Animal and Plant Cells

This lesson covers the detailed structure and function of animal and plant cells as specified in the AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy specification (8464). You need to be able to identify subcellular structures, explain their functions and compare animal and plant cells.

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Animal Cells

Animal cells are eukaryotic cells. They contain several key subcellular structures, each with a specific function.

Subcellular Structures of an Animal Cell

Subcellular Structure	Function
Nucleus	Contains genetic material (DNA) in the form of chromosomes. Controls cell activities and cell division.
Cell membrane	A thin, flexible barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell. It is selectively permeable.
Cytoplasm	A jelly-like substance filling the cell. Most chemical reactions take place here, many controlled by enzymes.
Mitochondria	The site of aerobic respiration. Glucose and oxygen react here to release energy for the cell's processes.
Ribosomes	Tiny structures (not visible with a light microscope) where protein synthesis occurs. Found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.