Skip to content
Interactive Resources for Schools
Schools Search Icon

Content

Help and information

This topic takes on average 45 minutes to read.

There are a number of interactive features in this resource:

Topic last updated: 27 Oct 2023

You may also be interested in these related topics

    • Ico Science Science
    • Biology Biology
    • Ico Chemistry Chemistry
    • 11-14
    • 45

Plants and photosynthesis

1  of  4

Plant cell structure

Cells are building blocks, and there are different parts in different types of cells. Each of these parts, or organellesorganelles
 A distinct part of the cell, such as the nucleus, ribosome or mitochondrion, which has structure and function. , has a particular function within the cell, just as each type of cell has a different function in the body.  

plant cell
Organelle Present in animal cells? Present in plant cells? Function
Cell membranemembrane
 A thin, flexible sheet-like structure that acts as a lining or a boundary in an organism.
Yes Yes The barrier of the cell, regulates what can get in and out of the cell.
Cell wall No Yes Gives the cell support and protection.
Cytoplasm Yes Yes The inside of the cell, where most cellular reactions occur.
Mitochondriamitochondria
 Organelle(s) within cells that produce ATP, used as a store of chemical energy. Often called the cell's powerhouse
Yes Yes The ‘powerhouse of the cell’, where energy for the cell is generated.
Nucleus Yes Yes Contains the cell’s genetic blueprint (its DNA).
Chloroplast No Yes The location of photosynthesis.
Vacuole No Yes Keeps the cell rigid.

 

Show animation full screen in new window

Diffusiondiffusion
 The spreading out of the particles of a gas or any substance in solution down a concentration gradient. , osmosisosmosis
 The movement of water through a partially permeable membrane down a concentration gradient from a dilute solution (where there is a high concentration of water) to a concentrated solution (where there is a relatively low concentration of water). and active transportactive transport
 The process which uses energy to move substances against a concentration gradient or across a partially permeable membrane using a special transport protein. :

Both animal and plant cells rely on the ability to let certain molecules enter and leave the cell, such as oxygen. They do this through certain processes, such as diffusion. The animation below explains diffusion, osmosis and active transport, which are fundamental to the cell’s survival. 

Show animation full screen in new window

Photosynthesis
Next