GCSE Biology (Triple) WJEC

This subject is broken down into 121 topics in 14 modules:

  1. Cells and Movement across Membranes 11 topics
  2. Respiration and the Respiratory System in Humans 9 topics
  3. Digestion and the Digestive System in Humans 12 topics
  4. Circulatory System in Humans 7 topics
  5. Plants and Photosynthesis 4 topics
  6. Ecosystems, Nutrient Cycles and Human Impact on the Environment 12 topics
  7. Classification and Biodiversity 9 topics
  8. Cell Division and Stem Cells 6 topics
  9. DNA and Inheritance 9 topics
  10. Variation and Evolution 9 topics
  11. Response and Regulation 10 topics
  12. Kidneys and Homeostasis 7 topics
  13. Micro-organisms and their Applications 4 topics
  14. Disease, Defence and Treatment 12 topics
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  • 14
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  • 121
    topics
  • 38,094
    words of revision content
  • 4+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Biology (Triple)

Cells and Movement across Membranes

The Structure of Animal and Plant Cells

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The Structure of Animal and Plant Cells

  • All living organisms are made up of cells. There are two types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Animal and plant cells are both eukaryotic which means they have a distinct nucleus.

  • Animal cells and plant cells are similar in many ways, but they have some key differences.

Common components in both animal and plant cells:

  • Nucleus: Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls activities of the cell.
  • Cytoplasm: A gel-like substance where most of the cellular activities occur.
  • Cell membrane: Controls movement of substances in and out of the cell.
  • Mitochondria: Organelles where energy is produced during respiration.
  • Ribosomes: The site where proteins are made.

Structures unique to plant cells:

  • Cell wall: A rigid layer mainly composed of cellulose that provides support and shape.
  • Chloroplasts: Contains chlorophyll, the green substance used to carry out photosynthesis.
  • Vacuole: A large central sac filled with cell sap to maintain pressure within the plant cell.

Structures unique to animal cells:

  • Centrioles: These help with cell division in animal cells.

  • Lysosomes: Sac-like organelles that contain enzymes that can break down waste materials and cellular debris.

  • There is a concept known as the "specialisation of cells" where cells have developed certain characteristics to perform a specific function. For example, nerve cells in animals and root hair cells in plants.

  • In multicellular organisms such as animals and plants, cells organise into tissues, organs, and systems. For example, muscle tissue in animals and xylem in plants.

In the context of Cell Movement Across Membranes

  • The cell membrane is selectively permeable, meaning it controls which substances can pass through it.

  • Some substances move across the cell membrane through diffusion. This is the movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration until they are evenly distributed.

  • Osmosis is a specific type of diffusion involving water moves from areas of high water concentration (low solute concentration) to areas of low water concentration (high solute concentration) across a semi-permeable membrane.

  • Active transport is the process by which substances are moved against a concentration gradient (from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration) with the use of energy produced by respiration. This process is crucial for absorbing nutrients in the gut and ions from the soil in plants.

Remember, understanding the structure and functions of cells is the central part of Biology. Therefore, it's important to familiarise yourself with these concepts and be able to explain their importance.

Course material for Biology (Triple), module Cells and Movement across Membranes, topic The Structure of Animal and Plant Cells

Biology (Triple)

Classification and Biodiversity

The Principles of Sampling

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The Principles of Sampling

  • "Sampling" refers to the selection of individuals from a population for study and analysis. It's a common method used in scientific research, including biology, to make predictions or conclusions about the whole population based on data obtained from a sample.

  • The first key principle of sampling is to ensure that the sample is representative of the population. This means individuals selected for the study should reflect the diversity and characteristics of the population as far as possible.

  • Random sampling is a useful method for achieving representativeness. In this method, every individual in the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. This reduces the risk of bias.

  • Various devices and methods can be used for random sampling of plants and animals. For example, quadrats and transects are widely used for sampling plant species in a particular area.

  • Systematic sampling is another method where individuals are selected at regular intervals from the population. This can provide a greater spread of data across the population.

  • Stratified sampling is a useful method when the population is divided into distinct subgroups. In this method, a proportionate number of individuals are chosen from each subgroup.

  • The size of the sample is also very important. Larger samples are usually preferable as they provide a more accurate estimation of the population. However, resource constraints may limit the sample size.

  • Sampling should also be repeated to improve reliability of estimates.

  • It's important to consider ethical issues while sampling, particularly when dealing with animals or sensitive habitats.

  • Following the appropriate data handling and analysis methods is key to get accurate results from the sampling process.

  • Unexpected or unusual results in a sample could be due to a sampling error. This refers to the difference between a sample statistic and the actual population value, which may occur due to chance, non-representative sample, or measurement errors.

  • Care needs to be taken to minimise sampling errors and potential bias to ensure valid conclusions are drawn from the data.

Course material for Biology (Triple), module Classification and Biodiversity, topic The Principles of Sampling

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