Edexcel IGCSE Science Your notes
(Double Award): Biology
Cell Structure
Contents
Cell Structures
Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences
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Cell Structures
Your notes
Cell Structures
Cells are surrounded by a cell membrane, which separates them from their external
environment
Inside the cell membrane is the cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance of water with dissolved
substances
Eukaryotic cells have organelles within the cytoplasm
Organelles are sub-cellular structures that carry out specific functions within the
cell
Within the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells the following organelles are present:
Nucleus
Ribosomes
Mitochondria
Watch out for the difference between the terms 'mitochondria' and
'mitochondrion'
Mitochondrion is used to refer to one organelle
Mitochondria is used to refer to more than one organelle eg. muscle cells
contain many mitochondria
Plant cells contain the following additional structures:
Cell wall
Chloroplasts
Permanent vacuole
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Your notes
When viewed under a microscope the structures inside a plant cell are visible. Some
cellular structures, like ribosomes and mitochondria, are too small to be viewed under a
light microscope but are visible under an electron microscope.
Cell Structures & Functions
Cellular Structures & Functions Table
Structure Function
Nucleus Contains genetic material (chromosomes)
Cytoplasm Site of many chemical reactions
Contains water and many solutes
Cell membrane Controls substances entering and leaving the cell
Cell wall Gives the cell extra support and defines its shape, prevents bursting
Mitochondria Site of aerobic respiration
Chloroplasts Site of photosynthesis
Contains chlorophyll to absorb light for photosynthesis
Ribosomes Site of protein synthesis
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Vacuole Contains cell sap (water with dissolved solutes)
Provides support to plant cells, helping them to stay firm Your notes
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Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences
Your notes
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
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Your notes
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 Tips and Tricks
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You need to know the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells, so
learn the features in the table above! You could be asked to look at an image with
some of the features of the cell labelled, and compare the structures present with Your notes
another type of cell.
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