IGCSE Biology Notes / Organisation of the Organism / 2023/2024/2025/2026/2027/2028 Exams

IGCSE Biology Notes for the revised syllabus cover the following concepts:

2.1 Cell structure

Describe and compare the structure of a plant cell with an animal cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria, vacuoles
.Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids
Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in diagrams and images of plant, animal and bacterial cells
Describe the functions of the structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in plant, animal and bacterial cells
State that new cells are produced by division of existing cells
State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a) ciliated cells – movement of mucus in the trachea and bronchi (b) root hair cells – absorption (c) palisade mesophyll cells – photosynthesis (d) neurones – conduction of electrical impulses (e) red blood cells – transport of oxygen (f) sperm and egg cells (gametes) – reproduction
Describe the meaning of the terms: cell, tissue, organ, organ system and organism as illustrated by examples given in the syllabus

2.2 Size of specimens

State and use the formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size
Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units
Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (μm)