General
Combined Science
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GCSE Combined Science -
1.1 Cell Structure -
1.2 Cell Division -
1.3 Transport in Cells -
2.1 Principles of Organisation -
2.2 Animal Tissues, Organs and Organ Systems -
2.3 Plant Tissues, Organs and Systems -
3.1 Communicable Diseases -
4.1 Photosynthesis -
4.2 Respiration -
5.1 Homeostasis -
5.2 The Human Nervous System -
5.3 Hormonal Coordination in Humans -
6.1 Reproduction -
6.2 Variation and Evolution -
6.3 The Development of Understanding of Genetics and Evolution -
6.4 Classification of Living Organisms -
7.1 Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition -
7.2 Organisation of an Ecosystem -
7.3 Biodiversity and the Effect of Human Interaction on Ecosystems -
1.1 A Simple Model of the Atom, Symbols, Relative Atomic Mass, Electronic Charge and Isotopes -
1.2 The Periodic Table -
2.1 Chemical Bonds, Ionic, Covalent and Metallic -
2.2 How Bonding and Structure are Related to the Properties of Substances -
2.3 Structure and Bonding of Carbon -
3.1 Chemical Measurements, Conservation of Mass and the Quantitative Interpretation of Chemical Equations -
3.2 Use of Amount of Substance in Relation to Masses of Pure Substances -
4.1 Reactivity of Metals -
4.2 Reactions of Acids -
4.3 Electrolysis -
5.1 Exothermic and Endothermic Reactions -
6.1 Rate of Reaction -
6.2 Reversible Reactions and Dynamic Equilibrium -
7.1 Carbon Compounds as Fuels and Feedstock -
8.1 Purity, Formulations and Chromatography -
8.2 Identification of Common Gases -
9.1 The Composition and Evolution of the Earth's Atmosphere -
9.2 Carbon Dioxide and Methane as Greenhouse Gases -
9.3 Common Atmospheric Pollutants and Their Sources -
10.1 Using the Earth's Resources and Obtaining Potable Water -
10.2 Life Cycle Assessment and Recycling -
1.1 Energy Changes in a System, and the Ways Energy is Stored Before and After Such Changes -
1.2 Conservation and Dissipation of Energy -
1.3 National and Global Energy Resources -
2.1 Current, Potential Difference and Resistance -
2.2 Series and Parallel Circuits -
2.3 Domestic Uses and Safety -
2.4 Energy Transfers -
3.1 Changes of State and the Particle Model -
3.2 Internal Energy and Energy Transfers -
3.3 Particle Model and Pressure -
4.1 Atoms and Isotopes -
4.2 Atoms and Nuclear Radiation -
5.1 Forces and Their Interactions -
5.2 Work Done and Energy Transfer -
5.3 Forces and Elasticity -
5.4 Forces and Motion -
5.5 Momentum (HT only) -
6.1 Waves in Air, Fluids and Solids -
6.2 Electromagnetic Waves -
7.1 Permanent and Induced Magnetism, Magnetic Forces and Fields -
7.2 The Motor Effect
Biology: 1 Cell Biology
1.1.4 Cell Differentiation
Cell differentiation is a fundamental process in the development of organisms. As an organism grows and matures, cells differentiate to form distinct cell types with specialised functions.
Importance of Cell Differentiation
Cell differentiation is essential for the formation of diverse cell types, each equipped with unique structures and functions. Specialised cells enable organisms to carry out specific processes necessary for growth, development, and overall functioning.
Cell differentiation is a vital part of the development process, allowing cells to organise into tissues, organs, and organ systems. Through differentiation, cells adopt specific roles and contribute to the overall structure and function of the organism.
Cell Differentiation in Animals
In animals, many cell types differentiate at an early stage of development. The process begins shortly after fertilisation when embryonic cells start to differentiate into various specialised cell types.
In mature animals, cell division is primarily restricted to repair and replacement of damaged or worn-out cells. Most cell types in mature animals have already undergone differentiation and have acquired their specific structures and functions.
Cell Differentiation in Plants
In contrast to animals, many types of plant cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout their entire lifespan. Plant cells retain their capacity for growth and differentiation, allowing for the generation of new tissues and organs even in mature plants.
Plant growth and differentiation occur in specialised regions called meristems, which are actively dividing regions of undifferentiated cells. Meristematic cells can differentiate into various cell types, leading to continuous plant growth and development.
Specialisation and Acquisition of Sub-Cellular Structures
As cells differentiate, they acquire specific sub-cellular structures that enable them to carry out specialised functions. These structures may include organelles, such as chloroplasts in photosynthetic cells or mitochondria in energy-producing cells.
The acquisition of specific sub-cellular structures aligns with the specialised functions of different cell types. For example, nerve cells develop long extensions (axons) that facilitate signal transmission, while muscle cells acquire contractile proteins for movement.
Conclusion
Cell differentiation is a crucial process in the development and functioning of organisms. As an organism grows, cells differentiate to form various specialised cell types, each equipped with specific structures and functions. While animal cells primarily undergo early stage differentiation, many plant cells retain the ability to differentiate throughout their lifespan. The acquisition of sub-cellular structures during differentiation enables cells to carry out their specialised functions.