Key Concepts: Cells

Types and Structures of Cells

• Understand that all living organisms are composed of cells. There are two main types of cells: prokaryotic (found in bacteria and archaea) and eukaryotic (found in plants, animals, fungi, and protists).
• Recognise the basic structure of animal and plant cells. Common structures include the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, and ribosome. Plant cells also have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Functions and Specialisations of Cells

• Learn the functions of the different cell structures. For example, the nucleus contains the cell's genetic material, the mitochondria are responsible for energy production, and the cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Appreciate the concept of cell specialisation. Different types of cells have different roles within an organism. For instance, a nerve cell's structure allows it to transmit electrical signals, while a red blood cell's structure enables it to carry oxygen.

Cell Life Cycle and Division

• Understand the life cycle of a cell, also known as the cell cycle. This includes interphase (where the cell grows and prepares for division), mitosis (where the cell divides its nucleus and contents), and cytokinesis (where the cell splits into two).
• Familiarise oneself with the process of cell division. Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells for growth or to replace cells that have been damaged or died. In contrast, meiosis produces four non-identical cells for sexual reproduction.

Substances Movement in Cells

• Study the basic principles of diffusion, osmosis, and active transport. These are three ways substances can move in or out of cells. Diffusion is the movement from a high to low concentration, osmosis involves the movement of water, and active transport requires energy to move substances against the concentration gradient.

Stem Cells and Enzymes

• Comprehend the concept of stem cells and their potential applications. Stem cells are unspecialised cells that have the ability to become any type of cell in the body. This capacity makes them valuable in medical research and treatment.
• Explore the function and importance of enzymes in cellular processes. Enzymes are biological catalysts which speed up chemical reactions in cells.

Genetic Material in Cells

• Grasp the basic principles of DNA, genes, and chromosomes. DNA carries the genetic information in the form of genes. These are located on chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Learn about how genetic information is used to make proteins and how mutations can lead to different characteristics or conditions.