Key scientific ideas – cells 2 Cells use the nutrients from food to help an organism work properly. Some food substances are made up of very large molecules. Enzymes break these down quickly for the organism to use. The circulatory system transports useful substances like nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body. The digestive system uses enzymes produced by the cells to break-down food substances into smaller, more useful molecules. Cells transfer energy through respiration, which often needs oxygen. This helps to keep the organism alive. Enzyme Carbohydrate + Oxygen Carbon dioxide + Water Energy Enzyme C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O It also transports waste products away from the cells. Energy Digestive system Teeth Tongue Salivary glands Oesophagus Liver Stomach Gall bladder Duodenum Pancreas Colon (large intestine) Ileum (small intestine) Appendix Rectum 1 of 2 Based upon an idea and approach developed by The Cams Hill Science Consortium. Many diseases are caused by micro-organisms. Viruses Bacteria Fungi Antibiotics are drugs that can cure some diseases caused by bacteria. Bacteria and fungi are singlecelled organisms. Vaccination can protect against some illnesses caused by viruses and bacteria. The body’s own defence system protects us against infection by many microorganisms. 0.0001mm 0.005mm 0.00001mm How enzymes work Starch molecule Glucose molecules Enzyme Useful vocabulary Cells of the gut wall Cell Organ Cell membrane Glucose in blood Micro-organism Bacteria Circulatory system Upper Limbs and head Immunisation Vaccine Antibodies Lungs Digestion Cell wall Pulmonary artery Enzyme Heart Virus Liver Fungi Pulmonary vein Aorta Digestive system Kidneys Antibiotics Disinfectant Rest of body AQA Education (AQA) is a registered charity (number 1073334) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (number 3644723). Our registered address is AQA, Devas Street, Manchester M15 6EX. 2 of 2