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Describe and compare the structures found in plant and animal cells, including cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria and vacuoles

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Cambridge IGCSE BiologyOrganisation of the organismCore content

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Quick explanation

Describe and compare the structures found in plant and animal cells, including cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria and vacuoles

  • This point belongs to Cell structure, especially Cell structure outcomes.
  • You need to be able to describe and compare the structures found in plant and animal cells, including cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria and vacuoles.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe and Compare.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeCompare

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Paper 3 structured question: Cell structure

Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks

Diagram Description

Plant and Animal Cell Structures

The diagram shows a plant cell and an animal cell with labelled structures: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria, and vacuoles.

StructurePlant CellAnimal Cell
Cell wallPresentAbsent
Cell membranePresentPresent
NucleusPresentPresent
CytoplasmPresentPresent
ChloroplastsPresentAbsent
RibosomesPresentPresent
MitochondriaPresentPresent
VacuolesLarge central vacuoleSmall or absent
  1. a

    Describe Describe two structures that are found in plant cells but not in animal cells.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
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