GCSE AQA Biology Cell Structure Notes and Model Exam Question Answers

4.1.1 Cell Structure Notes and Model Exam
Questions Answers
What are the differences between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

1. Eukaryotes have a nucleus that contains DNA however Prokaryotes
have a free-floating DNA and more DNA in plasmids.
2. Eukaryotes have organelles which have their own membrane, but
Prokaryotes have no organelles apart from ribosome.
3. Prokaryotes are much smaller.

Separate all the kingdoms into Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes.

Eukaryotes:

 Protist
 Animal
 Plants
 Fungal

Prokaryotes:

 Bacteria

What is the function of the nucleus?

Controls the functions of all the organelles in a cell.

Give 3 differences between a bacterial cell and an animal cell.

1. Bacterial cells have a cell wall.
2. Bacterial cells have plasmids.
3. Bacterial cells have no nucleus.

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Controls the substances that move into and out of the cell.

What is the function of the mitochondria?

Where energy is released via respiration.

What is the function of chloroplasts?

It contains chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.



Which cells do plant cells have that animal cells do not have?

 Cell wall

,  Chloroplast
 Vacuole

Name the substance that plants use to strengthen cell walls.

Cellulose.

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

A liquid gel where all the chemical reactions needed for life take place.

What is the function of the vacuole?

A large place filled with cell sap that keeps the cell rigid.

What is the function of a sperm cell?

To fertilise the egg cell.

What are the special features of sperm cells?

 Flagellum to swim
 Lots of mitochondria - release energy to swim
 Pointy head lets it dig into the egg cell and therefore streamlined so
can swim faster to the egg

What is the function of a nerve cell?

Transmit and receive electrical impulses from/to the Central Nervous
System from the receptors or other neurons.

What are the special features of nerve cells?

 Myelin sheath - to provide insulation and speeds up signal
 Long axon - to carry electrical impulses long distances without
breaks
 Branched to connect to other neurons
 Elastic fibres - allows movement

What is the function of a muscle cell?

Contracts to allow movement of body parts.

What are the special features of muscle cells?

 Lots of mitochondria so lots of energy for lots of contraction
 The cells merge so that the muscle fibres contract in unison.



In which type of animal cells would you find a lot of mitochondria?

Give a reason for your answer.