BiologyScienceCell Biology

Biology Essentials: Cell & Molecular— MintDeck

150 cards covering the foundations every biology student needs. Six topics build on each other: cell structure and organelles, the four biological molecules and how enzymes work, how substances cross membranes, mitosis/meiosis and the cell cycle, DNA structure with transcription and translation, and the rules of genetics and inheritance. Each card pairs a clear definition with a worked example or memory hook — mapped to GCSE, A-Level, NCERT Class 12, and first-year college specifications.

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Topics covered

Cell Structure & Organelles

Prokaryotes vs eukaryotes, the nucleus, mitochondria, ER, Golgi, and more

28 cards

Biological Molecules & Enzymes

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and how enzymes work

26 cards

Membranes & Transport

Fluid mosaic model, diffusion, osmosis, active transport, endo/exocytosis

22 cards

Cell Division & the Cell Cycle

Interphase, mitosis, meiosis, crossing over, stem cells

24 cards

DNA, RNA & Protein Synthesis

Base pairing, replication, transcription, translation, the genetic code

26 cards

Genetics, Inheritance & Evolution

Dominant/recessive alleles, Punnett squares, sex linkage, natural selection

24 cards

Card format

Front

Biology term, structure, or concept

e.g. Semi-conservative replication

Back

Clear definition + a worked example or memory hook

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Showing 20 of 150

Click any card to flip it. These are the real cards in the deck — same content you get on import.

#1Front

Cell theory

biologycells

#1Back

All living things are made of cells; the cell is the basic unit of life; all cells arise from pre-existing cells. Example: Proposed by Schleiden, Schwann, and Virchow.

#2Front

Prokaryotic cell

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#2Back

A cell with no membrane-bound nucleus or organelles; DNA lies free in the cytoplasm. Example: Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes.

#3Front

Eukaryotic cell

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#3Back

A cell with a true membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Example: Animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

#4Front

Nucleus

biologycells

#4Back

Membrane-bound organelle that stores DNA and controls gene expression and cell activities. Example: Bounded by a double membrane (nuclear envelope) with pores.

#5Front

Nucleolus

biologycells

#5Back

Dense region inside the nucleus where ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is made and ribosomes are assembled.

#6Front

Ribosome

biologycells

#6Back

Site of protein synthesis (translation); made of rRNA and protein. Free or bound to rough ER. Example: 80S in eukaryotes, 70S in prokaryotes.

#7Front

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

biologycells

#7Back

Membrane network studded with ribosomes; synthesises and folds proteins for secretion or membranes.

#8Front

Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER)

biologycells

#8Back

Membrane network without ribosomes; synthesises lipids and steroids and stores calcium.

#9Front

Golgi apparatus

biologycells

#9Back

Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids into vesicles for secretion or delivery. Example: Think of it as the cell's 'post office'.

#10Front

Mitochondrion

biologycells

#10Back

Site of aerobic respiration; produces ATP. Has a double membrane and its own DNA. Example: Inner membrane folds = cristae; matrix holds enzymes.

#11Front

Chloroplast

biologycells

#11Back

Site of photosynthesis in plant and algal cells; contains chlorophyll. Has its own DNA. Example: Stacks of thylakoids = grana; fluid = stroma.

#12Front

Lysosome

biologycells

#12Back

Vesicle containing digestive (hydrolytic) enzymes that break down waste, debris, and worn organelles. Example: Maintains an acidic interior (~pH 5).

#13Front

Vacuole

biologycells

#13Back

Fluid-filled sac for storage. Plant cells have a large central vacuole that maintains turgor pressure.

#14Front

Cell (plasma) membrane

biologycells

#14Back

Selectively permeable phospholipid bilayer that controls what enters and leaves the cell. Example: Described by the fluid mosaic model.

#15Front

Cell wall (plant)

biologycells

#15Back

Rigid outer layer of cellulose that supports and protects the plant cell and prevents bursting. Example: Fungi use chitin; bacteria use peptidoglycan.

#16Front

Cytoplasm

biologycells

#16Back

Jelly-like fluid (cytosol) filling the cell where many metabolic reactions occur and organelles sit.

#17Front

Cytoskeleton

biologycells

#17Back

Network of protein filaments (microtubules, microfilaments, intermediate filaments) giving shape, support, and transport tracks.

#18Front

Centriole

biologycells

#18Back

Pair of cylindrical structures that organise spindle fibres during cell division (animal cells).

#19Front

Flagellum

biologycells

#19Back

Long whip-like structure used for cell movement. Example: Sperm cells swim using a flagellum.

#20Front

Cilia

biologycells

#20Back

Short hair-like projections that beat to move fluid or particles across a surface. Example: Line the trachea to sweep mucus upward.

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Who is this deck for?

· GCSE and A-Level biology students revising cells, molecules, and genetics
· NCERT Class 11/12 and IB biology students building core recall
· Pre-med, nursing, and first-year college students needing a fast foundation
· Anyone returning to biology who wants the essentials in one place

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This deck is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a formal biology curriculum.