Year 11 / Cells as the basis of life
A cell is a working system.
A cell is the smallest living system. Its membrane controls exchange, while internal structures divide up work. Eukaryotes have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; prokaryotes lack these compartments.
Mitochondria release usable energy from organic molecules. Ribosomes build proteins. In photosynthetic eukaryotes, chloroplasts capture light energy. Structure supports each organelle’s function.
Cell compartments
Explore: Select each structure and connect its location to its job.
A cell has a nucleus, mitochondria and a cell membrane.
- It is eukaryotic because its DNA is enclosed by a nucleus.
- The membrane regulates entry and exit; mitochondria support energy transfer.
Assumed knowledge
Basic cell vocabulary.
Learning checkpoints & source
YOUR LEARNING CHECKPOINT- Identify the roles of key organelles.
- Compare prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
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