GCSE Biology Plant & Animal Cells Notes
Plant and animal cells share many features but plants have extras. Knowing which structures each has — and what they do — is a guaranteed exam topic.
Key concepts
- Shared structures
- Both have a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes.
- Plant-only structures
- Cell wall (cellulose, for support), chloroplasts (photosynthesis) and a permanent vacuole (filled with cell sap).
- Function follows structure
- Each organelle's structure suits its job, e.g. chloroplasts contain chlorophyll to absorb light.
- The nucleus controls the cell and contains DNA.
- Ribosomes are where proteins are made.
- The permanent vacuole keeps a plant cell firm (turgid).
Worked example
Give two differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.
- 1Identify structures unique to plant cells: cell wall, chloroplasts, permanent vacuole.
- 2Choose two and state that animal cells do not have them.
Answer: A plant cell has a cell wall and chloroplasts; an animal cell has neither.
Common mistakes
✗ Saying animal cells have a cell wall.
✓ Only plant (and bacterial/fungal) cells have a cell wall; animal cells only have a membrane.
✗ Stating every plant cell has chloroplasts.
✓ Only photosynthetic cells (e.g. leaf cells) contain chloroplasts.
✗ Mixing up the functions of the nucleus and ribosomes.
✓ Nucleus = control/DNA; ribosomes = protein synthesis.
Quick check
Try these, then reveal the answers.
Which structure controls the cell?Reveal answer
The nucleus.
Name a structure found in plant cells but not animal cells.Reveal answer
Cell wall, chloroplast or permanent vacuole.
Where are proteins made in a cell?Reveal answer
At the ribosomes.
Exam tips
- For 'compare' questions, give a similarity and a difference, not just one.
- Use a labelled diagram if asked to identify structures.
- Always pair a structure with its function to score the explain mark.
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Frequently asked questions
What do plant cells have that animal cells do not?+
A cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole — animal cells have none of these.
What is the function of the cell membrane?+
It controls which substances move into and out of the cell.
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