What is the function of the plasma membrane?
Regulates the movement of substances across the cell and separates the contents of the cell from the external environment
The plasma membrane is crucial for maintaining homeostasis within the cell.
What does the cell wall do?
Maintains the shape of plant cells, protects the plant cells from burst and provides strength and support to the plant cell
The cell wall is primarily composed of cellulose in plants.
What is the role of the cytoplasm?
Acts as a medium for biochemical reactions of most living processes in the cell
The cytoplasm contains organelles and is the site for many metabolic processes.
What does the nucleus carry?
Genetic information in the form of DNA
The nucleus is often referred to as the control center of the cell.
What is stored in the vacuole?
Nutrients, wastes and metabolic by-products
Vacuoles are larger in plant cells and play a role in maintaining turgor pressure.
What is the function of a ribosome?
Synthesises proteins
Ribosomes can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
What do mitochondria synthesise?
ATP and serve as a site of cellular respiration
Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell.
What is the role of the rough endoplasmic reticulum?
Transports proteins made by the ribosomes throughout the cell
The rough ER is studded with ribosomes, giving it a ‘rough’ appearance.
What does the smooth endoplasmic reticulum synthesise?
Lipids and carries out detoxification of drugs
The smooth ER lacks ribosomes and is involved in lipid metabolism.
What is the function of the Golgi apparatus?
Modifies, transports, sorts and packages the proteins and carbohydrates
The Golgi apparatus is often referred to as the cell’s ‘post office’.
What does a lysosome do?
Digests old and worn organelles and breaks down complex organic molecules
Lysosomes contain digestive enzymes to help with cellular waste disposal.
What is the role of a centriole?
Forms spindle fibres during cell division
Centrioles are important for the process of mitosis.
What is the site of photosynthesis?
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy.
True or false: A plant cell has a fixed shape.
TRUE
Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that maintains their shape.
True or false: An animal cell has a cell wall.
FALSE
Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they have a flexible plasma membrane.
What form of carbohydrate does a plant cell store?
Starch
In contrast, animal cells store carbohydrates in the form of glycogen.
What does an animal cell have that a plant cell does not?
Centrioles
Centrioles are involved in cell division and are absent in plant cells.
