BTEC Applied Science Unit 1 Biology

• Describe the function of the nucleolus

  Produces ribosomes and RNA
• Describe the function of the cell wall

  Provides rigidity and protection to the cell
• Describe the function of the chloroplasts

  Site of photosynthesis as they contain chlorophyll
• Describe the function of the plasmodesmata

  A channel through the cell wall that allows transport of materials from one cell to another
• Describe the function of the amyoplasts

  Stores starch and converts starch back into glucose when the plant needs energy
• Describe the function of the vacuole

  Stores water and chemicals for cell use. Also maintains turgor of cell
• Describe the function of the tonoplasts

  Cytoplasmic membrane that surrounds the vacuole. Protects the vacuole, isolates it from harmful substances and controls water flow in and out of the vacuole
• Why are gram positive bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics?

  Permeable cell wall whereas gram negative bacteria has a semi-permeable cell wall
• Describe the adaptations found in a palisade cell

  Closely packed together chloroplasts, large vacuole
• Explain why the palisade cell has a large amount of chloroplasts

  To absorb lots of light for photosynthesis
• Explain why palisade cells are closely packed together

  To form a continuous layer in the leaf
• Explain why palisade cells have a large vacuole

  To maintain turgor (pushes against the cell wall to maintain rigid shape)
• Describe the adaptations of a root hair cell


  Root hair shape Large vacuole Thin cellulose walls
• Explain why root hair cells have an elongated section known as the root hair

  Increased surface area for maximum movement of water into the cell
• Explain why root hair cells have a large vacuole

  Contains cell sap with low water potential to encourage water into the cell
• Explain why root hair cells have thin cellulose walls

  Encourage movement of water and minerals into the cell. Short distance for osmosis and diffusion
• Describe the adaptations of a sperm cell

  Lots of mitochondria. Shaped head containing acrosome (with enzymes)Haploid nucleus. Tail for movement
• Explain why a sperm cell has an undulipodium (tail)

  To allow the sperm to move to the egg
• Explain why sperm cells contain large numbers of mitochondria

  To produce the large amounts of energy needed for movement
• Explain why sperm cells have a shaped head

  To push through the protective layer of the egg cell
• Explain why sperm cells contain acrosome in the head

  To digest the zona pellucida to allow entry into the egg cell
• Explain why sperm cells have a haploid nucleus

  Contains half the genetic material.
• Describe the adaptations of egg cells

  Contains a haploid nucleus Protective outer layer (zona pellucida and corona radiata )
• Explain why egg cells have a haploid nucleus

  Contains half the genetic material
• Explain why egg cells have a zona pellucida (protective layer)

  Protects the cell and only allows one sperm cell to enter.
• Explain why egg cells have a corona radiata (two or three layers attached to the zona pellucida)

  Contains all of the proteins needed to develop the fertilised cell
• Describe the adaptations of red blood cells

  No nucleus (mammals only)Biconcave shapeHaemoglobin Flexible
• Explain why red blood cells don't contain a nucleus

  Allows for more oxygen to be carried in the cell
• Explain why red blood cells have a biconcave shape

  Increased surface area for gas exchange
• Explain why red blood cells contain haemoglobin

  To bind with the oxygen in order for it to be carried around the body
• Explain why red blood cells are flexible

  To fit through the tiny blood vessels such as capillaries
• Describe the adaptations of white blood cells

  Multi-lobed nucleus, enzymes found within the lysosomes
• Explain why white blood cells have a multi-lobed nucleus

  To enable the cell to squeeze through tiny gaps when travelling to the site of infection
• Explain why the lysosomes found within the cytoplasm of white blood cells contain enzymes

  To digest engulfed pathogens
• Name the 3 different types of epithelial tissue


  Squamous epithelial tissue, columnar epithelial tissue, endothelium tissue
• Describe squamous epithelial tissue

  A lining tissue that is only one cell thick. Made from squamous cells that form a smooth, flat layer.
• Where can squamous epithelial tissue be found?

  As it is a lining tissue it can be found inside alveoli
• How can squamous epithelial tissue be damaged by smoking?

  Inflammation and scarring of tissue .Tissue gets thicker and produces more mucus. Diffusion pathway is increased
• What does COPD stand for?

  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
• What symptoms can be displayed from COPD?

  Breathlessness ,Persistent coughing, Phlegm build up