Cell Structure

Identify the parts of animal and plant cells and explain what each part does.

About 2 min read
  • Name the main parts of animal and plant cells
  • Describe what each part does
  • Compare animal and plant cells
Before you start

You know that all living things are made of cells, and that a microscope makes tiny objects look larger.

Parts found in both cells

Animal and plant cells share several parts. The nucleus controls the cell and contains its genetic material. The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves. Most chemical reactions happen in the cytoplasm. Mitochondria release energy during respiration, and ribosomes make proteins.

Definition: organelle

A structure inside a cell that carries out a specific job.

Definition: nucleus

The part of a cell that controls its activities and holds DNA.

Extra parts in plant cells

Plant cells also have a cell wall made of cellulose, which supports the cell. Many have chloroplasts containing chlorophyll, which absorb light for photosynthesis. A large permanent vacuole holds cell sap and helps keep the cell firm.

Identify a cell

A cell has a nucleus, a cell wall and chloroplasts. Is it from a plant or an animal?

Animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts.

Answer: It is a plant cell.

Not all plant cells are green

Root cells are below ground and have no chloroplasts, because they receive no light.

Exam focus
Say it like this“Mitochondria are where aerobic respiration releases energy.”
Not like this“Mitochondria make energy.” — Energy is released, not made.
Common mistakeMixing up the cell wall and cell membrane. Plant cells have both.

Practice

What does the cell membrane do?
It controls which substances enter and leave the cell.
Where are proteins made?
At the ribosomes.
Name three parts found in plant cells but not animal cells.
Cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.
Going further
A muscle cell has many mitochondria. Explain why this is useful.
Muscle cells need a lot of energy to contract. More mitochondria release more energy through respiration.

Quick check

Cell structure quick check

Which part absorbs light in plant cells?

It contains chlorophyll, the green pigment used to trap light energy.

Which part controls the activities of the cell?

It holds the DNA with instructions for building the cell's proteins.

Which part is in plant cells but not animal cells?

This rigid cellulose layer supports the plant, and animal cells lack it.
Key takeaways
  • Cells contain organelles with specific jobs.
  • The nucleus controls the cell and the membrane controls entry and exit.
  • Mitochondria release energy and ribosomes make proteins.
  • Plant cells also have a wall, vacuole and often chloroplasts.
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