AQA GCSE FOUNDATION Biology: Animal and Plant Cells

AQA GCSE Foundation Biology: Animal and Plant Cells

Introduction

All living organisms are made up of cells. Cells are the basic building blocks of life and perform all the functions necessary for life. In this tutorial, we will be focusing on animal and plant cells, exploring their key components and functions.

Similarities Between Animal and Plant Cells

Both animal and plant cells share some common features:

• Cell membrane: A thin, flexible layer that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
• Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance that fills the cell and contains various organelles.
• Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and controls the cell's activities.
• Ribosomes: Tiny structures that manufacture proteins.
• Mitochondria: Powerhouses of the cell, responsible for respiration and energy production.

Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells

While both animal and plant cells share some similarities, there are also key differences:

Plant Cells:

• Cell wall: A rigid outer layer made of cellulose that provides support and structure to the cell.
• Chloroplasts: Contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy for photosynthesis.
• Vacuole: A large, fluid-filled sac that stores water, nutrients, and waste products.

Animal Cells:

• No cell wall: Animal cells lack the rigid cell wall present in plant cells.
• No chloroplasts: Animal cells are unable to produce their own food through photosynthesis.
• Smaller vacuoles: Animal cells may have smaller vacuoles compared to plant cells.

Functions of Cell Organelles

Summary

Animal and plant cells share common features, but also differ in certain aspects. Understanding the structure and functions of these organelles is crucial for grasping the fundamental principles of life.