Cell Structure

Prokaryotes

They are organisms that lack organelles

They do not have a nucleus

They have a cytoplasm, a cell membrane and a cell wall

They are smaller than eukaryotic cells

They have genetic material in the form of a DNA loop and rings of DNA called plasmids

Eukaryotes

Eukaryotic cells are much more complex than prokaryotic cells

They have a cell membrane, cytoplasm and genetic material

Eukaryotic cells are found in animal, plant, fungi and protist cells

They contain organelles where specific functions are carried out

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

Cell Membrane - Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others. It therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell

Mitochondria - Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration

Nucleus - Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell's activities

Ribosomes - Tiny structures where protein synthesis occurs

Cytoplasm - A jelly like material that contains dissolved like nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. This is where many of the chemical reactions happen

Plant cells have additional structures to animals cells

Cell Wall - Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant

Permanent Vacuole - Filled with sap cell to help keep the cell turgid

Chloroplast - Organelles that contain the green pigment, chlorophyll which absorbs light for photosynthesis