C2

A2. Cells | IB Biology
THEME A

A2. Cells

The Building Blocks of Life
Explore the fundamental units of life – from the origins of cellular life to complex cellular structures and the unique characteristics of viruses.

๐Ÿ”ฌ Choose Your Topic

Select a cell biology topic below to access comprehensive study materials

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A2.1 Origins of Cells

Study how life began on Earth and how the first cells evolved from simple organic molecules to complex cellular structures.

Evolution of Life First Cells Endosymbiotic Theory Prokaryote to Eukaryote
Jump to A2.1 Materials โ†’
HL
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A2.2 Cell Structure

Examine the intricate organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their organelles, and specialized structures.

Prokaryotes Eukaryotes Organelles Cell Membranes
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SL+HL
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A2.3 Viruses

Investigate the unique characteristics of viruses, their replication cycles, and their relationship with host cells.

Viral Structure Replication Cycles Host-Pathogen Interactions Non-cellular Life
Jump to A2.3 Materials โ†’
HL

๐Ÿ“Š A2. Cells Overview

Complete collection of cell biology materials

4
PDF Resources
3
Topic Areas
SL+HL
All Levels
2025
Curriculum
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A2.1 Origins of Cells

PDF

A2.1 Origins of Cells (HL) – 20 marks

HL

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A2.2 Cell Structure

PDF

A2.2 Cell Structure (SL) – 20 marks

SL

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PDF

A2.2 Cell Structure (HL) – Biology Assessment

HL

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๐Ÿฆ 

A2.3 Viruses

PDF

A2.3 Viruses (HL) – 20 marks

HL

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๐Ÿ”ฌ Cell Types & Organization

Understanding the diversity and complexity of cellular life

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Prokaryotic Cells

โœ“ No nucleus
โœ“ Circular DNA
โœ“ Simple organelles
โœ“ Rapid reproduction
Examples: Bacteria, Archaea
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Eukaryotic Cells

โœ“ Membrane-bound nucleus
โœ“ Linear DNA
โœ“ Complex organelles
โœ“ Compartmentalization
Examples: Animals, Plants, Fungi
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Viruses

โœ— Not technically cells
โœ“ Genetic material
โœ“ Protein coat
โœ— Require host cells
Examples: Influenza, HIV, COVID-19

๐ŸŒ Evolution of Cellular Life

The journey from simple molecules to complex cellular organisms

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4.6 Billion Years Ago

Earth Formation

Early Earth with hostile conditions, volcanic activity, and no oxygen atmosphere

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4.0 Billion Years Ago

Organic Molecules

Formation of amino acids, nucleotides, and other organic building blocks

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3.8 Billion Years Ago

First Prokaryotes

Simple bacterial cells with basic metabolic processes

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2.5 Billion Years Ago

Photosynthesis

Cyanobacteria begin producing oxygen, changing Earth’s atmosphere

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1.8 Billion Years Ago

First Eukaryotes

Complex cells with nuclei and organelles through endosymbiosis

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1.0 Billion Years Ago

Multicellular Life

First multicellular organisms leading to complex life forms