KS3 Cells and Organisation Knowledge Organiser

Different cell types contain different Parts of a Light Microscope

sub-cellular structures.
Animal Cell Plant Cell Bacterial Cell
eyepiece
lens
Sub-Cellular Animal Bacterial
chloroplast Plant Cell
Structure Cell Cell
nucleus objective
cytoplasm plasmid nucleus    arm
lens
cell membrane
cell membrane circular DNA circular DNA    stage clips
stage
mitochondria coarse
cell wall mitochondria    light adjustment knob
flagellum source
cytoplasm
chloroplasts    fine
base
permanent vacuole adjustment knob
cell wall   
Using a Light Microscope
cell membrane   
The components of a cell each have different functions. • Plug in the microscope and turn on the light.
cytoplasm    • Place the slide on the stage and hold it in place with
the stage clips.
flagellum    • Turn to the objective lens with the lowest
Sub-Cellular Structure Function
permanent magnification.
  
nucleus Controls the activities of the cell. It contains genetic material (DNA), which is vacuole • Look down the eyepiece lens and use the adjustment
packaged into structures called chromosomes. plasmids    knobs to focus the specimen.
circular DNA The DNA of bacteria found free in the cytoplasm. • Increase the magnification by turning to a higher
power objective lens, then use the fine adjustment
Levels of Organisation knob to bring the cells back into focus.
mitochondria Contain the enzymes needed for aerobic respiration, which releases energy for the
cell. Organ System Functions
chloroplasts Contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which absorbs light to provide energy for A cell is the smallest unit of a living
photosynthesis. organism. It contains structures
Organ System Function
needed to carry out life processes.
cell wall Helps to strengthen the cell and provides support for the plant.
Muscles and bones working
musculoskeletal
together support and move the
system
A tissue is a group of cells of the body.
cell membrane Controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
same type. Produces sperm (males) and
reproductive
eggs (females). In females, this
system
cytoplasm A jelly-like substance that fills the cell, where most chemical reactions occur. is where the foetus develops.
An organ is a group of different Takes in oxygen from the air
tissues working together to carry respiratory system and removes carbon dioxide
flagellum A tail-like structure that allows bacteria to move around. from blood.
out a job.
Protects the body against
immune system
permanent vacuole Filled with cell sap to keep the cell rigid to support the plant. infections.
Breaks down and absorbs food
An organ system is a group of digestive system
molecules.
plasmids Plasmids are small rings of DNA that code for specific features, such as antibiotic different organs working together
Transports substances around
resistance. to perform a particular function. circulatory system
the body.

1 of 2
 KS3 Cells and Organisation Knowledge Organiser
Specialised Cells The Skeleton Joints

Each function carried out by the organism is performed by different cells. Each type of cell has slightly different The skeleton has several functions: Joints are found where bones meet. Sometimes these
features. joints are fixed but most joints are flexible to allow the
Support – The skeleton provides a frame to hold your body to move.
Name Diagram Functions Adaptions body upright and keep your organs in place.
A hinge joint allows backwards and
root hair cell To absorb water and Long protrusion fits between grains of soil forwards movements. Knees and elbows
minerals from the soil. and provides a large surface area for the Protection - Bones are hard and strong to protect are hinge joints.
absorption of water and minerals into the important organs such as the heart and the brain.
cell.
Movement - Your bones and muscles work together to A ball and socket joint allows
palisade cell To carry out Lots of chloroplasts to absorb light energy
photosynthesis and for photosynthesis. Its tall, long shape allow your body to move. movement in all directions. Shoulders
make food for the gives the cell a large surface area to and hips are ball and socket joints.
plant. maximise the absorption of light. Making blood cells – Some bones contain a soft tissue
called bone marrow. Red blood cells and white blood
sperm cell To travel to and fuse Long tail for movement to the egg and lots
cells are made in the bone marrow.
with an egg cell for of mitochondria to release energy to allow
fertilisation. the sperm to move. Cartilage is a strong, smooth
The adult body contains around 206 bones. Some are tissue that covers the ends
of the bones to protect them
muscle cell To help the body to Contains bands of protein that change shown below: from damage.
move. shape to contract and relax the muscle.
Lots of mitochondria to provide energy for
muscle contraction. mandible
(lower jaw) cranium
nerve cell To carry nerve impulses Long fibres carry electrical impulses
(skull) Fluid in the joints keeps the
around the body. up and down the body and branching Ligaments hold the
dendrites at each end connect to other cartilage slippery to reduce
bones together.
nerves or muscles. friction.
scapula calvicle
(shoulder blade) (collarbone)
Muscles
ciliated To move mucus away Tiny hairs called cilia to help waft mucus sternum
epithelial cell from the lungs. along the airways. Lots of mitochondria humerus
(breastbone) Muscles can’t push, they can only pull.
release energy for the cilia to move. vertebrae
(spine) ribs A pair of muscles that work together are called
red blood cell To transport oxygen Biconcave shape increases the surface pelvis radius antagonistic muscles.
around the body. area for the diffusion of oxygen. No ulna
nucleus so that there is more room contracting
carpals relaxed
for haemoglobin, which binds oxygen (wrist bones)
molecules. femur
white blood To fight pathogens Some can change shape to squeeze out of (thigh bone)
cell which cause disease. blood vessels and engulf pathogens. Some patella
can produce antibodies or antitoxins. (kneecap)
fibula

egg cell To be fertilised by the The cytoplasm contains nutrients for tibia
sperm cell. the developing embryo. The membrane talus contracting
changes after fertilisation to stop any (ankle bone)
more sperm getting in. This combination of muscles, bones and joints making
our bodies move is called biomechanics.

2 of 2