Animal and Plant Cells

• • The structure and functions of the parts that make up a cell have been made clear by the electron microscope
• • An average animal cell is around 10-30 µm long (so it would take 100.000- 300000 cells to line up along the length of a metre ruler)..
• Human beings are animals so human cells are just like most other animal cells, and you will see exactly the same structures inside them
• The nucleus, surrounded by the nuclear membrane, is responsible for cell activities and contains genes for protein production.
• The cytoplasm, suspended in organelles, is a liquid gel and responsible for chemical reactions.
• The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell and also controls substances like glucose and mineral ions, as well as urea and hormones.
• The Mitochondria are small structures in the cytoplasm which perform aerobic respiration and release energy for the cell.
• The Ribosome is responsible for protein synthesis, ensuring all necessary proteins are produced in the cell.
• Plant cells share similarities with animal cells but have distinct functions.
• Even though Algae, simple aquatic organisms, make food through photosynthesis and share similar features,they are now classified as protista.
• All plant and algal cells have a cell wall made of cellulose that strengthens the cell and gives it support.
• The chloroplasts, found in green plant parts, contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis.
• Root cells lack chloroplasts due to them not needing to photosynthesize.
• A permanent vacuole in the cytoplasm supports plant rigidity and is filled with cell sap.
• A cell wall is made of cellulose and it gives the cell its shape.