Plant cell

• Organisms are made up of cells.
• Most organisms are multicellular and have cells that are specialised to do a particular job.
• Microscopes are needed to study cells in detail.
• The basic structure of a plant cell is the same when viewed with the light microscope and the transmission electron microscope.
• Animal and plant cells have certain structures in common.
• Cytoplasm is a jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles.
• The nucleus contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell’s activities.
• The cell membrane is permeable to some substances but not to others, controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Mitochondria are organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration.
• Ribosomes are a tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs.
• Chloroplasts are organelles that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
• The cell wall is made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
• The permanent vacuole is filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid.
• Animal cells may also have vacuoles, but these are small and temporary.
• In animals, vacuoles are commonly used to store or transport substances.