Maths
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Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
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Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
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Substance exchange
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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Biology
1 Dec 2025
520
2 pages
Toby king @tobyugbor_lcqq
Microscopy is your gateway to exploring the invisible world around you! From the cells in your cheek to... Show more
Light microscopes have been around since the 16th century and work by passing light through your specimen to create a magnified image using lenses. They're perfect for observing basic cell structures, but they can't show you the detailed sub-cellular structures inside cells.
Electron microscopes, first used in 1933, are the superstars of the microscopy world. Instead of light, they fire electrons at your specimen, giving you incredible detail of sub-cellular structures that light microscopes simply can't reveal.
Setting up a light microscope experiment is straightforward place your thin tissue sample on a slide, add a few drops of iodine stain, cover with a coverslip, and start with the lowest magnification before working your way up.
Top Tip Always start with low magnification to locate your specimen, then gradually increase to see finer details!
Understanding metric prefixes is crucial for microscopy measurements. From kilometres (10³m) down to picometres (10⁻¹²m), these units help you describe everything from the width of a hair to the size of molecules.
Resolution determines how clearly you can distinguish between two objects that are close together - think of it as the sharpness of your microscopic vision. Better resolution means you can see finer details without everything looking blurry.
Magnification tells you how many times larger an image appears compared to the real object. A 100x magnification means your specimen looks 100 times bigger than it actually is.
The magnification formula is your best friend in microscopy calculations Magnification = Image Size ÷ Actual Size. You can rearrange this triangle to find any missing value - just cover the unknown with your finger and the formula reveals itself!
Remember When using the magnification triangle, make sure all your measurements are in the same units - convert everything to micrometres or millimetres first!
Mastering these calculations will help you work out real cell sizes from microscope images and understand the true scale of the microscopic world you're exploring.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the essential techniques for observing onion and human cheek cells using a light microscope. This practical guide covers slide preparation, magnification calculations, safety measures, and a comparison between light and electron microscopes. Ideal for biology students seeking to enhance their microscopy skills.
BiologyExplore the essential concepts of microscope magnification, including how to calculate image size, actual size, and total magnification. This practical guide covers the preparation of microscope slides, the use of stains, and key components of light microscopes. Ideal for biology students and practical lab work.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular structures, and functions. This summary covers key topics such as the roles of mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, as well as microscopy techniques and cell differentiation. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for AQA exams.
BiologyExplore the essential microscopy techniques used in cell biology, including light, transmission electron, scanning electron, and laser scanning confocal microscopes. This summary covers key differences in magnification and resolution, specimen preparation, and image interpretation, tailored for OCR A Module 2.1.1. Ideal for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of microscopy applications in eukaryotic cell studies.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of microscopy, including the differences between light and electron microscopes, magnification calculations, and practical usage tips. This summary covers key concepts such as microscope types, magnification formulas, and step-by-step instructions for using a light microscope, making it an essential resource for GCSE biology students.
BiologyExplore essential microscopy techniques for AQA A-Level Biology. This summary covers light microscopes, types of microscopes, and their applications in cell biology, tailored for Year 12 and 13 students. Enhance your understanding of microscopy with key concepts and practical insights.
BiologyApp Store
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
Toby king
@tobyugbor_lcqq
Microscopy is your gateway to exploring the invisible world around you! From the cells in your cheek to tiny bacteria, microscopes reveal structures too small for your naked eye to see.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Light microscopes have been around since the 16th century and work by passing light through your specimen to create a magnified image using lenses. They're perfect for observing basic cell structures, but they can't show you the detailed sub-cellular structures inside cells.
Electron microscopes, first used in 1933, are the superstars of the microscopy world. Instead of light, they fire electrons at your specimen, giving you incredible detail of sub-cellular structures that light microscopes simply can't reveal.
Setting up a light microscope experiment is straightforward: place your thin tissue sample on a slide, add a few drops of iodine stain, cover with a coverslip, and start with the lowest magnification before working your way up.
Top Tip: Always start with low magnification to locate your specimen, then gradually increase to see finer details!
Understanding metric prefixes is crucial for microscopy measurements. From kilometres (10³m) down to picometres (10⁻¹²m), these units help you describe everything from the width of a hair to the size of molecules.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Resolution determines how clearly you can distinguish between two objects that are close together - think of it as the sharpness of your microscopic vision. Better resolution means you can see finer details without everything looking blurry.
Magnification tells you how many times larger an image appears compared to the real object. A 100x magnification means your specimen looks 100 times bigger than it actually is.
The magnification formula is your best friend in microscopy calculations: Magnification = Image Size ÷ Actual Size. You can rearrange this triangle to find any missing value - just cover the unknown with your finger and the formula reveals itself!
Remember: When using the magnification triangle, make sure all your measurements are in the same units - convert everything to micrometres or millimetres first!
Mastering these calculations will help you work out real cell sizes from microscope images and understand the true scale of the microscopic world you're exploring.
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.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
6
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the essential techniques for observing onion and human cheek cells using a light microscope. This practical guide covers slide preparation, magnification calculations, safety measures, and a comparison between light and electron microscopes. Ideal for biology students seeking to enhance their microscopy skills.
BiologyExplore the essential concepts of microscope magnification, including how to calculate image size, actual size, and total magnification. This practical guide covers the preparation of microscope slides, the use of stains, and key components of light microscopes. Ideal for biology students and practical lab work.
BiologyExplore the fundamental concepts of cell biology, including prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, cellular structures, and functions. This summary covers key topics such as the roles of mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, as well as microscopy techniques and cell differentiation. Ideal for GCSE Biology students preparing for AQA exams.
BiologyExplore the essential microscopy techniques used in cell biology, including light, transmission electron, scanning electron, and laser scanning confocal microscopes. This summary covers key differences in magnification and resolution, specimen preparation, and image interpretation, tailored for OCR A Module 2.1.1. Ideal for students seeking a comprehensive understanding of microscopy applications in eukaryotic cell studies.
BiologyExplore the fundamentals of microscopy, including the differences between light and electron microscopes, magnification calculations, and practical usage tips. This summary covers key concepts such as microscope types, magnification formulas, and step-by-step instructions for using a light microscope, making it an essential resource for GCSE biology students.
BiologyExplore essential microscopy techniques for AQA A-Level Biology. This summary covers light microscopes, types of microscopes, and their applications in cell biology, tailored for Year 12 and 13 students. Enhance your understanding of microscopy with key concepts and practical insights.
BiologyApp Store
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
Sociology