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
&
are cells which have
no nucleus
Eukariotic cells
are cells which have
a nucleus
There are 2 types
of eukariotic cells:
These are plant
and 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 cells
From green leaves
Also contain
Chloroplasts
for photosynthesis
However!
If plant cells come from
plant tissue that grows
underground, there are
no chloroplasts as the sun
does 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
Description
Function
(Plant and animal
cells)
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell
membrane
Controls cellular
activities. Passes
information from
generation to
generation
The site of all the
chemical reactions and
Fluid, jelly-like material
processes that occur in
the cell
Controls the passage of
Thin layer surrounding
substances into and out
the cytoplasm
of the cell
Large, normally
spherical structure
containing genetic
materials (DNA)
Cell
Structure
(Found in plant cells
only)
Chloroplast
(Green plants only)
Discus shaped structure
containing green
chlorophyll
Cell wall
Outer layer made of a
basket like mesh of
cellulose fibres
Large
permanent
vacuole
Fluid filled sac-like
structure in the
cytoplasm
Absorbs light energy
for the manufacture of
carbohydrates during
photosynthesis
Supports the cell.
Contributes to the
plant’s ability to hold
itself upright
Stores water and
dissolved sugars and
salts in the form of sap.
Regulates the plant’s
water content by
osmosis