Key term
Edexcel GCSE Combined Science Biology 1SC0
Key Concepts in Biology
Topic overviewEukaryotic and prokaryotic cellsSpecialised cells and their adaptationsMicroscopes and magnification calculationsSize, scale and units in cell biologyEnzyme action and denaturationFactors affecting enzyme activityEnzymes in synthesis and digestion, and rate calculationsDiffusion, osmosis and active transportOsmosis in potatoes and percentage change in mass
Cells and Control
Genetics
Topic overviewMeiosis and the formation of gametesDNA structure, genes and the genomeExtracting DNA from fruitAlleles, genotype and phenotypeMonohybrid crosses and sex determinationProbability and ratios from genetic crossesCauses of variation: genes and environmentThe Human Genome ProjectGenetic variation and the effects of mutation
Natural Selection and Genetic Modification
Health, Disease and the Development of Medicines
Topic overviewHealth, disease and susceptibilityPathogens and common infectionsHow pathogens spread, and the virus life cycleSexually transmitted infectionsPhysical barriers and chemical defencesThe immune system, immunisation and herd immunityAntibiotics and developing new medicinesLifestyle factors and non-communicable diseaseTreatments for cardiovascular disease
Plant Structures and Their Functions
Animal Coordination, Control and Homeostasis
Exchange and Transport in Animals
Topic overviewWhy multicellular organisms need exchange surfacesAlveoli and gas exchangeThe blood and its componentsArteries, veins and capillariesThe heart and the circulatory systemCellular respiration as an exothermic reactionAerobic and anaerobic respiration comparedInvestigating the rate of respirationCardiac output, stroke volume and heart rate
Ecosystems and Material Cycles
Key Concepts in Biology
Specialised cells and their adaptations
- 3 things to know
- Papers 1 and 2
Overview
What a specialised cell is, how the acrosome, haploid nucleus, mitochondria and tail adapt a sperm cell, the nutrient store and membrane change of an egg cell, and how the cilia of ciliated epithelial cells sweep mucus away from the lungs.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Key term
Describe the function of the acrosome in a sperm cell.
Key term
Explain why a sperm cell contains many mitochondria in the middle section.
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What is a specialised cell?
Model answer
A cell whose structure has become adapted so that it carries out one particular job well.
- 2
Describe the function of the acrosome in a sperm cell.
Model answer
The acrosome stores enzymes that digest a path through the outer layers of the egg cell so the sperm can enter.
- 3
Explain why the nucleus of a sperm cell is haploid.
Model answer
It carries only one set of chromosomes, so that fertilisation restores the full number rather than doubling it.
- 4
Explain why a sperm cell contains many mitochondria in the middle section.
Model answer
Aerobic respiration in the mitochondria releases the energy needed for the tail to keep beating as the sperm swims.
- 5
Describe how the tail adapts a sperm cell to its function.
Model answer
The tail beats from side to side to propel the sperm through the female reproductive system towards the egg cell.
- 6
Explain why the cytoplasm of an egg cell contains a store of nutrients.
Model answer
The nutrients supply the developing embryo with food in the period before it becomes attached to the mother.
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