Dive into the fascinating world of cells, the basic building... Show more
Biology102 views·Updated May 26, 2026·2 pagesBiology Paper 1: Animal and Plant Cell Functions
Tomiinnit@tadigun
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Cell Structure: Animal vs Plant Cells
Animal and plant cells share several common structures with specific functions. Both contain a nucleus (controls the cell and holds genetic material), cytoplasm , and a cell membrane (regulates what enters and exits the cell).
Plants have some extra structures that animals don't. These include a cell wall made of cellulose for strength and support, chloroplasts where photosynthesis happens, and a permanent vacuole that stores cell sap and helps maintain the cell's rigidity. Both cell types contain mitochondria, the powerhouses where aerobic respiration produces energy.
Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) have a simpler structure compared to the animal and plant cells, which are eukaryotic. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound structures, have DNA in a single chromosome, and contain smaller ribosomes. They often have additional features like plasmids (small circular DNA) and flagella for movement.
Did you know? Ribosomes are the cell's protein factories. These tiny structures carry out protein synthesis in both animal and plant cells!
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Specialised Cells and Their Functions
Cells adapt their structure to perform specific jobs more efficiently. In animals, sperm cells are streamlined for movement, nerve cells are long and narrow to transmit signals quickly, and muscle cells contain special proteins for contraction. Plant specialised cells develop later and include palisade cells (for photosynthesis) and root hair cells.
Root hair cells are fascinating adaptations that help plants thrive. They lack chloroplasts (saving resources since they're underground) and have long protrusions that dramatically increase their surface area for better absorption of water and minerals. They use energy from respiration to power the active transport of mineral salts into the plant.
Plants have two important transport tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem consists of dead cells reinforced with lignin that transport water and minerals upwards from roots to leaves through transpiration. Phloem contains living cells that transport sugars throughout the plant in a process called translocation.
Remember this: Transpiration (water movement) happens faster in hot, dry, windy conditions with good light. This is why your plants need more water on sunny, breezy days!
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Biology102 views·Updated May 26, 2026·2 pagesBiology Paper 1: Animal and Plant Cell Functions
Tomiinnit@tadigun
Dive into the fascinating world of cells, the basic building blocks of all living things. We'll explore both animal and plant cells, understand their key components, and discover how different cells become specialised for particular functions.
1
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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- Join milions of students
Cell Structure: Animal vs Plant Cells
Animal and plant cells share several common structures with specific functions. Both contain a nucleus (controls the cell and holds genetic material), cytoplasm , and a cell membrane (regulates what enters and exits the cell).
Plants have some extra structures that animals don't. These include a cell wall made of cellulose for strength and support, chloroplasts where photosynthesis happens, and a permanent vacuole that stores cell sap and helps maintain the cell's rigidity. Both cell types contain mitochondria, the powerhouses where aerobic respiration produces energy.
Prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) have a simpler structure compared to the animal and plant cells, which are eukaryotic. Prokaryotes lack membrane-bound structures, have DNA in a single chromosome, and contain smaller ribosomes. They often have additional features like plasmids (small circular DNA) and flagella for movement.
Did you know? Ribosomes are the cell's protein factories. These tiny structures carry out protein synthesis in both animal and plant cells!
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Specialised Cells and Their Functions
Cells adapt their structure to perform specific jobs more efficiently. In animals, sperm cells are streamlined for movement, nerve cells are long and narrow to transmit signals quickly, and muscle cells contain special proteins for contraction. Plant specialised cells develop later and include palisade cells (for photosynthesis) and root hair cells.
Root hair cells are fascinating adaptations that help plants thrive. They lack chloroplasts (saving resources since they're underground) and have long protrusions that dramatically increase their surface area for better absorption of water and minerals. They use energy from respiration to power the active transport of mineral salts into the plant.
Plants have two important transport tissues: xylem and phloem. Xylem consists of dead cells reinforced with lignin that transport water and minerals upwards from roots to leaves through transpiration. Phloem contains living cells that transport sugars throughout the plant in a process called translocation.
Remember this: Transpiration (water movement) happens faster in hot, dry, windy conditions with good light. This is why your plants need more water on sunny, breezy days!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar content
Most popular content: Cell Wall
9Most popular content in Biology
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user