Edexcel GCSE Biology, topic 2
Cells and control
This topic explains how cells divide, how an organism grows and how cells become specialised, and how stem cells might be used in medicine. It then looks at how the nervous system controls the body, from neurones and reflexes to the brain and the eye (Triple only).
Examined in Paper 1 (1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks).
Revision notes
Worksheet
FlashcardsSubtopics
Work through them in order. Each one has notes, exam questions and flashcards, and a PDF of each.
- 1Mitosis and cancer Spec 2.1–2.4The cell cycle, the stages of mitosis, why it matters for growth, repair and asexual reproduction, and how uncontrolled division causes cancer.NotesQuestions 6Flashcards 13
- 2Growth, differentiation and stem cells Spec 2.5–2.9How animals and plants grow, why cells differentiate, using percentile charts, and the types and medical uses of stem cells.NotesQuestions 7Flashcards 15
- 3Neurones and reflexes Spec 2.13–2.14Sensory receptors, the three types of neurone, the structure of neurones, synapses and neurotransmitters, and how a reflex arc works.NotesQuestions 7Flashcards 12
- 4The brain Triple onlySpec 2.10B–2.12BThe cerebral hemispheres, cerebellum and medulla oblongata, how CT and PET scans investigate the brain, and why treating nervous system damage is hard.NotesQuestions 4Flashcards 7
- 5The eye Triple onlySpec 2.15B–2.17BHow the cornea, lens, iris, rods and cones work, and the causes and correction of cataracts, long-sightedness, short-sightedness and colour blindness.NotesQuestions 5Flashcards 12
Whole topic
When you have done the subtopics: test yourself on everything, or print the lot.