Comparing Animal and Plant Cell Structures Revision Notes | GCSE OCR Foundation Biology

What this lesson covers

Explore the key organelles found in animal cells including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes. Compare these with plant c...

• Compare the structures of animal and plant cells
• Identify the key organelles found in both cell types
• Explain the specific functions of plant-only structures
• Describe how cell wall composition strengthens plant cells

Key ideas to keep in view

Use this lesson to stay inside B1.1 Cell structures while connecting the detail back to the wider B1: Cell level systems topic.

• B1: Cell level systems
• B1.1 Cell structures
• GCSE OCR Foundation Biology

Lesson notes preview

Read the core explanations from Comparing Animal and Plant Cell Structures before testing yourself from memory.

• Why can plants stand tall without bones whilst animals need skeletons? The answer lies in their cell structures. Both animal and plant cells share some key components, but plants have evolved extra structures that give them unique abilities.
• Let's start with what animal and plant cells have in common. Think of these as the 'basic kit' that every living cell needs to survive.
• The control centre of the cell that contains DNA and controls all cell activities
• A jelly-like substance where chemical reactions take place and organelles are suspended
• A partially permeable barrier that controls what substances can enter and leave the cell
• The powerhouses of the cell where aerobic respiration occurs to release energy
• Tiny structures that make proteins by joining amino acids together
• Trap: Many students think the nucleus 'makes' energy. Actually, mitochondria release energy whilst the nucleus controls the cell's activities. The nucleus is like the manager, mitochondria are like the power station.
• Now here's where it gets interesting. Plants have evolved three additional structures that animals don't have. These give plants their unique abilities to make food and stand upright.
• Green organelles that contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis to make glucose

Continue through the topic

Move to the related lessons or back to the topic page when you need the wider sequence before exam-style practice.