amazon.co.ukCell Structure and Function
A-Level Biology revision: Cell Structure and Function. Learning objectives, key points, worked examples and practice questions across AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA.
📌 Key Points
Key Fact: Nucleus: DNA, nucleolus; Mitochondria: respiration, cristae; RER/SER: protein/lipid synthesis; Golgi: modification, packaging; Lysosomes: hydrolytic enzymes; Chloroplasts: photosynthesis; Vacuole: turgor
Key Fact: Prokaryotes: no nucleus, 70S ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids, cell wall (peptidoglycan); Eukaryotes: 80S ribosomes, linear DNA, membrane-bound organelles
Key Fact: Fluid mosaic: phospholipid bilayer, proteins (integral/peripheral), cholesterol, glycoproteins; Transport: simple diffusion, facilitated (channel/carrier), active (Na⁺/K⁺ pump), endo/exocytosis
Key Fact: Cell cycle: interphase (G₁,S,G₂), M phase (mitosis: PMAT), cytokinesis; Meiosis: two divisions, crossing over (prophase I), independent assortment -> genetic variation
Key Fact: Tissues: groups of similar cells; Organs: multiple tissues; Systems: multiple organs
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Describe structure and function of all major eukaryotic organelles
- Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells in detail
- Explain membrane structure (fluid mosaic model) and transport mechanisms
- Describe cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis with significance
- Understand cell specialisation and tissue organisation
💡 Worked Example
Exam-Style Question
Question: Explain how the structure of the mitochondria enables efficient aerobic respiration
Model Answer:
Double membrane: outer permeable, inner folded into cristae (large SA for ETC). Matrix contains Krebs cycle enzymes. Intermembrane space accumulates H⁺ for chemiosmosis. Own DNA/ribosomes for some ETC proteins
❓ Practice Questions
Model answers are being added progressively - questions marked ✗ don't have one yet. Cross-check with your teacher or the official mark scheme.
Questions:
- Compare 70S vs 80S ribosomes✗ answer coming soon
- Describe Na⁺/K⁺ pump mechanism✗ answer coming soon
- Explain significance of crossing over in meiosis I✗ answer coming soon
- Why do plant cells have larger vacuoles than animal cells?✗ answer coming soon
🎬 Video Resources
- Cell Structure and Function - Overview -- YouTube Search
- Cell Structure and Function - Exam Questions -- YouTube Search
📄 Past Papers & Exam Resources
🔗 Further Reading & Resources
- Physics & Maths Tutor - Cell Structure and Function -- Free notes, worksheets, and past paper questions by topic
- Dr Frost Maths - Cell Structure and Function -- Free resources, slides, and interactive questions
- BBC Bitesize - Cell Structure and Function -- BBC Bitesize revision resources
📚 Lesson Plan (50 minutes)
- Starter (5 min): Recall prior knowledge of cell structure and function with quick questions.
- Teaching (15 min): Work through each of the learning objectives, explaining principles step by step.
- Key points review (5 min): Revisit the key points together, confirming understanding.
- Worked example (10 min): Model the example question: Explain how the structure of the mitochondria enables efficient aerobic respiration. Solution: Double membrane: outer permeable, inner folded into cristae (large SA for ETC). Matrix contains Krebs cycle enzymes. Intermembrane space accumulates H⁺ for chemiosmosis. Own DNA/ribosomes for some ETC proteins
- Practice (10 min): Students attempt the practice questions independently; circulate and support.
- Plenary (5 min): Review answers and address misconceptions.
🏠 Homework
- Compare 70S vs 80S ribosomes
- Describe Na⁺/K⁺ pump mechanism
- Explain significance of crossing over in meiosis I
- Why do plant cells have larger vacuoles than animal cells?
🧾 Assessment
Check practice answers against the model answer; use the built-in practice questions as formative assessment.