Plant And Animal Cells

• Eukaryotes

  Organisms whose genetic material is enclosed in a nucleus
• Nucleus

  Encloses the genetic material
• Cytoplasm

  Watery solution where chemical reactions take place
• Cell membrane

  Controls the molecules that can enter and leave the cell
• Mitochondria

  • Where aerobic respiration takes place
• Ribosomes

  • Sites of protein synthesis
• Ribosomes are too small to be seen using a light microscope, an electron microscope is required
• Proteins carry out many functions, including as enzymes
• In the exam, you could be asked to identify cell structures from a diagram
• You can find plenty of questions on the structure of animal cells in the revision workbook
• Animal cells do not have chloroplasts or a central vacuole.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water and nutrients.
• The nucleus is the control center of the cell, containing genetic material.
• Specialized animal cells


  Cells that have adaptations which help them carry out a particular function
• Differentiation


  The process where cells become specialized
• Sperm cells


  • Long tail to swim to ovum
  • Packed with mitochondria to provide energy for swimming
  • Contain enzymes to digest outer layer of ovum
• Fertilization


  The process where the genetic information of the ovum and sperm combine
• Nerve cells


  • Long axon to transmit electrical impulses
  • Axon covered in myelin to insulate and speed up transmission
  • Dendrites to increase surface area for connections
• Muscle cells


  • Contain protein fibers that can contract to shorten the cell
  • Packed with mitochondria to provide energy for contraction
• Muscle cells work together to form muscle tissue
• The nucleus contains genetic material (DNA) that controls all activities within the cell.
• Nucleolus - site of ribosome production
• Mitochondria - produce energy through respiration
• The nucleus contains genetic material (DNA) and controls all activities within the cell.
• Chloroplasts contain green pigment called chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.
• Chloroplasts are found only in plant cells and contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins.
• Mitochondria produce energy through respiration.
• Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing support and protection.
• Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins, which are essential components of cells.
• Animal cells do not have a cell wall but may have a plasma membrane called the plasmodium, allowing them to move around.
• Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins.
• Ribosomes synthesize proteins using information from DNA.
• Cell wall - made up of cellulose fibers and gives strength and shape to the cell.
• Vacuoles store water, nutrients, waste products, and pigments.
• Vacuoles store water, nutrients, waste products, and other substances.