Edexcel GCSE Biology - 1.1 Cell Structure - Eukaryotic Organisms

Sep 5, 2026

Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Biology focusing on cell structure within topic 1.1. Covers how eukaryotic organisms are classified into five kingdoms and explains shared and distinguishing traits of eukaryotes. Details key differences between animals and plants, including nucleus, membranes, cell walls, chloroplasts, photosynthesis, feeding, storage molecules, nervous coordination, and movement. Also introduces fungi and protoctists via their defining features and typical examples, with an emphasis on recognising, drawing, and interpreting cell structures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages34

Reading Time1 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

1.1 Cell Structure

1.1.1 Eukaryotic Organisms

1.1.2 Eukaryotic Organisms: Animals & Plants

1.1.3 Eukaryotic Organisms: Fungi & Protoctists

Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources Edexcel GCSE Biology: Combined Science 1 .1 Cell Structure Contents 1.1.1 Eukaryotic Organisms 1.1.2 Eukaryotic Organisms: Animals & Plants 1.1.3 Eukaryotic Organisms: Fungi & Protoctists 1.1.4 Prokaryotic Organisms 1.1.5 Specialised Cells 1.1. 6 Microscopy 1.1.7 Practical: Microscopy 1.1. 8 Using Units Page 1 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources 1.1.1 Eukaryotic Organisms Common Features of Eukaryotic Organisms: Basics All living organisms can be grouped or 'classi|ed ' using a classi|cation system that consists of |ve kingdoms. These |ve kingdoms are: Animals Plants Fungi Protoctists Prokaryotes The |rst four kingdoms in this list (the animals, plants, fungi and protoctists) can actually be grouped together, asthey are all eukaryotic organisms (also known as eukaryotes) Animals, plants, fungi and protoctistsare all eukaryotes Eukaryotic organisms can be multicellular or single-celled and are made up of cells that contain a nucleus with a distinct membrane Page 2 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources An animal cell (left) and plant cell (right) as seen under alight microscope. They are both eukaryotic cells as they both have a distinct membrane-bound nucleus. Prokaryotic organisms (also known as prokaryotes) are in a separate kingdom and arediyerent from eukaryotes asthey are always single-celled and do not contain a nucleus (instead, the nuclear material of prokaryotic cells is found in the cytoplasm) Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms Prokaryotic cells are substantially smaller than eukaryotic cells Page 3 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources 1.1.2 Eukaryotic Organisms: Animals & Plants Animals The main features of animals: They are multicellular Their cells contain a nucleus with a distinct membrane Their cells do not have cellulose cell walls Their cells do not contain chloroplasts (so they are unable to carry out photosynthesis) They feed on organic substances made by other living things They often store carbohydrates as glycogen They usually have nervous coordination They are able to move from place to place A typical animal cell Cell Structures Found in Both Animal and Plant Cells Table Page 4 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources Page 5 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources Plants The main features of plants: They are multicellular Their cells contain a nucleus with a distinct membrane Their cells have cell walls made out of cellulose Their cells contain chloroplasts (so they can carry out photosynthesis) They feed by photosynthesis They store carbohydrates as starch or sucrose They do not have nervous coordination A typical plant cell Cell Structures Found Only in Plant Cells Table Page 6 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources Examiner Tip You need to be able to recognise, draw and interpret images of cells, so practice drawing and labelling animal and plant cells as part of your revision. Page 7 of 34 © 2015 − 2025 Save My Exams, Ltd. · Revision Notes, Topic Questions, Past Papers Your notes Head to www.savemyexams. com for more awesome resources 1.1.3 Eukaryotic Organisms: Fungi &

FAQs

What are the common features of eukaryotic organisms?

Eukaryotic organisms can be multicellular or single-celled and are made of cells containing a nucleus with a distinct membrane.

How do animal and plant cells differ for GCSE Biology?

Animal cells lack cellulose cell walls and chloroplasts, so they cannot photosynthesise. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls and chloroplasts, allowing photosynthesis.

Why should students practice drawing and interpreting cells?

Students need to recognise, draw, and interpret images of cells, so they should practice drawing and labelling animal and plant cells during revision.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by William