AQA A Level Biology:CELLS
An Ultimate Model Notes with Correct
Answers Exam Study Guide 100%
Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated 2026/2027
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
,AQA A Level Biology:CELLS
An Ultimate Model Notes with Correct Answers
Exam Study Guide 100% Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated 2026/2027
AQA A Level Biology
Topic 2 Cells
Model answer notes by @biologywitholivia
Topic Sub-topic Understand Memorise Practise
2.1 Cell 2.1.1 Structure of eukaryotic cells
structure
2.1.2 Structure of prokaryotic cells and of viruses
2.1.3 Methods of studying cells
2.2 2.2 All cells arise from other cells
All cells arise
from other cells Required practical 2
2.3 2.3 Transport across cell membranes
Transport
across cell Required practical 3
membranes
Required practical 4
2.4 2.4 Cell recognition and the immune system
Cell recognition
& the immune
system
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
,AQA A Level Biology Topic 2 Cells stan.store/biologywitholivia
2.1 Cell structure
2.1.1 Structure of eukaryotic cells
What are the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells?
● Cytoplasm containing membrane-bound organelles
● So DNA enclosed in a nucleus
Describe the general structure of eukaryotic cells
Algal and fungal cells are similar to plant cells. See differences above.
Describe the structure of the cell-surface membrane
More detail covered in 2.3 Transport across cell membranes.
Describe the function of the cell-surface membrane
● Selectively permeable → enables control of passage of substances in / out of cell
● Molecules / receptors / antigens on surface → allow cell recognition / signalling
2
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, AQA A Level Biology Topic 2 Cells stan.store/biologywitholivia
Describe the structure of the nucleus
Describe the function of the nucleus
● Holds / stores genetic information which codes for polypeptides (proteins)
● Site of DNA replication
● Site of transcription (part of protein synthesis), producing mRNA
● Nucleolus makes ribosomes / rRNA
Describe the structure of a ribosome
● Made of ribosomal RNA and protein (two subunits)
● Not a membrane-bound organelle
Describe the function of a ribosome
Site of protein synthesis (translation)
Describe the structure of rough (rER) & smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)
Describe the function of rER and sER
rER ● Ribosomes on surface synthesise proteins
● Proteins processed / folded / transported inside rER
● Proteins packaged into vesicles for transport eg. to Golgi apparatus
sER ● Synthesises and processes lipids
● Eg. cholesterol and steroid hormones
3
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
An Ultimate Model Notes with Correct
Answers Exam Study Guide 100%
Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated 2026/2027
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
,AQA A Level Biology:CELLS
An Ultimate Model Notes with Correct Answers
Exam Study Guide 100% Certified by Expert.
Latest Updated 2026/2027
AQA A Level Biology
Topic 2 Cells
Model answer notes by @biologywitholivia
Topic Sub-topic Understand Memorise Practise
2.1 Cell 2.1.1 Structure of eukaryotic cells
structure
2.1.2 Structure of prokaryotic cells and of viruses
2.1.3 Methods of studying cells
2.2 2.2 All cells arise from other cells
All cells arise
from other cells Required practical 2
2.3 2.3 Transport across cell membranes
Transport
across cell Required practical 3
membranes
Required practical 4
2.4 2.4 Cell recognition and the immune system
Cell recognition
& the immune
system
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
,AQA A Level Biology Topic 2 Cells stan.store/biologywitholivia
2.1 Cell structure
2.1.1 Structure of eukaryotic cells
What are the distinguishing features of eukaryotic cells?
● Cytoplasm containing membrane-bound organelles
● So DNA enclosed in a nucleus
Describe the general structure of eukaryotic cells
Algal and fungal cells are similar to plant cells. See differences above.
Describe the structure of the cell-surface membrane
More detail covered in 2.3 Transport across cell membranes.
Describe the function of the cell-surface membrane
● Selectively permeable → enables control of passage of substances in / out of cell
● Molecules / receptors / antigens on surface → allow cell recognition / signalling
2
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
, AQA A Level Biology Topic 2 Cells stan.store/biologywitholivia
Describe the structure of the nucleus
Describe the function of the nucleus
● Holds / stores genetic information which codes for polypeptides (proteins)
● Site of DNA replication
● Site of transcription (part of protein synthesis), producing mRNA
● Nucleolus makes ribosomes / rRNA
Describe the structure of a ribosome
● Made of ribosomal RNA and protein (two subunits)
● Not a membrane-bound organelle
Describe the function of a ribosome
Site of protein synthesis (translation)
Describe the structure of rough (rER) & smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)
Describe the function of rER and sER
rER ● Ribosomes on surface synthesise proteins
● Proteins processed / folded / transported inside rER
● Proteins packaged into vesicles for transport eg. to Golgi apparatus
sER ● Synthesises and processes lipids
● Eg. cholesterol and steroid hormones
3
Downloaded by charles nguyo ()
