What defines a eukaryotic cell?
Show answer
Eukaryotic cells contain their genetic material (DNA) enclosed within a nucleus. They are generally larger and more complex than prokaryotic cells, including all animal and plant cells.
GCSE Biology Flashcards
GCSE Biology rewards precise vocabulary and clear explanations. Examiners look for the exact term, such as ‘partially permeable membrane’ or ‘active site’, and for steps written in the right order. Flashcards suit this well: definitions, processes, structures and functions, required practical methods and the units in key equations.
Flashcards are less useful for 6-mark explanations, data analysis or evaluating an experiment; those need written practice with past papers and mark schemes. Exam boards group content differently and use different topic names, so use the deck tagged with your board and check each card against your specification.
The Nextutor GCSE Biology flashcard library has 27 decks and 450 cards across 9 topics, including Cell Structure, Genetics, Photosynthesis and more. Decks are tagged by exam board (AQA, Edexcel and OCR) so you can revise from the version that matches your course.
- 27 decks
- 450 cards
- 9 topics
- Exam boards: AQA, Edexcel, OCR
- Updated April 2026
Topics
Cell Structure
Genetics
Photosynthesis
Respiration
Evolution
Homeostasis and Response
Infection and Response
Ecology and Ecosystems
Bioenergetics
How GCSE Biology is examined
- Two written papers with each of AQA, Edexcel and OCR Gateway. Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 50% of the GCSE.
- Tiered: Foundation covers grades 1–5 and Higher covers grades 4–9. A Higher student who just misses grade 4 can be awarded an allowed grade 3.
- Questions include multiple choice, short answers, calculations and extended open responses.
- Ofqual rules for every board: at least 10% of marks test maths skills and at least 15% test practical knowledge and skills.
- Every student must carry out at least eight practical activities set by the board. AQA has 10 required practicals, Edexcel 8 core practicals and OCR 8 Practical Activity Groups.
| Exam board | Papers |
|---|---|
| AQA8461100 marks per paper |
|
| Edexcel1BI0100 marks per paper |
|
| OCR GatewayJ24790 marks per paper |
|
OCR Twenty First Century Science, WJEC Eduqas and CCEA are not covered here. For the double award, see GCSE Combined Science.
Checked against the official specifications on 10 October 2026: AQA GCSE Biology (8461) specification · AQA 8461 practical assessment · Pearson Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) specification · OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway) J247 specification · Ofqual GCSE subject level conditions for single sciences
How to revise GCSE Biology with flashcards
Learn the exact keyword
Biology mark schemes credit specific terms. Put the precise wording on the back of the card and don’t accept a near miss when you test yourself. ‘Water moves’ is not the same as ‘water moves by osmosis across a partially permeable membrane’.
Break processes into ordered steps
The menstrual cycle, the reflex arc and protein synthesis are sequences. Make one card per step, or ask ‘what happens next?’, so you practise the order, which is where marks are often lost in longer answers.
Make cards for your required practicals
For each practical on your board’s list, make cards for the independent, dependent and control variables, the equipment, and one way to improve accuracy. Practical questions make up at least 15% of the marks.
Drill equations and units, then use them
Use cards for equations such as magnification and for unit conversions, for example micrometres to millimetres. Then do calculation questions from past papers, so you practise rearranging and rounding too.
Know when to put the cards down
Cards build the facts that extended answers need, but they don’t teach you to write a 6-mark explanation or evaluate data. Once a topic’s cards feel secure, write timed answers, mark them against the mark scheme, and turn any missing points into new cards.
Sample GCSE Biology flashcards
Study the full deck →
What is a gene?
Show answer
A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a specific protein by specifying the sequence of amino acids. Genes are found at fixed positions (loci) on chromosomes and are the units of inheritance.
Write the overall word equation for photosynthesis.
Show answer
Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen. This reaction requires light energy, which is absorbed by the chlorophyll pigment in chloroplasts. The process converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
What is respiration and why do organisms need it?
Show answer
Respiration is a series of enzyme-controlled chemical reactions that transfer energy from glucose into ATP, which cells can use directly. All living organisms need respiration to power metabolic processes including muscle contraction, active transport, protein synthesis, and maintenance of body temperature.
What is the biological definition of evolution?
Show answer
A gradual change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time. This occurs through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new species.
What is homeostasis
Show answer
The ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in external conditions
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