IGCSE Biology – Topic 2: Cell Structure & Organisation

Question 1

What is a cell?

Answer 1

A cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

Question 2

What are the two main types of cells?

Answer 2

Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic.

Question 3

What are examples of prokaryotic cells?

Answer 3

Bacteria.

Question 4

What are examples of eukaryotic cells?

Answer 4

Animal and plant cells.

Question 5

What is the function of the cell membrane?

Answer 5

Controls what enters and leaves the cell.

Question 6

What is the function of the cytoplasm?

Answer 6

Gel-like substance where most chemical reactions happen.

Question 7

What is the function of the nucleus?

Answer 7

Contains genetic material and controls the activities of the cell.

Question 8

What is the function of mitochondria?

Answer 8

Where most energy is released in respiration.

Question 9

What is the function of ribosomes?

Answer 9

Where protein synthesis occurs.

Question 10

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

Answer 10

Made of cellulose and strengthens the cell.

Question 11

What is the function of the chloroplasts?

Answer 11

Contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Question 12

What is the function of the vacuole?

Answer 12

Contains cell sap and helps support the plant.

Question 13

Which structures are found in both animal and plant cells?

Answer 13

Cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes.

Question 14

Which structures are only found in plant cells?

Answer 14

Cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole.

Question 15

What is tissue?

Answer 15

A group of similar cells working together to perform a function.

Question 16

What is an organ?

Answer 16

A group of different tissues working together to perform a function.

Question 17

What is an organ system?

Answer 17

A group of organs working together to carry out body functions.

Question 18

What is a specialised cell?

Answer 18

A cell adapted to perform a specific function.

Question 19

What is the function of red blood cells?

Answer 19

Transport oxygen using haemoglobin.

Question 20

How are red blood cells adapted to their function?

Answer 20

They have no nucleus and a biconcave shape for more surface area.

Question 21

What is the function of root hair cells?

Answer 21

Absorb water and minerals from the soil.

Question 22

How are root hair cells adapted to their function?

Answer 22

Long extensions to increase surface area.

Question 23

What is the function of ciliated cells?

Answer 23

Move mucus and trapped dust out of the respiratory tract.

Question 24

How are ciliated cells adapted?

Answer 24

They have tiny hairs (cilia) that beat to move mucus.

Question 25

What is the function of xylem vessels?

Answer 25

Transport water and minerals from roots to the rest of the plant.

Question 26

What is the function of phloem vessels?

Answer 26

Transport sugars from leaves to the rest of the plant.

Question 27

How are xylem vessels adapted?

Answer 27

They are hollow and strengthened with lignin.

Question 28

How are phloem vessels adapted?

Answer 28

They have sieve plates and companion cells for support.

Question 29

What is differentiation?

Answer 29

The process by which cells become specialised.

Question 30

Why is cell specialisation important?

Answer 30

It allows cells to perform specific tasks efficiently.