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7
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Will Graham
11/08/2025
Biology
GCSE biology 1.1
133
•
11 Aug 2025
•
Fun Guide: Animal and Plant Cell Organelles & Cool Specialized Cells
Will Graham
@willmgraham
Levels of Organization in Living Systems
This page depicts the hierarchical organization of living systems, from cells to organs and organ systems. Cells are the basic units of life, which combine to form tissues. Tissues then organize into organs, which work together as organ systems to perform complex functions in organisms.
Definition: An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform specific functions in an organism.
Proteins: Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are essential macromolecules composed of amino acids. They serve various crucial functions in organisms:
- Antibodies for immune defense
- Enzymes for catalyzing biochemical reactions
- Hormones for signaling and regulation
- Transport proteins like hemoglobin for oxygen delivery
Example: Hemoglobin is a transport protein that carries oxygen to body tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Enzymes: Biological Catalysts
Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. Key features of enzymes include:
- Specific active sites that bind to particular substrates
- Ability to accelerate reaction rates
- Formation of enzyme-substrate complexes during reactions
The diagram illustrates the lock-and-key model of enzyme action, showing how the substrate fits into the enzyme's active site to form products.
Vocabulary: The active site is the region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.
Nucleus and Mitochondria
The nucleus and mitochondria are crucial organelles found in both animal and plant cells:
Nucleus:
- Controls cell activities
- Contains DNA (genetic material)
- Present in both animal and plant cells
Mitochondria:
- Produce energy through cellular respiration
- Site of ATP production
- Found in both animal and plant cells
Highlight: The nucleus is often referred to as the "control center" of the cell, directing all cellular activities.
Chloroplasts: Photosynthetic Powerhouses
Chloroplasts are unique organelles found only in plant cells. They are essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Key features of chloroplasts include:
- Contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light
- Site of photosynthesis
- Exclusive to plant cells
Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
Cell Wall and Vacuole: Plant Cell Specializations
Two structures unique to plant cells are the cell wall and the large central vacuole:
Cell Wall:
- Provides structure and support to the cell
- Offers protection and is made of cellulose
- Found only in plant cells
Vacuole:
- Contains cell sap to maintain cell turgor
- Helps in storage and waste management
- Present only in plant cells
Vocabulary: Turgor is the state of fullness or tension in plant cells caused by the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall.
Cell Membrane and Cytoplasm
The cell membrane and cytoplasm are essential components of both animal and plant cells:
Cell Membrane:
- Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell
- Present in both animal and plant cells
Cytoplasm:
- The site for many cellular reactions
- Found in both animal and plant cells
Highlight: The cell membrane's selective permeability is crucial for maintaining the cell's internal environment.
Specialized Cells: Adaptations for Specific Functions
Specialized cells are cells that have adapted to perform specific functions within an organism. An example of a specialized cell is the sperm cell, which has adapted for its reproductive function:
- Long tail for swimming to the egg
- Head containing enzymes to penetrate the egg
Example: A sperm cell's streamlined shape and powerful tail enable it to navigate through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg.
Leaf Palisade Cell: Adapted for Photosynthesis
Leaf palisade cells are specialized plant cells adapted for efficient photosynthesis:
- Contain numerous chloroplasts
- Large vacuole and cellulose cell wall present
- Arranged to maximize light absorption
- Rigid structure to support the leaf
Highlight: The high concentration of chloroplasts in palisade cells allows for maximum light capture and photosynthetic efficiency.
Nerve Cell: Specialized for Signal Transmission
Nerve cells, or neurons, are specialized for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body:
- Long and thin structure with branched ends
- Connects to other cells to pass on electrical impulses
Vocabulary: Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information as electrical and chemical signals.
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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
Fun Guide: Animal and Plant Cell Organelles & Cool Specialized Cells
Will Graham
@willmgraham
Animal and plant cells are fundamental units of life with distinct structures and functions. This summary explores the key components of both cell types, their specialized adaptations, and the role of enzymes in biological processes.
- Animal and plant cells... Show more
Levels of Organization in Living Systems
This page depicts the hierarchical organization of living systems, from cells to organs and organ systems. Cells are the basic units of life, which combine to form tissues. Tissues then organize into organs, which work together as organ systems to perform complex functions in organisms.
Definition: An organ system is a group of organs that work together to perform specific functions in an organism.
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Proteins: Building Blocks of Life
Proteins are essential macromolecules composed of amino acids. They serve various crucial functions in organisms:
- Antibodies for immune defense
- Enzymes for catalyzing biochemical reactions
- Hormones for signaling and regulation
- Transport proteins like hemoglobin for oxygen delivery
Example: Hemoglobin is a transport protein that carries oxygen to body tissues and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Enzymes: Biological Catalysts
Enzymes are specialized proteins that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in living organisms. Key features of enzymes include:
- Specific active sites that bind to particular substrates
- Ability to accelerate reaction rates
- Formation of enzyme-substrate complexes during reactions
The diagram illustrates the lock-and-key model of enzyme action, showing how the substrate fits into the enzyme's active site to form products.
Vocabulary: The active site is the region of an enzyme where the substrate binds and the reaction occurs.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Nucleus and Mitochondria
The nucleus and mitochondria are crucial organelles found in both animal and plant cells:
Nucleus:
- Controls cell activities
- Contains DNA (genetic material)
- Present in both animal and plant cells
Mitochondria:
- Produce energy through cellular respiration
- Site of ATP production
- Found in both animal and plant cells
Highlight: The nucleus is often referred to as the "control center" of the cell, directing all cellular activities.
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Chloroplasts: Photosynthetic Powerhouses
Chloroplasts are unique organelles found only in plant cells. They are essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Key features of chloroplasts include:
- Contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light
- Site of photosynthesis
- Exclusive to plant cells
Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
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Cell Wall and Vacuole: Plant Cell Specializations
Two structures unique to plant cells are the cell wall and the large central vacuole:
Cell Wall:
- Provides structure and support to the cell
- Offers protection and is made of cellulose
- Found only in plant cells
Vacuole:
- Contains cell sap to maintain cell turgor
- Helps in storage and waste management
- Present only in plant cells
Vocabulary: Turgor is the state of fullness or tension in plant cells caused by the pressure of the cell contents against the cell wall.
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cell Membrane and Cytoplasm
The cell membrane and cytoplasm are essential components of both animal and plant cells:
Cell Membrane:
- Controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell
- Present in both animal and plant cells
Cytoplasm:
- The site for many cellular reactions
- Found in both animal and plant cells
Highlight: The cell membrane's selective permeability is crucial for maintaining the cell's internal environment.
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Specialized Cells: Adaptations for Specific Functions
Specialized cells are cells that have adapted to perform specific functions within an organism. An example of a specialized cell is the sperm cell, which has adapted for its reproductive function:
- Long tail for swimming to the egg
- Head containing enzymes to penetrate the egg
Example: A sperm cell's streamlined shape and powerful tail enable it to navigate through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Leaf Palisade Cell: Adapted for Photosynthesis
Leaf palisade cells are specialized plant cells adapted for efficient photosynthesis:
- Contain numerous chloroplasts
- Large vacuole and cellulose cell wall present
- Arranged to maximize light absorption
- Rigid structure to support the leaf
Highlight: The high concentration of chloroplasts in palisade cells allows for maximum light capture and photosynthetic efficiency.
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
Nerve Cell: Specialized for Signal Transmission
Nerve cells, or neurons, are specialized for transmitting electrical impulses throughout the body:
- Long and thin structure with branched ends
- Connects to other cells to pass on electrical impulses
Vocabulary: Neurons are the basic functional units of the nervous system, responsible for transmitting information as electrical and chemical signals.
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.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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 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