Every living organism is made up of one or more cells

So! cells are the basic building blocks of life!

Cells can be divided into two kinds of cells:

Prokariotic cells&

Eukariotic cells

are cells which have no nucleus

are cells which have a nucleus

There are 2 types of eukariotic cells:

These are plantand animal cells

They have some things in common such as:

• All cells have a cell membrane

• Almost all (except red blood cells) have a nucleus

• All have cytoplasm

All plant cells also have:

•A cell wall•A large central vacuole

Green plant cellsFrom green leaves

Also contain

Chloroplasts

for photosynthesis

However! If plant cells come from plant tissue that grows underground, there are

no chloroplasts as the sundoes not reach them.

All the structures in the cells can be seen

more clearly by using a stain such as…

Iodine solution

All the structures in the cells have a specific purpose

Cells: Structure and Function

Cell Structure(Plant and animal

cells)

Description Function

Nucleus Large, normally

spherical structure containing genetic materials (DNA)

Controls cellular activities. Passes information from

generation to generation

Cytoplasm Fluid, jelly-like material

The site of all the chemical reactions and processes that occur in

the cell

Cell membrane

Thin layer surrounding the cytoplasm

Controls the passage of substances into and out

of the cell

Cell Structure

(Found in plant cells only)

Chloroplast (Green plants only)

Discus shaped structure containing green

chlorophyll

Absorbs light energy for the manufacture of carbohydrates during

photosynthesis

Cell wall Outer layer made of a

basket like mesh of cellulose fibres

Supports the cell. Contributes to the

plant’s ability to hold itself upright

Large permanent

vacuole

Fluid filled sac-like structure in the

cytoplasm

Stores water and dissolved sugars and

salts in the form of sap. Regulates the plant’s

water content by osmosis