Animal Cells
Animal cells, like all cells, have a few common features:
- Nucleus: Controls the activities of the cell and contains genetic material (DNA).
- Cytoplasm: A gel-like substance where most of the cell’s chemical reactions occur.
- Cell Membrane: Holds the cell together and controls what goes in and out.
- Mitochondria: These are where most of the energy is released in respiration.
- Ribosomes: These are where protein synthesis happens.
Animal Cells:
“Nice Cats Call Mighty Rats”
- Nucleus
- Cytoplasm
- Cell Membrane
- Mitochondria
- Ribosomes
Plant Cells
Plant cells have the same components as animal cells, with a few additional parts:
- Cell Wall: Made of cellulose, this provides structure and support.
- Vacuole: A large organelle that stores water and nutrients.
- Chloroplasts: These contain chlorophyll, which is used for photosynthesis
- Mitochondria
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Ribosomes
- Cell Membrane
Can Victor Climb?
“Can Victor Catch Many Cats Napping Righteously ‘Cause Mice?”
- Cell Wall
- Vacuole
- Chloroplasts
- Mitochondria
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Ribosomes
- Cell Membrane
- Mitochondria
Bacteria Cells (Prokaryotic Cells)
Bacteria cells are much simpler and smaller than plant and animal cells. They have:
- Cytoplasm: Like animal and plant cells, this is where chemical reactions occur.
- Cell Membrane: This controls what goes in and out of the cell.
- Cell Wall: This provides structure and support, like in plant cells.
- Genetic Material: Unlike eukaryotic cells, the genetic material is not contained within a nucleus. It’s found in the cytoplasm and is usually in one or two long strands.
- Plasmids: Small rings of additional DNA. These can be transferred between bacteria.
Bacteria Cells (Prokaryotic Cells):
“Great Cells With Plenty Cycles”
- Genetic Material
- Cell Wall
- Cell Membrane
- Plasmids
- Cytoplasm
- “Great Cats Meow, Purring Calmly.”
- Genetic Material
- Cell Wall
- Cell Membrane
- Plasmids
- Cytoplasm
Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic Cells
- Eukaryotic Cells (e.g., animal and plant cells) are generally larger, have a nucleus that contains the cell’s genetic material, and have a more complex structure, including various organelles (such as mitochondria and chloroplasts) that carry out specific functions.
- Prokaryotic Cells (e.g., bacteria cells) are generally smaller, do not have a nucleus (their genetic material is found in the cytoplasm), and have fewer organelles.
Useful Comparison Diagram: Eukaryotic vs Prokaryotic
Sample IGCSE Questions and Answers
1. Question: List two differences between plant cells and animal cells.
Answer: Two differences are:
- Plant cells have a cell wall which provides additional support and structure, while animal cells do not.
- Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, which are not present in animal cells.
2. Question: What is the primary function of the mitochondria?
Answer: The primary function of the mitochondria is to produce energy. They are the site of most of the reactions of cellular respiration, which generates ATP, the cell’s main energy-carrying molecule.
3. Question: Describe the main differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Answer: Eukaryotic cells, like animal and plant cells, are typically larger and have a nucleus which contains the cell’s genetic material. They also have various specialized organelles such as mitochondria and, in the case of plant cells, chloroplasts.
Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria cells, are generally smaller and do not have a nucleus. Their genetic material is found in the cytoplasm. They have fewer organelles and a simpler overall structure.