Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences (Edexcel IGCSE Biology: Double Science)

• 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

• 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

Plant Cell Structure & Functions Table