Animal and Plant Cells

• Under a light microscope, only the nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane can be seen in an animal cell. Under a transmission electron microscope, the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, ribosomes and mitochondria can be seen in an animal cell.
• Mitochondria are visible with the light microscope but can’t be seen in detail. Ribosomes are only visible with the electron microscope.
• The function of the cytoplasm is that it is a jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen.
• The function of the nucleus is that it contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell’s activities.
• The structure of the cell membrane is permeable to some substances but not to others. It therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Mitochondria are the organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration.
• Ribosomes are tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs.
• Under a light microscope, the only visible organelles in the plant cell are the cytoplasm, nucleus, vacuole, cell membrane, cell wall, and chloroplasts. Under a transmission electron microscope, the ribosomes and mitochondria are visible, additional to the former organelles under the light microscope.
• Chloroplasts are the organelles that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. They contain the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
• The cell wall is made from cellulose fibres and it strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
• The permanent vacuole is filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid.
• What is the function of the cell wall?

  It strengthens the cell and supports the plant.