Cell Biology resources

Biology, grade 8. Notes, worksheets, videos, interactive tools and revision materials for this chapter.

Notes

Study notes

The chapter's lessons are the notes — read them in order, then use the resources below.

01Cell StructureMeet the organelles: the tiny machines inside every cell.Read lesson →02Using MicroscopesLearn how light microscopes work and practise calculating magnification.Read lesson →03Specialised CellsSee how root hair cells, sperm cells, red blood cells and neurones are adapted to their jobs.Read lesson →04Cell Division: MitosisFollow the stages of mitosis and learn why growth and repair need identical cells.Read lesson →

Worksheets

Practice worksheet

Attempt every question before revealing the answer — that struggle is where learning happens.

1. Name three structures found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

Think about photosynthesis and support.

Cell wall, chloroplasts and the permanent vacuole.

2. Which organelle is the site of aerobic respiration, and which carries out photosynthesis?

One releases energy from glucose; the other captures light.

Mitochondria — aerobic respiration. Chloroplasts — photosynthesis.

3. Explain why a root hair cell does not need chloroplasts.

What is the job of a root hair cell, and where does it live?

Root hair cells absorb water underground in the dark — there is no light for photosynthesis, so chloroplasts would be useless. They are specialised for absorption instead.

4. Put these in order of size, smallest first: cell, organ, tissue, organelle, organ system.

Start from the microscopic.

Organelle → cell → tissue → organ → organ system.

Videos

Watch and learn

Hand-picked searches to find a clear video explanation of each lesson.

Cell Structure — explainedYouTube search · opens in a new tabWatch →Using Microscopes — explainedYouTube search · opens in a new tabWatch →Specialised Cells — explainedYouTube search · opens in a new tabWatch →Cell Division: Mitosis — explainedYouTube search · opens in a new tabWatch →

Revision

Revision checklist

Can you explain each of these out loud, without looking? If not, re-read that lesson.

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms.
Nucleus holds genetic material and controls the cell; mitochondria release energy in respiration.
Plant cells also have a cell wall, chloroplasts (photosynthesis) and a permanent vacuole.
Cells differentiate to become specialised — structure matches function.
Organisation goes: organelles → cells → tissues → organs → organ systems.

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