Cellular Structure and Function

The page presents a detailed comparison between animal and plant cells, highlighting their key components and functions. Animal cells are shown with their basic structure, while plant cells display additional specialized features for photosynthesis and support.

Definition: Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance where most chemical reactions occur within the cell.

Vocabulary: Mitochondria are specialized structures responsible for cellular respiration.

Highlight: Plant cells uniquely possess three features absent in animal cells: cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Example: The cell membrane acts like a selective barrier, controlling what enters and exits the cell, similar to a security checkpoint.

Definition: Chloroplasts are plant-specific organelles containing chlorophyll used for photosynthesis.

The animal cell section details the following components:

• Nucleus: Controls cell activities
• Cytoplasm: Houses chemical reactions
• Cell membrane: Controls substance transport
• Mitochondria: Enables cellular respiration

The plant cell section includes additional structures:

• Cell wall: Provides rigid support
• Chloroplasts: Enable photosynthesis
• Vacuole: Stores cell sap
• All components found in animal cells plus specialized plant structures