Biology (Combined Science) · GCSE · OCR · OCR GCSE Combined Science A (Gateway Science) — Biology — Foundation (J250) · Specification point · B1.1 · Cell level systems
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B1.1 Cell structures
Summary Cells are the fundamental units of living organisms. Cells contain many sub- cellular structures that are essential for the functioning of the cell as a whole. Microscopy is used to examine cells and sub-cellular structures. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should be familiar with cells as the fundamental unit of living organisms, and with the use of light microscopes to view cells. They should also be familiar with some sub-cellular structures, and the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
Common misconceptions Learners commonly have difficulty understanding the concept of a cell as a 3D structure, so this should be addressed during the teaching of this topic.
| Reference | Mathematical learning outcomes | Maths skills |
|---|---|---|
BM1.1i | demonstrate an understanding of number, size and scale and the quantitative relationship between units | M2a and M2h |
BM1.1ii |
use estimations and explain when they should be used
M1d |
| Learning outcomes | To include | Maths | Working scientifically | Practical suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B1.1a describe how light microscopes and staining can be used to view cells | lenses, stage, lamp, use of slides and cover slips, and the use of stains to view colourless specimens or to highlight different structures/tissues and calculation of the magnification used | M1d, M2a, M2h | WS1.2c, WS1.4c, WS1.4d, WS1.4e, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Investigation of a range of cells using pictures, light micrographs and diagrams. Measure the size and magnification of the cells. (PAG B1) Preparation of cheek cell slides. (PAG B1, PAG B5) Preparation of onion epidermis cells slides. (PAG B1, PAG B4) Use of light microscopes to view plant and animal cells. (PAG B1, PAG B4, PAG B5) |
B1.1b explain how the main sub-cellular structures of eukaryotic cells (plants and animals) and prokaryotic cells are related to their functions | nucleus, genetic material, chromosomes, plasmids, mitochondria (contain enzymes for cellular respiration), chloroplasts (contain chlorophyll), cell membranes (contain receptor molecules, provides a selective barrier to molecules) and ribosomes (site of protein synthesis) | WS1.4a, WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Demonstrate the structure of plant and animal cells by constructing 3D models. Investigation of cytoplasmic streaming in Elodea spp. (PAG B1, PAG B4) | |
B1.1c explain how electron microscopy has increased our understanding of sub-cellular structures | to include increased resolution in a transmission electron microscope | M1b | WS1.1a, WS1.4c, WS1.4d | Comparison of a range of cells using pictures from light and electron micrographs. Comparison of the structures visible on light and electron micrographs. |