Animal and plant cells

Question 1

What is a cell?

Answer 1

The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms. A single cell possesses all of the seven characteristics of living organisms.

Question 2

What are the two different types of cells?

Answer 2

Some organisms are unicellular, being composed of a single cell; others are multicellular, being composed of many cells.

Question 3

All plant and animal cells contain…

Answer 3

All plant and animal cells contain structures called organelles that are specialised to carry out one or more vital functions, for example the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, chloroplasts and vacuoles.

Question 4

Where and organelles found and what are they surrounded by?

Answer 4

Organelles are found within the cytoplasm of the cells and most are
surrounded by one or two membranes.

Question 5

Which structures are found in all plant and animal cells?

Answer 5

The following structures are found in all plant and animal cells:
• a cell membrane or plasma membrane
• cytoplasm
• a nucleus
• mitochondria (singular mitochondrion)
• endoplasmic reticulum
• ribosomes

Question 6

What do plant cells possess that animal cells don’t?

Answer 6

• a cell wall
• chloroplasts
• a large vacuole

Question 7

ribosomes

Answer 7

small circular organelles where proteins are synthesised (produced).

Question 8

cell membrane (def and function)

Answer 8

a partially (differentially) permeable layer composed of protein and lipid around the outside of the cell.

Controls what substances enter and leave the cell.

Question 9

Cytoplasm

Answer 9

a jelly-like substance composed of about 80% water and 20% dissolved substances, especially protein.
Supports the organelles. The site of many chemical reactions.

Question 10

Definition and function of the nucleus.

Answer 10

surrounded by a double membrane. Chromatin threads contain genetic information in the form of DNA.

Controls the characteristics and functioning of the cell. Essential for cell
division.

Question 11

The nucleus contains? (4)

Answer 11

nuclear envelope
nucleoplasm
chromatin thread
nucleolus

Question 12

What is the definition and function of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 12

a network of tubules throughout the cytoplasm.

Transports substances throughout the cell.

Question 13

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum?

Answer 13

Rough - Has ribosomes attach

Smooth - No ribosomes attached

Question 14

mitochondrion

Answer 14

a rod-shaped organelle with a smooth outer membrane and folded inner membrane. Contains respiratory enzymes.

Where respiration occurs to release energy for the cell.

Question 15

vacuoles

Answer 15

small, membrane-bound compartments which may contain water, food, cell secretions or waste

Stores food, cell secretions or cell waste. Supports plant cells when turgid.

Question 16

Cell wall (definition and function)

Answer 16

a freely permeable wall made of cellulose.

Supports and protects the plant cell and gives it shape.

Question 17

Chloroplast (definition and function)

Answer 17

a disc-shaped organelle surrounded by a double membrane. Contains many internal membranes, the green pigment called chlorophyll and photosynthetic enzymes.

Where photosynthesis occurs to produce food for the plant.

Question 18

Vacuole

Answer 18

a large membrane-bound compartment containing cell sap, a solution of sugars, mineral salts, amino acids and waste products.

Stores food, cell secretions or cell waste. Supports plant cells when turgid