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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Cell Structure and Organelles Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

Test your knowledge of cell structures including the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts, and their roles within the cell.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State the function of each of these cell structures: (a) nucleus, (b) cell membrane, (c) mitochondria.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. (a) Nucleus contains genetic material / DNA; controls cell activities.
    2. (b) Cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell / is partially permeable.
    3. (c) Mitochondria are the site of (aerobic) respiration / where energy is released.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why muscle cells contain more mitochondria than skin cells.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Muscle cells are more active / contract regularly.
    2. Contraction requires more energy.
    3. More mitochondria carry out more aerobic respiration to release more ATP / energy.

    Watch for: Saying mitochondria "make" energy: they release energy from glucose.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name two structures found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Cell wall (made of cellulose).
    2. Chloroplasts (or large permanent vacuole).

  4. Question 4

    Paper 4 Extended 4 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A cell is observed under a microscope. It has a cell wall, no chloroplasts, and no nucleus. Identify the type of cell and explain your reasoning.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Bacterial cell / prokaryotic cell.
    2. Has a cell wall: but this could be plant, fungal, or bacterial.
    3. No chloroplasts: so not a photosynthesising plant cell (though root cells also lack them).
    4. No nucleus: this is the defining feature of prokaryotes; plants and fungi have nuclei.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 2 Both 3 marks Difficulty 2/5

    State the function of (a) ribosomes, (b) the rough endoplasmic reticulum, (c) the cell vacuole in a plant cell.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. (a) Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
    2. (b) Rough ER transports proteins made by ribosomes.
    3. (c) The vacuole contains cell sap, maintains turgor / keeps cell firm.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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