Overview
Cell Theory
Cell Structure
Cell membrane
Cytoplasm
Nucleus
Differences between plant and animal cells
Glossary of terms
Cyto- cell
-logy study
cytology Study of cells
a specialised structure in the cell
organelle that performs a function for the
cell
cytoplasm (cytosol & organelles)
protoplas and the nucleus together
m
Cell Theory
Structural and functional units of all living organisms
e.g. animals, plants, fungi, bacteria
There are 2 types of organisms based on their cell
structure:
Eukaryotic These cells have a nucleus; they’re found in
animals and plants.
Prokaryotic These cells have no nucleus; they’re found
in bacteria.
The body is made of different cells that perform different
functions.
Cells vary in shape and size depending on their function.
Cells are microscopic and can only be seen under a
microscope.
Back to glossary
Cell Theory
All cells come from existing cells.
Though types of cells vary, some
components of cell structure are
common in all cells:
• cell membrane
• cytoplasm
• nucleus (in eukaryotic
cells)
Some organelles are also
common in cells:
• Mitochondria
• vacuoles
Back to glossary
Cell Structure
Cell Membrane
Cell a thin layer around the cell that separates it
Membrane from its environment
The membrane
Different
The cell membrane is selectively
substances
Organelles also havecontrols
need tothe
pass
membranes
permeable.
throughthem.
substances the that
cell for
pass
it through
to function
the cell.
around
properly
(4/4)
(3/4)
(2/4)
(1/4)
Back to glossary
Cell Structure
Cytoplasm
Cytoplasm includes all living parts of the
Cytoplasm consists of cytosol and cell
cell in the cell membrane (except the
organelles:
nucleus)
Cytosol is a colourless, watery, jelly
substance (70–90% water)
A mixture of substances dissolved in
water, e.g. salts, potassium, sodium, and
proteins
Cytosol is also where chemical reactions
take place.
Back to glossary
Cell Structure
Organelles
Cell organelles that make up the
cytoplasm:
mitochondria chloroplasts vacuoles
Vacuoles are organelles with a membrane, and contain mostly
water and other molecules.
The type and function of a new cell will determine the size and
number of vacuoles in the cell
Back to glossary
Organelles
Mitochondria
Surrounded by a double
membrane
Active cells have
more
mitochondria than
inactive cells
During respiration, mitochondria
combines oxygen with food
molecules, releasing the energy that
cells need to divide
Carbon dioxide, water, and waste =
the result of this process
Back to glossary
Organelles
Cell Wall
Only present in plant cells
Extra layer on the outside of the
cell membrane
Gives plant cell support and stability
Cell wall contains cellulose: helps to
keep the shape of the plant cell
The shape of the plant cell helps
to keep the plant upright and Back to glossary
rigid.
Organelles
Chloroplasts
Only present in plant cells
The only organelle that can
produce food from the sun’s
energy
Contains chlorophyll – enables
photosynthesis to take place
Animal cells don’t have chloroplasts and can’t
photosynthesise
Back to glossary
Organelles
Vacuoles
Present in plant cells
Liquid in the vacuole = cell
sap
Full Vacuoles help the plant stay rigid:
leaves and stem are firm, upright
Vacuoles are present in some animal
If a plant’s leaves and stem droop, the
cells but are smaller with a shorter
vacuoles have lost water.
lifespan.
This means the soil is too dry, and the
cell has used its water supply to
survive
Back to glossary
Organelles
Nucleus
Plant and animal cells have a nucleus in the cytoplasm
The nucleus controls chemical reactions and processes in the cell.
Nucleus also contains the cell’s genetic material (DNA molecules).
The structure of the nucleus:
Nuclear membrane = double membrane around the DNA
Nuclear membrane = porous for substances to pass through
Nucleolus is inside the nucleus
Back to glossary
Organelles
Nucleus
DNA is an important part of all cells and of all life.
DNA contains info about hereditary characteristics.
• E.g. eye and skin colour, allergies, or illnesses
passed down through generations
Differences in DNA = variation
In species, DNA variation leads to albino animals
or illnesses like sickle cell anemia.
Each Organism has unique DNA.
Back to glossary
The Difference Between Plant
and Animal Cells
Plant Cells Animal Cells
Contain plastids: chloroplasts,
Do not contain plastids
chromoplasts & leucoplasts
Have cellulose cell wall No cell wall
Large central vacuole filled
Few vacuoles (if any)
with cell sap
Small, irregular rigid shape Large regular shape
Nucleus is located at the edge Nucleus is located at the
of the cell centre of the cytoplasm
Back to glossary
Cells, Tissues, Organs and
Systems
The Organisation of Living Things
Click on each arrow in turn to see more:
Cells Tissues Organs Organ Systems Organisms
=
Plant Anima
l
Tissues are a clump of similar
Cells are the
Organs
Systems arebuilding
are groups block
a groupof of all
oftissues
organs
cells working together in the
organisms.
working together.
same way.
Back to glossary
