2.1

Cell structure

Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610)  · Unit 2: Organisation of the organism  · 12 flashcards

Cell structure is topic 2.1 in the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) syllabus , positioned in Unit 2 — Organisation of the organism , alongside Size of specimens.  In one line: A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).

The deck below contains 12 flashcards — 1 definition, 9 key concepts, 1 process card and 1 identification card — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward.  Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.

Key definition

The term 'tissue'

A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Example: Muscle tissue is made up of muscle cells that contract to produce movement.

What the Cambridge 0610 syllabus says

2026-2028 syllabus, in our words

What the syllabus expects you to be able to do in this topic, in plain English. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks. For the exact wording, see the official syllabus (PDF).

  1. Describe Describe the structure of plant and animal cells and compare them, limited to: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, ribosomes, chloroplasts and vacuoles.
  2. Describe Describe how a bacterial cell is structured, limited to: circular DNA, plasmids, ribosomes, cytoplasm, cell membrane and cell wall.
  3. Identify Identify each cell structure from 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 when shown a diagram or image of a plant, animal or bacterial cell.
  4. Describe Describe the job of each structure from 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in bacterial, plant and animal cells.
  5. State State that new cells come from existing cells dividing.
  6. State State that specialised cells carry out particular functions, limited to: (a) red blood cells: carrying oxygen; (b) neurones: conducting electrical impulses; (c) ciliated cells: moving mucus along the bronchi and trachea; (d) palisade mesophyll cells: photosynthesis; (e) root hair cells: absorption; (f) gametes (sperm and egg cells): reproduction.
  7. Describe Describe what the terms organism, organ system, organ, tissue and cell mean, illustrated with the examples in the syllabus.
Key Concept Flip

What structures are present in a plant cell, but NOT in an animal cell?

Answer Flip

Plant cells contain a cell wall (for support), chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), and a large permanent vacuole (for storage and support). Animal cells lack these structures.

Example: Palisade mesophyll cells in plant leaves contain chloroplasts.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of the cell wall in plant and bacterial cells?

Answer Flip

The cell wall provides support and shape to the cell. In plants, it's made of cellulose; in bacteria, it's made of peptidoglycan.

Example: Cell walls prevent plant cells from bursting when they take in water.
Key Concept Flip

Describe the function of ribosomes.

Answer Flip

Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They translate mRNA into proteins.

Example: Ribosomes produce enzymes in digestive system.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of the nucleus?

Answer Flip

The nucleus controls the cell's activities and contains the genetic material (DNA) organized into chromosomes.

Example: The nucleus directs cell division in animal cells.
Key Concept Flip

What is the main function of the cell membrane?

Answer Flip

The cell membrane controls the entry and exit of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable.

Example: It regulates the transport of glucose into muscle cells.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of chloroplasts?

Answer Flip

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Example: Chloroplasts in palisade cells of leaves carry out photosynthesis.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of the vacuole?

Answer Flip

In plant cells, the vacuole stores water, salts, and other substances, maintaining cell turgor. In animal cells, vacuoles are smaller and temporary, often storing food or waste.

Example: A large vacuole helps maintain the firmness of a lettuce leaf.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

Answer Flip

The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance where chemical reactions occur. It contains organelles like ribosomes and mitochondria.

Example: Glycolysis, the first step of respiration, occurs in the cytoplasm.
Key Concept Flip

What is the role of plasmids in bacterial cells?

Answer Flip

Plasmids are small, circular DNA molecules in bacterial cells that can carry genes, often for antibiotic resistance.

Example: Plasmids can transfer antibiotic resistance between bacteria.
Key Concept Flip

How are new cells produced?

Answer Flip

New cells are produced by the division of pre-existing cells through a process called cell division (mitosis or meiosis).

Example: Skin cells are constantly produced by mitosis to replace damaged cells.
Key Concept Flip

What is the function of ciliated cells and where are they found?

Answer Flip

Ciliated cells have hair-like structures called cilia that beat in a coordinated manner to move mucus. Found in the trachea and bronchi.

Example: Ciliated cells in the trachea move mucus containing trapped particles away from the lungs.
Definition Flip

Define the term 'tissue'.

Answer Flip

A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Example: Muscle tissue is made up of muscle cells that contract to produce movement.

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1.3 Features of organisms 2.2 Size of specimens

Key Questions: Cell structure

Define the term 'tissue'.

A tissue is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Example: Muscle tissue is made up of muscle cells that contract to produce movement.

More topics in Unit 2 — Organisation of the organism

Cell structure sits alongside these Biology decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.

2.2 Size of specimens

10 flashcards

Key terms covered in this Cell structure deck

Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.

The term 'tissue'

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How to study this Cell structure deck

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