B1.2 Animal and Plant Cells Flashcards
-The main parts of animal cells -The similarities and differences between plant and animal cells
What is the average size of an animal cell?
10-30μm long
What does the nucleus do?
It controls all the activities of the cell and is surrounded by the nuclear membrane. It contains the genes on the chromosomes that carry the instructions for making the proteins needed to build new cells or new organisms. The average diameter is around 10μm
What is cytoplasm?
A liquid gel in which the organelles are suspended and where most of the chemical reactions needed for life take place
What does the cell membrane do?
It controls the passage of substances such as glucose and mineral ions into the cell. It also controls the movement of substances such as urea or hormones out of the cell
What are the mitochondria?
They are structures in the cytoplasm where aerobic respiration takes place, releasing energy for the cell. They are very small: 1-2μm in length and only 0.2-0.7μm in diameter
What are ribosomes?
Ribosomes are where protein synthesis takes place, making all the proteins needed in the cell
What is the average size of a plant cell?
10-100μm long
What do all plant and algal cells have?
A cell wall which is made of cellulose
What are chloroplasts?
They are found in all the green parts of the plant and are green due to being filled with chlorophyll
What does chlorophyll do?
Chlorophyll absorbs light so that it can make food through photosynthesis
How long is the average chloroplast?
3-5μm
Why don’t root cells have chloroplasts?
They are underground ad therefore do not need to photosynthesise
What is a permanent vacuole?
A space in the cytoplasm filled with cell sap. This is important for keeping the cells rigid to support the plant
