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norah idlbi
11/12/2025
Biology
Year 7 Biology Part 1: Microscopes and Cells
253
•
11 Dec 2025
•
Year 7 Biology: Exploring Microscopes and Cells
N
norah idlbi
@norah_69
1 / 4
Microscope Parts and Functions
Learning to use a microscope is like mastering a superpower - suddenly you can see a whole hidden world! The eyepiece lens is where you look through, whilst the objective lenses do the actual magnifying work with different strengths.
The stage acts as a platform for your slide, held steady by stage clips. Light from a mirror or lamp shines up through your specimen so you can see it clearly. The coarse focus knob moves the stage up and down for rough focusing, whilst the fine focus knob makes tiny adjustments for crystal-clear images.
Don't forget the diaphragm - it controls how much light passes through, which is crucial for getting the perfect view of your specimen.
Top Tip: Always start with the lowest magnification objective lens and work your way up to higher magnifications!
Calculating Magnification and Making Slides
Working out magnification is dead simple: just multiply the eyepiece lens power by the objective lens power. So if you've got a 10x eyepiece and a 40x objective, you get 400x total magnification - that's 400 times bigger than normal!
Making a proper microscope slide takes a bit of practice but it's worth getting right. Cut a thin slice of your specimen, pop it on the slide, and add a drop of water or stain like iodine to make it easier to see.
The trickiest bit is lowering the cover slip without trapping air bubbles - use a mounted needle to guide it down slowly. Once it's on the stage under the clips, you're ready to start exploring!
Remember: Thinner specimens work better because light can pass through them more easily.
Plant Cells vs Animal Cells
Plant cells and animal cells share some key parts but have important differences that help them survive in different ways. Both have a nucleus (the control centre with DNA), cell membrane (controls what goes in and out), and cytoplasm (where chemical reactions happen).
Plant cells get extra features that animals don't have. The cell wall gives them structure and support, making plants sturdy. Chloroplasts are the green powerhouses where photosynthesis happens, turning sunlight into food.
The vacuole in plant cells is huge and central, storing water and keeping the cell firm. Animal cells have tiny vacuoles or none at all. Both cell types contain mitochondria - often called the powerhouse of the cell because they produce energy through cellular respiration.
Memory Trick: Think "Plant cells are like houses with extra rooms (cell wall, chloroplasts, big vacuole) whilst animal cells are more like flats!"
Specialised Cells
Different cells have amazing specialised features that make them perfect for specific jobs - it's like each cell has its own superpower! Red blood cells have no nucleus and a biconcave shape, plus they're packed with haemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body efficiently.
Root hair cells have long extensions and thin walls, making them brilliant at absorbing water and minerals from soil. Nerve cells (neurons) are incredibly long and thin with branches, designed to send electrical signals at lightning speed across your body.
Sperm cells are built for one mission - reaching and fertilising an egg cell. They've got a tail for swimming, enzymes in the head to break into the egg, and loads of mitochondria to power their epic journey.
Amazing Fact: A single nerve cell in a giraffe's leg can be over 4 metres long - that's longer than most cars!
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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
Year 7 Biology: Exploring Microscopes and Cells
N
norah idlbi
@norah_69
Ever wondered how scientists can see tiny cells that are invisible to the naked eye? Microscopes are amazing tools that let us explore the microscopic world, revealing the incredible structures inside plant and animal cells. You'll also discover how different... Show more
Microscope Parts and Functions
Learning to use a microscope is like mastering a superpower - suddenly you can see a whole hidden world! The eyepiece lens is where you look through, whilst the objective lenses do the actual magnifying work with different strengths.
The stage acts as a platform for your slide, held steady by stage clips. Light from a mirror or lamp shines up through your specimen so you can see it clearly. The coarse focus knob moves the stage up and down for rough focusing, whilst the fine focus knob makes tiny adjustments for crystal-clear images.
Don't forget the diaphragm - it controls how much light passes through, which is crucial for getting the perfect view of your specimen.
Top Tip: Always start with the lowest magnification objective lens and work your way up to higher magnifications!
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Calculating Magnification and Making Slides
Working out magnification is dead simple: just multiply the eyepiece lens power by the objective lens power. So if you've got a 10x eyepiece and a 40x objective, you get 400x total magnification - that's 400 times bigger than normal!
Making a proper microscope slide takes a bit of practice but it's worth getting right. Cut a thin slice of your specimen, pop it on the slide, and add a drop of water or stain like iodine to make it easier to see.
The trickiest bit is lowering the cover slip without trapping air bubbles - use a mounted needle to guide it down slowly. Once it's on the stage under the clips, you're ready to start exploring!
Remember: Thinner specimens work better because light can pass through them more easily.
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
Plant Cells vs Animal Cells
Plant cells and animal cells share some key parts but have important differences that help them survive in different ways. Both have a nucleus (the control centre with DNA), cell membrane (controls what goes in and out), and cytoplasm (where chemical reactions happen).
Plant cells get extra features that animals don't have. The cell wall gives them structure and support, making plants sturdy. Chloroplasts are the green powerhouses where photosynthesis happens, turning sunlight into food.
The vacuole in plant cells is huge and central, storing water and keeping the cell firm. Animal cells have tiny vacuoles or none at all. Both cell types contain mitochondria - often called the powerhouse of the cell because they produce energy through cellular respiration.
Memory Trick: Think "Plant cells are like houses with extra rooms (cell wall, chloroplasts, big vacuole) whilst animal cells are more like flats!"
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Specialised Cells
Different cells have amazing specialised features that make them perfect for specific jobs - it's like each cell has its own superpower! Red blood cells have no nucleus and a biconcave shape, plus they're packed with haemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body efficiently.
Root hair cells have long extensions and thin walls, making them brilliant at absorbing water and minerals from soil. Nerve cells (neurons) are incredibly long and thin with branches, designed to send electrical signals at lightning speed across your body.
Sperm cells are built for one mission - reaching and fertilising an egg cell. They've got a tail for swimming, enzymes in the head to break into the egg, and loads of mitochondria to power their epic journey.
Amazing Fact: A single nerve cell in a giraffe's leg can be over 4 metres long - that's longer than most cars!
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.
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Most popular content: Microscope
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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