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Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences (Edexcel IGCSE Biology)
Revision Note
Plant & Animal Cells
Animal cells
- The main subcellular structures in animal cells are:
- The nucleus: contains genetic material
- Cell membranes: controls what enters and leaves the cell
- Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration
- Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
- Cytoplasm: chemical reactions take place in this jelly-like substance
Some cellular structures can only be seen when viewed with an electron microscope
Plant cells
- In addition to the subcellular parts found in animal cells, plant cells have:
- A cell wall made of cellulose: gives the cell shape and protection
- A permanent vacuole filled with cell sap: pushes the cytoplasm against the cell wall, keeping the cell turgid
- Plant cells found in the leaf and stem may also contain chloroplasts: the site of photosynthesis
The plant cell shown above contains chloroplasts, so it would be found in the leaves of a plant
Similarities & differences between animal & plant cells table
| Structure | Animal | Plant |
| Nucleus | Yes | Yes |
| Cytoplasm | Yes | Yes |
| Cell membrane | Yes | Yes |
| Cell wall | No | Yes |
| Mitochondria | Yes | Yes |
| Chloroplasts | No | Yes |
| Ribosomes | Yes | Yes |
| Vacuole | Yes - small & temporary | Yes - large & permanent |
Examiner Tip
You need to be able to recognise, draw and interpret images of cells, so practice drawing and labelling animal and plant cells as part of your revision.
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