IGCSE Biology
2026 - 2028
Syllabus Checklist
Topic 2: Organisation of the Organism – Cell Structure
Cell Structure
Describe and compare the structure of a plant cell
with an animal cell
, limited to: cell wall
, cell membrane
, nucleus
, cytoplasm
, chloroplasts
, ribosomes
, mitochondria
, vacuoles
.
Describe the structure of a bacterial cell
, limited to: cell wall
, cell membrane
, cytoplasm
, ribosomes
, circular DNA
, and plasmids
.
Identify the cell structures
listed above in diagrams and images of plant
, animal
, and bacterial cells
.
Describe the functions
of the structures listed in plant, animal, and bacterial cells.
State that new cells
are produced by the division of existing cells
.
State that specialised cells
have specific functions, limited to:
▪ Ciliated cells
– movement of mucus in the trachea and bronchi.
▪ Root hair cells
– absorption.
▪ Palisade mesophyll cells
– photosynthesis.
▪ Neurones
– conduction of electrical impulses.
▪ Red blood cells
– transport of oxygen.
▪ Sperm
and egg cells
(gametes) – reproduction.
Describe the meaning of the terms: cell
, tissue
, organ
, organ system
, and organism
with examples.
Size of Specimens
State and use the formula: magnification = image size ÷ actual size
.
Calculate magnification
and size
of biological specimens using millimetres
as units.
Convert measurements between millimetres (mm)
and micrometres (μm)
.
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