Summary AQA GCSE Biology: Chapter 1 ( Cell Biology)

GCSE Biology – Chapter 1: Cell Biology Summary

Exam Board: AQA (also useful for Edexcel & OCR)

Key Stage 4 | Year 10–11


Microscopy

Microscopes help us see tiny structures inside cells.

• Light microscopes use light and lenses. They have a lower resolution and magnification.

• Electron microscopes use electrons for much higher resolution and magnification. These
can show internal cell structures in greater detail.

Magnification formula:

Magnification = Image Size ÷ Actual Size



Animal and Plant Cells (Intro)

All cells have certain key parts:

• Nucleus – contains DNA and controls the cell.

• Cytoplasm – where most chemical reactions occur.

• Cell membrane – controls what enters and leaves the cell.

• Mitochondria – where respiration happens.

• Ribosomes – where proteins are made.

Plant cells also contain:

• Cell wall, chloroplasts, and a permanent vacuole.


This is a preview. The full document includes:

• Specialised cells and adaptations

• Full mitosis process explained

• Stem cells and their uses

• Cell transport (diffusion, osmosis, active transport)