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7 Dec 2025

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GCSE Biology Cells - Covering AQA Combined Science

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essie @academia_angel

Every living thing is made up of tiny building blocks called cells, but not all cells are the... Show more

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

Understanding Cell Types

You'll encounter two major types of cells in biology prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The key difference is simple - prokaryotic cells (found in bacteria) don't have a nucleus, whilst eukaryotic cells (found in plants and animals) do have one.

Think of the nucleus as the cell's control centre. Animal cells are eukaryotic and contain five main features cytoplasm, nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes.

Plant cells are also eukaryotic but have three extra features that animal cells don't a cell wall, permanent vacuole, and chloroplasts. These extra parts help plants do things animals can't, like make their own food!

Quick Tip Remember that plant cells have everything animal cells have, plus three extra features - they're like animal cells with bonus equipment!

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

Cell Parts and Their Jobs

Each part of a cell has a specific job, like workers in a factory. The cytoplasm is a jelly-like material where most chemical reactions happen - think of it as the cell's workspace.

The nucleus contains genetic material and controls everything the cell does. The cell membrane acts like a security guard, deciding what can enter or leave the cell.

Mitochondria are the cell's power stations, releasing energy through respiration. Ribosomes are tiny protein-making machines. In plants, chloroplasts contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, and the cell wall provides extra strength and shape.

Memory Trick Think of mitochondria as tiny batteries - they power everything the cell does!

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

Prokaryotic Cells - The Simple Ones

Bacterial cells are much simpler than plant and animal cells because they're prokaryotic. Instead of having a proper nucleus, they have free-floating DNA that looks like a single strand or small rings called plasmids.

These cells don't have chloroplasts or mitochondria either. They manage with just the basics cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, and sometimes a flagellum awhipliketailformovementa whip-like tail for movement.

Even though prokaryotic cells seem simple, they're incredibly successful - bacteria are found everywhere on Earth! They prove that you don't always need complicated parts to survive and thrive.

Fun Fact Bacteria have been around for billions of years longer than plants and animals - sometimes simple really is better!

We thought you’d never ask...

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Thomas R

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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

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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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Biology

786

7 Dec 2025

3 pages

GCSE Biology Cells - Covering AQA Combined Science

user profile picture

essie

@academia_angel

Every living thing is made up of tiny building blocks called cells, but not all cells are the same! There are two main types of cells that work in completely different ways, and understanding them will help you make sense... Show more

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Understanding Cell Types

You'll encounter two major types of cells in biology: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. The key difference is simple - prokaryotic cells (found in bacteria) don't have a nucleus, whilst eukaryotic cells (found in plants and animals) do have one.

Think of the nucleus as the cell's control centre. Animal cells are eukaryotic and contain five main features: cytoplasm, nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosomes.

Plant cells are also eukaryotic but have three extra features that animal cells don't: a cell wall, permanent vacuole, and chloroplasts. These extra parts help plants do things animals can't, like make their own food!

Quick Tip: Remember that plant cells have everything animal cells have, plus three extra features - they're like animal cells with bonus equipment!

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

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

Cell Parts and Their Jobs

Each part of a cell has a specific job, like workers in a factory. The cytoplasm is a jelly-like material where most chemical reactions happen - think of it as the cell's workspace.

The nucleus contains genetic material and controls everything the cell does. The cell membrane acts like a security guard, deciding what can enter or leave the cell.

Mitochondria are the cell's power stations, releasing energy through respiration. Ribosomes are tiny protein-making machines. In plants, chloroplasts contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis, and the cell wall provides extra strength and shape.

Memory Trick: Think of mitochondria as tiny batteries - they power everything the cell does!

Cells
Cells
• cells can either be prokaryotic or eukaryotic
o prokaryotic cell: a type of cell found in bacteria that does not contain a
nuc

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

Prokaryotic Cells - The Simple Ones

Bacterial cells are much simpler than plant and animal cells because they're prokaryotic. Instead of having a proper nucleus, they have free-floating DNA that looks like a single strand or small rings called plasmids.

These cells don't have chloroplasts or mitochondria either. They manage with just the basics: cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, and sometimes a flagellum awhipliketailformovementa whip-like tail for movement.

Even though prokaryotic cells seem simple, they're incredibly successful - bacteria are found everywhere on Earth! They prove that you don't always need complicated parts to survive and thrive.

Fun Fact: Bacteria have been around for billions of years longer than plants and animals - sometimes simple really is better!

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.

11

Smart Tools NEW

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

Mock Exam
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Essay

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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

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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