EDEXCEL GCSE Science BIOLOGYTopic 1 The building blocks of cells

• 1.1 Be able to describe the function of the components of a bacterial cell including chromosomal DNA, plasmid DNA, flagella and cell wall
• 1.2 Be able to describe the function of the components of a plant cell including chloroplast, large vacuole, cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, cytoplasm and nucleus.
• 1.3 Be able to describe the function of the components of an animal cell including cell membrane, mitochondria, cytoplasm and nucleus
• 1.4 Be able to describe how plant and animal cells can be studied in greater detail with a light microscope
• 1.5 Be able to demonstrate an understanding of how changes in microscope technology have enabled us to see cells with more clarity and detail than in the past, including simple magnification calculations
• 1.6 Know that a gene is a section of a molecule of DNA and that it codes for a specific protein

• 1.7 Be able to describe a DNA molecule as

a) two strands coiled to form a double helix b) strands linked by a series of complementary base pairs joined together by weak hydrogen bonds: (i) adenine (A) with thymine (T) (ii) cytosine (C) with guanine (G)

• 1.8 Appreciate how to extract DNA from cells
• 1.9 Be able to explain how the structure of DNA was discovered, including the roles of the scientists Watson, Crick, Franklin and Wilkins
• 1.10 HT only: Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the implications of sequencing the human genome (Human Genome Project) and of the collaboration that took place within this project
• 1.11 Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the process of genetic engineering, including the removal of a gene from the DNA of one organism and the insertion of that gene into the DNA of another organism
• 1.12 Discuss an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering to produce GM organisms, including:

a) beta carotene in golden rice to reduce vitamin A deficiency in humans b) the production of human insulin by genetically…