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Cell Biology Flashcards

7 cards from real GCSE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. What is the term for a cell that contains two complete sets of chromosomes?

    Answer: Diploid

    Diploid cells (2n) contain two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent.

  2. Which molecule carries genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosome?

    Answer: mRNA

    Messenger RNA (mRNA) is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus and carries the genetic code to ribosomes for translation.

  3. A plant cell placed in a concentrated (hypertonic) solution will most likely undergo which change?

    Answer: Plasmolysis — cell membrane pulls away from the cell wall

    In a hypertonic solution, water leaves the plant cell by osmosis, causing the cell membrane to shrink away from the cell wall — a process called plasmolysis.

  4. Which structure controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell?

    Answer: Cell membrane

    The partially permeable cell membrane selectively controls which substances enter and leave the cell.

  5. What does the term 'differentiation' mean in cell biology?

    Answer: A cell becoming specialised to perform a specific function

    Differentiation is the process by which a cell develops into a specialised type with a specific structure and function.

  6. In which organelle does photosynthesis take place?

    Answer: Chloroplast

    Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis in plant and algal cells.

  7. Which of the following is NOT a feature of prokaryotic cells?

    Answer: Membrane-bound nucleus

    Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus; their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm, unlike eukaryotic cells.