Cell biology (formerly called cytology) is a branch of biology that studies the different structures and functions of the cell and focuses mainly on the idea of the cell as the basic unit of life. Cell biology explains the following:

• Structure
• Organization of the organelles they contain
• Their physiological properties
• Metabolic processes
• Signaling pathways
• Life cycle and
• Interactions with their environment.

This is done both at a microscopic and molecular level as it encompasses prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells.

• Define the cell
• State functions of parts of a light microscope
• Differentiate between light and electron microscopes
• Prepare, mount and observe temporary slides of plant cells using a light microscope
• Draw and label plant and animal cells observed on  permanent slides
• Work out the size of plant cells observed under the light microscope
• Compare and contrast plant and animal cells
• Work out magnification of a specimen observed under the light microscope
• Investigate diffusion and osmosis
• Describe factors affecting rate of diffusion, osmosis and active transport
• Explain the role of physiological processes in living organisms.
• Classify and state  properties of chemicals of life
• Relate structures of chemicals of life to their functions
• Describe enzymes and their nature of action
• Carry out food tests and tests for mineral ions
• Explain meaning and significance of respiration
• Name types of respiration
• Outline glycolysis and Kreb’s cycle
• Describe synthesis and function of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
• Describe how anaerobic respiration is applied in everyday life
• Investigate respiration in plants
• Explain the terms; Respiratory Quotient and Basal Metabolic Rate

Assessment will be done in the following ways and in the aspects shown below:

1. Continuous Assessment 40 marks
2. End of Semester Final exam 60 marks

1. Taylor (2007) Biological Science 3^rd Longman Publisher: London
2. Comprehensive Secondary Biology Teachers guides for FORM 1, FORM 2, FORM 3 and FORM 4 by Anastasia Maina and Joy Kelemba
3. Comprehensive Secondary Biology books for FORM 1, FORM 2, FORM 3 and FORM 4 by Annastacia Maina and Joy Kelemba
4. Biology Dictionary by Oxford
5. Secondary Biology, Students Book 1 & 2, 3^rd Edition; Kenya Literature Bureau.
6. Afzal Aziz and Brian Beckett (1985), O Level Tropical Biology; Oxford University Press.