Edexcel GCSE Biology
Edexcel GCSE Biology Topic 2: Cells and Control Exam Questions
Free Edexcel GCSE Biology exam questions for Topic 2: Cells and Control, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers mitosis and the cell cycle, cancer, growth, stem cells, the brain, neurones, synapses, reflex arcs and the eye.
Topic 2: Cells and Control exam questions
4 question packs of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About Edexcel GCSE Biology Topic 2: Cells and Control
Topic 2 of Edexcel GCSE Biology is assessed on Paper 1. It explains how cells divide by mitosis, how organisms grow and differentiate, how stem cells could be used in medicine, and how the nervous system coordinates responses. GCSE Biology students also study the structure of the brain, scanning techniques, the eye and its defects. It links to Topic 3 (meiosis) and Topic 7 (hormonal control). Examiners commonly ask you to describe the stages of mitosis in order, interpret growth percentile charts, explain how a reflex arc works and evaluate the use of stem cells.
What you need to know
- Mitosis and the cell cycle Learn the stages: interphase (DNA replication), prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, then cytokinesis. Mitosis produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells for growth, repair and asexual reproduction. Cancer is the result of changes in cells that lead to uncontrolled cell division.
- Growth Growth in animals happens by cell division and differentiation; in plants also by cell elongation. Percentile charts are used to monitor growth of children.
- Stem cells Embryonic stem cells can differentiate into almost any cell type; adult stem cells are more limited; plant meristems produce new cells throughout life. Benefits and risks of stem cell use in medicine include rejection, possible tumour formation and ethical issues.
- The brain (Biology only) The cerebral hemispheres control conscious thought, the cerebellum controls balance and coordination, and the medulla oblongata controls unconscious actions such as heart rate. CT and PET scanning help investigate brain function, and treating brain and spinal cord damage is difficult.
- Nervous system and neurones Sensory, relay and motor neurones carry electrical impulses. Structures include dendrites, axon and myelin sheath, which insulates and speeds up impulses. At a synapse a neurotransmitter is released and diffuses across the gap.
- Reflex arc A reflex arc is a rapid, automatic response that protects the body: receptor, sensory neurone, relay neurone in the spinal cord, motor neurone, effector.
- The eye (Biology only) Know the cornea, iris, lens and retina with rods and cones. Defects include colour blindness, cataracts, and long and short sightedness, corrected with convex and concave lenses respectively, or laser surgery.
Common mistakes in Topic 2: Cells and Control
- Putting the mitosis stages in the wrong order. Use prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, then cytokinesis.
- Saying DNA replicates during mitosis. DNA replication happens during interphase, before mitosis begins.
- Misreading percentile charts. A baby on the 75th percentile is heavier than 75% of babies of the same age.
- Saying the myelin sheath carries the impulse. The impulse travels along the axon; myelin insulates it and speeds it up.
- Mixing up lens corrections. Short sight is corrected with a concave (diverging) lens and long sight with a convex (converging) lens.
Try three Topic 2: Cells and Control exam-style questions
1. Describe what happens during metaphase and anaphase of mitosis. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Metaphase: chromosomes line up across the middle (equator) of the cell; anaphase: chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell
2. In an onion root tip sample, 36 of 600 cells were in mitosis. Calculate the percentage of cells in mitosis. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
36 / 600 = 0.06; x 100 = 6%
3. Explain how the structure of a reflex arc allows a fast response. (3 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Impulse does not pass through the conscious part of the brain; few synapses; myelinated neurones carry impulses quickly
Topic 2: Cells and Control FAQs
What does Edexcel GCSE Biology Topic 2: Cells and Control cover?
It covers the cell cycle and mitosis, cancer, growth and percentile charts, stem cells, the nervous system and reflex arcs, and for Biology students the brain, scanning and the eye.
Which paper is Topic 2 examined on?
Topic 2 is assessed on Paper 1, along with Topics 1, 3, 4 and 5.
What diagrams should I learn for Cells and Control?
Learn the stages of mitosis, the structure of sensory, relay and motor neurones, a reflex arc and a synapse, and (Biology only) the brain and the eye.
