment knob for crystal-clear images.
Practical tip: Always start with low magnification to locate your specimen, then switch to higher power if you need more detail - trying to find something under high magnification first is like looking for a needle in a haystack!
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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.
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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
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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.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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
Cell Biology and Microscopy Guide
Lucy knowunity ๐
@lucya3000
Understanding cells is fundamental to GCSE Biology, as every living organism is built from these tiny building blocks. You'll learn about different cell types, how to observe them under microscopes, and master the practical skills needed for your exams.
Cell Biology Basics
Cells are literally everywhere - every living thing you see is made up of these microscopic units! There are two main types you need to know about. Eukaryotic cells are the complex ones found in plants and animals, whilst prokaryotic cells are much simpler and smaller (think bacteria).
Inside every cell, you'll find some key structures doing important jobs. The nucleus acts like the cell's control centre, containing all the genetic material that runs the show. The cytoplasm is where most chemical reactions happen - it's a gel-like substance packed with enzymes. The cell membrane works like a bouncer, controlling what gets in and out of the cell.
Plant cells have some special extras that animal cells don't. They've got a tough cell wall made of cellulose for support, chloroplasts for photosynthesis (that's where they make food from sunlight), and a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap.
Top tip: Remember that bacterial cells are prokaryotic, so they don't have a proper nucleus - just loose DNA floating around, sometimes with extra bits called plasmids.
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Microscopy and Magnification
Microscopes are your window into the cellular world - without them, cells would remain completely invisible to us! Light microscopes use light and lenses to magnify specimens, letting you see individual cells and larger structures like nuclei. They're perfect for basic cell observation.
Electron microscopes are the heavy-duty option, using electrons instead of light. They give much higher magnification and resolution, which means sharper, more detailed images. These powerful tools can show you tiny structures like ribosomes and plasmids that light microscopes just can't reveal.
You absolutely must know this formula: magnification = image size รท real size. Rearrange it depending on what you need to find. For example, if a 50ฮผm specimen appears 5000ฮผm wide under 100ร magnification, you can work backwards to check your measurements.
Exam tip: Always remember to include units in your final answer and convert between micrometres (ฮผm) and millimetres (mm) when needed - 1000ฮผm = 1mm.
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
Practical Microscopy Skills
Preparing microscope slides properly is crucial for getting clear images - and it's definitely going to come up in your practical exams! Start by placing a water drop on a clean slide, then carefully position your specimen (like onion tissue) onto it.
Staining makes all the difference to what you can actually see. Add a drop of iodine solution to highlight different structures with colour. When placing the cover slip, stand it upright first, then slowly lower it down to avoid those annoying air bubbles that ruin your view.
Using the microscope follows a logical sequence that you need to master. Clip your slide onto the stage, start with the lowest magnification, and use the coarse adjustment to bring the stage up close to the objective lens. Focus roughly with the coarse adjustment, then fine-tune with the fine adjustment knob for crystal-clear images.
Practical tip: Always start with low magnification to locate your specimen, then switch to higher power if you need more detail - trying to find something under high magnification first is like looking for a needle in a haystack!
We thought youโd 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 โ all at your fingertips.
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us โ 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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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