Plant cells
This basic structure of a plant cell is shown below - the same plant cell, as viewed with the light microscope, and with a transmission electron microscope.
A generalised plant cell and its components.
Animal and plant cells have certain structures in common.
| Cell structure | How it is related to its function |
| Cytoplasm | A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen. |
| Nucleus | Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities. |
| Cell membrane | Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others, it therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. |
| Mitochondria | Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration. |
| Ribosomes | A tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs. |
| Cell structure | Cytoplasm |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen. |
| Cell structure | Nucleus |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities. |
| Cell structure | Cell membrane |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others, it therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. |
| Cell structure | Mitochondria |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration. |
| Cell structure | Ribosomes |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | A tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs. |
Plant cells also have additional structures:
| Cell structure | How it is related to its function |
| Chloroplast | Organelles that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Contains the enzymes needed for photosynthesis. |
| Cell wall | Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant. |
| Permanent vacuole | Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid. |
| Cell structure | Chloroplast |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Organelles that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Contains the enzymes needed for photosynthesis. |
| Cell structure | Cell wall |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant. |
| Cell structure | Permanent vacuole |
|---|---|
| How it is related to its function | Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid. |
Animal cells may also have vacuoles, but these are small and temporary. In animals, they are commonly used to store or transport substances.