Welcome to Cell Biology for AQA GCSE Combined Science. In this deck, we'll explore the fundamental building blocks of life. We'll start by comparing the simple prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, with the more complex eukaryotic cells found in plants and animals. We will then cover how cells become specialised for different jobs, how we use microscopes to see them, and how substances get into and out of them. Finally, we'll learn about the cell cycle and mitosis, the process cells use to divide for growth and repair. This deck also covers two required practicals: using a light microscope and investigating osmosis.

All living things are made of cells. There are two main types: prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Eukaryotic cells are complex and make up animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Prokaryotic cells are much smaller and simpler. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells.

The key difference between these two cell types is how they store their genetic material. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, which contains the genetic material. Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus; their genetic material floats freely in the cytoplasm.