Cell Structure (CIE IGCSE Biology: Co-ordinated Sciences (Double Award))

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Naomi H

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Naomi H

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Animal & Plant Cells

Animal cells

  • Animal cells have the following structural features:
    • A cell membrane that separates them from their surroundings
    • A gel-like liquid known as cytoplasm
    • A nucleus
    • Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion)
    • Many tiny ribosomes

A typical animal cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Animal cells have a cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria and ribosomes

Plant cells

  • Plant cells share the features of animal cells, so they contain:
    • Cell membrane
    • Cytoplasm
    • Nucleus
    • Mitochondria
    • Ribosomes
  • Plant cells also have some structural features that are not present in animal cells:
    • A cell wall made of cellulose
    • Large structures called chloroplasts that contain the green pigment chlorophyll
    • A permanent vacuole

A typical plant cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Plant cells have all of the features found in animal cells, as well as a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole

Comparing animal and plant cell structures

Structure Animal / plant cells
Cell membrane Both
Cytoplasm Both
Nucleus Both
Mitochondria Both
Ribosomes Both
Cellulose cell wall Plant only
Chloroplasts Plant only
Permanent vacuole Plant only

Comparing animal and plant cell structure diagram

An animal and plant cell as seen under a light microscope, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Animal and plant cells have some features in common, while other features are found only in plant cells

Bacteria Cells

  • Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms
  • They have a cell structure that is distinct from that of animals and plants: 
  • Features of bacterial cells include:
    • Bacterial cells contain a cell membrane, and have cytoplasm and ribosomes
    • Bacterial cells have cell walls made of a chemical called peptidoglycan; this is different to the cellulose cell walls of plants
    • The DNA of bacteria is circular
    • Some bacteria have small loops of DNA known as plasmids
  • Bacteria lack some features that are present in animal and plant cells:
    • They do not contain internal membranes, so they lack:
      • A nucleus
      • Mitochondria
      • Chloroplasts

A typical bacterial cell, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

Bacteria have a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA and, in some cases, plasmids

Identifying Cell Structures & Function

Identifying cellular structures

  • It is possible to identify cellular features in diagrams and when looking at microscope images
  • The structures that are visible depend on the magnification at which a cell is being viewed, e.g.
    • Under a light microscope structures are viewed at a relatively low magnification, so it is possible to view:
      • Nucleus
      • Chloroplasts
      • The position of the cytoplasm, cell membrane and cell walls, but no details of these structures
    • Under an electron microscope much higher magnification can be achieved, so it is possible to view:
      • Mitochondria
      • Ribosomes
      • Details of structures, e.g. cell walls and chloroplasts

Structures in a plant cell visible under a light microscope & an electron microscope, IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

The structures visible in animal and plant cells will differ depending on the type of microscope used

Functions of cellular structures

Structure Cell type Function
Cell membrane

Animal

Plant

Bacteria

Separates the cell contents from the external environment

Controls passage of substances into and out of the cell
Cytoplasm

Animal

Plant

Bacteria

Gel-like liquid within which the chemical reactions of the cell occur

Provides some structural support to the cell
Nucleus

Animal

Plant
Contains the genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA
Mitochondria

Animal

Plant
Site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy for cell activities
Ribosomes

Animal

Plant

Bacteria
Site of protein production, also known as protein synthesis
Cellulose cell wall Plant Provides structural support to the cell, giving plant cells a rigid shape
Chloroplasts Plant Contain chlorophyll and absorb light energy for photosynthesis
Permanent vacuole Plant

Storage of cell sap; this is a solution that contains sugars and salts dissolved in water

When full of cell sap the vacuole provides additional support to the cell
Circular DNA Bacteria Contains the genetic material of the cell
Plasmids Bacteria

Carry a small number of genes

Can be passed from one cell to another easily
Peptidoglycan cell wall Bacteria Provides structural support to the cell, giving bacterial cells their shape

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Naomi H

Author: Naomi H

Expertise: Biology

Naomi graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in Biological Sciences. She has 8 years of classroom experience teaching Key Stage 3 up to A-Level biology, and is currently a tutor and A-Level examiner. Naomi especially enjoys creating resources that enable students to build a solid understanding of subject content, while also connecting their knowledge with biology’s exciting, real-world applications.