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4.1 Cell biology

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do cells divide by mitosis, and why are stem cells so important in growth, repair and medicine?

Chromosomes, the cell cycle and mitosis, the role of mitosis in growth and repair, stem cells in embryos, adult tissue and plant meristems, and the uses and issues of therapeutic cloning and stem cell treatments.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.2, covering chromosomes, the cell cycle and mitosis, the role of mitosis in growth and repair, and the sources and uses of stem cells.
9 min answer →

What are the differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, and what does each sub-cellular structure do?

Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the sub-cellular structures of animal, plant and bacterial cells, and the functions of the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell wall, chloroplasts and permanent vacuole.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.1.1, covering eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, the sub-cellular structures of animal, plant and bacterial cells, and the function of each part.
9 min answer →

How have microscopes improved our understanding of cells, and how do you calculate magnification and real size?

The differences between light and electron microscopes, how electron microscopy has increased understanding of sub-cellular structures, the magnification equation, and converting between units when calculating real size.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.1.5, covering the differences between light and electron microscopes, how electron microscopy has improved understanding of cells, and how to use the magnification equation with correct units.
9 min answer →

How do substances move in and out of cells by diffusion, osmosis and active transport, and how does surface area affect this?

Diffusion of gases and solutes, osmosis as the movement of water across a partially permeable membrane, active transport against a concentration gradient, the factors affecting these, and the importance of surface area to volume ratio and exchange surfaces.
A focused answer to AQA GCSE Biology 4.1.3, covering diffusion, osmosis and active transport, the factors that affect them, surface area to volume ratio, and the required practical on osmosis.
10 min answer →