Animal and plant cells
Cell structures, their jobs and the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
In both animal and plant cells
Nucleus (contains DNA and controls the cell), cytoplasm (where reactions happen), cell membrane (controls what goes in and out), mitochondria (respiration) and ribosomes (make proteins).
Only in plant cells
Cell wall made of cellulose (strengthens the cell), chloroplasts (photosynthesis) and a permanent vacuole full of cell sap.
Eukaryotes and prokaryotes
Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic: their DNA is in a nucleus. Bacteria are prokaryotic: they are much smaller and their DNA is a single loop in the cytoplasm, often with small rings called plasmids.
✏️ Worked example
A cell has a cell wall and chloroplasts. Is it from a plant or an animal?
A plant. Animal cells have neither.
🧠 Test yourself
Where does aerobic respiration happen?
In the mitochondria.
What do ribosomes do?
Make proteins.
Name one difference between bacteria and animal cells.
Bacteria have no nucleus (DNA is a loop), and may have plasmids or a cell wall.
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