1.1.2: Animal and plant cells
Not started yet — this one needs some love.
Animal cells contain: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Plant cells have all of those PLUS: chloroplasts, a permanent vacuole filled with cell sap, and a cellulose cell wall.
Algal cells also have a cellulose cell wall.
Functions — in both animal and plant cells:
Nucleus: contains DNA; controls the cell's activities
Cytoplasm: jelly-like fluid; site of many chemical (metabolic) reactions
Cell membrane: controls what enters and leaves the cell (selectively permeable)
Mitochondria: site of aerobic respiration; releases energy from glucose
Ribosomes: site of protein synthesis
Functions — plant cells only:
Chloroplasts: contain chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis
Permanent vacuole: filled with cell sap; keeps the cell turgid and supported
Cell wall: made of cellulose; provides strength and support
Common exam mistakes
Mitochondria release energy — they do NOT produce or create it. Energy is transferred/released by respiration in mitochondria.
Do not say energy is released 'for respiration' — energy is released by respiration.
Confusing cell membrane (controls entry/exit) with cell wall (structural support made of cellulose).
Chloroplasts make the cell green is insufficient — their function is to carry out photosynthesis.
Animal cells do NOT have a cell wall, chloroplasts or permanent vacuole.