IGCSE Biology - Cell Structure Answers
1. 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
Plant cell: has cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria,
large vacuole.
Animal cell: has cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosomes, mitochondria, small vacuoles; no
cell wall or chloroplasts.
2. Describe the structure of a bacterial cell, limited to: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm,
ribosomes, circular DNA, plasmids
Bacterial cell: has cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA, and plasmids; no
nucleus or mitochondria.
3. Identify the cell structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in diagrams and images of plant, animal
and bacterial cells
Identify cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria,
vacuole, circular DNA, plasmids in diagrams/images.
4. Describe the functions of the structures listed in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 in plant, animal and
bacterial cells
Cell wall: supports and protects the cell.
Cell membrane: controls entry and exit of substances.
Nucleus: controls cell activities, contains DNA.
Cytoplasm: site of chemical reactions.
Chloroplasts: photosynthesis.
Ribosomes: protein synthesis.
Mitochondria: aerobic respiration.
Vacuole: stores water and supports cell.
Circular DNA: controls cell activities in bacteria.
Plasmids: extra DNA with useful genes (e.g., antibiotic resistance).
5. State that new cells are produced by division of existing cells
New cells are produced by the division of existing cells.
6. State that specialised cells have specific functions, limited to: (a) ciliated cells - movement
of mucus in the trachea and bronchi
Ciliated cells move mucus in the trachea and bronchi.
(b) root hair cells - absorption
Root hair cells absorb water and minerals.
(c) palisade mesophyll cells - photosynthesis
Palisade mesophyll cells carry out photosynthesis.
(d) neurones - conduction of electrical impulses
Neurones conduct electrical impulses.
(e) red blood cells - transport of oxygen
Red blood cells transport oxygen.
(f) sperm and egg cells (gametes) - reproduction
Sperm and egg cells are involved in reproduction.
7. Describe the meaning of the terms: cell, tissue, organ, organ system and organism as
illustrated by examples given in the syllabus
Cell: basic unit of life.
Tissue: group of similar cells working together (e.g., muscle tissue).
Organ: group of tissues working together (e.g., heart).
Organ system: group of organs working together (e.g., circulatory system).
Organism: living thing made of organ systems.
IGCSE Biology - Size of Specimens Answers
1. State and use the formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size
Magnification = image size ÷ actual size.
2. Calculate magnification and size of biological specimens using millimetres as units
Calculate magnification or actual size using the formula, with image size and actual size in
millimetres.
3. Convert measurements between millimetres (mm) and micrometres (µm)
1 mm = 1000 µm; to convert mm to µm, multiply by 1000; to convert µm to mm, divide by 1000.