Welcome to this deck on cell structure, a fundamental topic in GCSE Biology. We'll start by exploring the two main types of cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Then we'll zoom in on the different parts, called organelles, inside animal and plant cells, and find out what each one does. Finally, we'll learn how cells become specialised for different jobs through a process called differentiation.

All living organisms are made of cells, but they fall into two main groups. The first group are the eukaryotes. These are complex cells, and they include all animal and plant cells. The defining feature of a eukaryotic cell is that its genetic material, its DNA, is enclosed within a nucleus. The second group are the prokaryotes. These are much smaller and simpler cells. Bacteria are the main example. A prokaryotic cell has no nucleus; its genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm.