Animal and Plant Cells
Parts in BOTH animal and plant cells
- Nucleus – contains DNA, controls the cell's activities.
- Cytoplasm – jelly where most chemical reactions happen.
- Cell membrane – controls what enters and leaves.
- Mitochondria – site of aerobic respiration (releases energy).
- Ribosomes – site of protein synthesis.
Extra parts in PLANT cells only
- Cell wall (cellulose) – support and shape.
- Chloroplasts – contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
- Permanent vacuole – filled with cell sap, keeps the cell firm (turgid).
Eukaryotic vs prokaryotic
| Eukaryotic | Prokaryotic | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | animals, plants | bacteria |
| Nucleus | Yes | No (DNA free in cytoplasm) |
| Size | Larger | Smaller |
| Extra DNA | — | small loops called plasmids |
Specialised cells
Sperm (tail + mitochondria), red blood cell (no nucleus, biconcave), root hair cell (large surface area), nerve cell (long, branched).
Exam tip
Three parts a plant cell has that an animal cell does not: cell wall, chloroplasts, permanent vacuole. Bacteria are prokaryotic (no nucleus).