Animal & Plant Cells (WJEC GCSE Biology): Revision Note
Exam code: 3400
Animal & Plant Cells
Cells are the structural units that makes up all living organisms
Plants and animals are multicellular
The main cellular structures in animal cells are:
Nucleus
Cell membrane
Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion)
Cytoplasm
Plant cells also contain all of the main structures found in animal cells
Plant cells contain the following additional structures:
Cell wall made of cellulose
Permanent vacuole
Plant cells found in the leaf and stem may also contain chloroplasts
Cellular structures & functions table
Structure | Function |
|---|---|
Cytoplasm | Site of most cell reactions |
Nucleus | Contains chromosomes which carry genetic information and so control the activities of the cell |
Mitochondrion | Site of aerobic respiration |
Cell membrane | Controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell |
Plant cells only: | |
Cell wall (containing cellulose) | Structural support for plant cells |
Chloroplast | Site of photosynthesis |
Vacuole | Contains a solution of water and dissolved sugars known as cell sap; when the vacuole is filled with water it pushes the rest of the cell contents outwards against the cell wall, making the cell firm |
Animal and plant cell diagrams
Animal cells and plant cells contain a nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria and a cell membrane while plant cells also have a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You should be able to draw, label and annotate diagrams of both animal and plant cells.
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