Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells
Learn the key differences between animal and plant cells for AQA GCSE Biology, including cell walls, chloroplasts, vacuoles and shared structures.
Plant cells usually have a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a permanent vacuole. Animal cells do not have these structures. However, both animal and plant cells contain a nucleus, cytoplasm, a cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes.
Key differences
| Structure | Plant cell | Animal cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cellulose cell wall | Present; strengthens and supports the cell | Absent |
| Chloroplasts | Present in photosynthetic cells; absorb light for photosynthesis | Absent |
| Permanent vacuole | Usually present and filled with cell sap | Absent |
| Shape | Often regular because of the cell wall | Often more irregular or flexible |
A vacuole is a fluid-filled space. In a plant cell, the permanent vacuole contains cell sap and helps support the cell.
Structures found in both
Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning their genetic material is enclosed inside a nucleus. Both normally contain:
- Nucleus: contains genetic material and controls the cell's activities.
- Cytoplasm: where many chemical reactions occur.
- Cell membrane: controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
- Mitochondria: where aerobic respiration occurs.
- Ribosomes: where proteins are made.
Worked identification example
Suppose a diagram shows a cell with a nucleus, mitochondria, a cell membrane, a cell wall and chloroplasts. It must be a plant cell because animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts.
However, not every plant cell contains chloroplasts. For example, root cells are usually underground and do not receive enough light for photosynthesis.
Common exam mistake
Do not say that plant cells have a cell wall instead of a cell membrane. Plant cells have both. The cell membrane controls movement of substances, while the cellulose cell wall strengthens the cell.
Scope assumed: AQA GCSE Biology separate science. This content applies to both Foundation and Higher tiers and is also shared with Combined Science.
