Economics key terms flash cards
Twenty-two core economics terms, from scarcity and opportunity cost to inflation, GDP and fiscal policy, each explained in plain language with a quick example.
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Cell biology flash cards
Flash cards on cell structure, organelles, plant and animal cells, bacteria, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, mitosis and microscopy for school biology.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards, front and back
- 1Front
What does cell theory state?
BackAll living things are made of one or more cells, the cell is the basic unit of life, and new cells come from existing cells by division.
- 2Front
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
BackEukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi) have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotic cells (bacteria) are smaller, have no nucleus, and their DNA is free in the cytoplasm.
- 3Front
Nucleus
BackContains the genetic material (DNA in chromosomes) and controls the activities of the cell.
- 4Front
Cell membrane
BackA thin, partially permeable layer around the cell that controls which substances enter and leave.
- 5Front
Cytoplasm
BackA jelly-like fluid where many chemical reactions happen. Organelles sit inside it.
- 6Front
Mitochondria
BackOrganelles where aerobic respiration happens, releasing energy for the cell. Cells that need a lot of energy, such as muscle cells, have many.
- 7Front
Ribosomes
BackTiny structures where proteins are made (protein synthesis). Found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- 8Front
Chloroplasts
BackOrganelles in some plant cells that contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis.
- 9Front
Cell wall
BackA rigid outer layer that supports and strengthens the cell. In plants it is made of cellulose. Bacteria and fungi also have cell walls, made of different materials.
- 10Front
Permanent vacuole
BackA large space in plant cells filled with cell sap. It helps keep the cell firm (turgid).
- 11Front
Which three structures do plant cells have that animal cells do not?
BackA cellulose cell wall, a permanent vacuole and chloroplasts (in the green parts of the plant).
- 12Front
Name two structures found in bacteria but not in plant or animal cells.
BackA single loop of circular DNA in the cytoplasm and small rings of DNA called plasmids. Some bacteria also have a flagellum for movement.
- 13Front
Diffusion
BackThe net movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It is passive, so it needs no energy from the cell.
- 14Front
Osmosis
BackThe diffusion of water molecules across a partially permeable membrane, from a dilute solution (more water) to a more concentrated solution (less water).
- 15Front
Active transport
BackMoving substances against a concentration gradient, from lower to higher concentration. It needs energy from respiration and carrier proteins in the membrane.
- 16Front
What happens in mitosis?
BackA cell divides to make two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent. It is used for growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
- 17Front
What is a stem cell?
BackAn unspecialised cell that can divide and develop into different types of specialised cell.
- 18Front
How is a red blood cell adapted to its job?
BackIt has no nucleus, which leaves more room for haemoglobin, and a biconcave disc shape that gives a large surface area for absorbing oxygen.
- 19Front
How is a root hair cell adapted to its job?
BackIt has a long, thin extension that increases the surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from the soil.
- 20Front
Put these in order from smallest to largest: organ, cell, organism, tissue, organ system.
BackCell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism.
- 21Front
How do you calculate magnification?
BackMagnification = image size ÷ actual size. Make sure both sizes are in the same units first.
- 22Front
Why can an electron microscope show more detail than a light microscope?
BackIt has a much higher resolution, so it can show two points that are very close together as separate, revealing small structures such as ribosomes.
How to use this template
This cell biology deck covers the basics every biology course starts with: cell theory, the main organelles and what they do, the differences between plant, animal and bacterial cells, how substances move in and out of cells, mitosis, stem cells, specialised cells and simple microscopy. It suits GCSE and IGCSE biology, Year 9 and Year 10 science, introductory high school biology and the first weeks of AP or IB biology. Study it in Learn mode first, then switch to Test mode once you can recall most cards, and let spaced repetition bring back the ones you miss. You can also print it double-sided so each organelle has its job on the back.
Tips
- Learn each organelle as a pair: the name and its single main job. Add detail only once the pairs are secure.
- Sketch a plant cell and an animal cell from memory and label them, then check which parts you missed.
- Diffusion, osmosis and active transport are easy to mix up. For each one, ask: does it need energy, and which way does it go along the concentration gradient?
- For specialised cells, always link a feature to its function using the word because, which is what explain questions want.
- Practise the magnification formula with micrometres and millimetres, as unit conversion is where most marks are lost.
Make it fit
- Add your course's definitions for terms such as partially permeable, or add organelles your course includes, like the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus.
- Make a reverse deck with the job on the front and the organelle on the back.
- Split the deck into two smaller sets: cell structure, and transport and division.
- Add cards for required practicals, such as the osmosis practical with potato pieces, if your course has them.
Updated October 29, 2026