Cell Structure

• The Cell Membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
• The Nucleus is the control center of the cell and contains the genetic material in the form of chromosomes.
• Cytoplasm: the material within a living cell, excluding the nucleus.
• Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis.
• Mitochondrion: an organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. It has a double membrane, the inner part being folded inwards to form layers (cristae).
• Vacuole: A fluid-filled sac or cavity inside a plant or animal cell.
• Chloroplast: An organelle present in plants and algae where photosynthesis occurs.
• The Cell Wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the cell and provides support and protection.
• Plasmids are small circular DNA molecules that are found in the cytoplasm of bacteria.
• Only 3 cell types contain a cell wall: Plant, Bacterial and Fungal Cells.
• A bacterial cell does not have a nucleus, mitochondria or chloroplasts. Instead, its genetic material takes the form of a large circular chromosome.
• The Cell Wall is made of Cellulose in Plant Cells.
• In Animal cells, there is no cell wall
• Animal cells do not have Chloroplasts as they cannot make their own food through photosynthesis.
• Both plant and fungal cells have a cell wall which gives them strength and rigidity.
• Fungi have Chitin as their main component in the cell wall.