# A student examining cells under a microscope observes that one cell has a nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, a cell membrane and a cell wall, but no chloroplasts and no permanent vacuole. State what type of organism this cell is most likely from, and explain how each of the three structural features — cell wall, absence of chloroplasts, and absence of a permanent vacuole — supports this identification.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.2 Cell structure · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The cell is most likely from a fungus (fungal cell).
2. The cell wall is made of chitin (not cellulose), which is characteristic of fungi rather than plants.
3. Chloroplasts are absent because fungi do not photosynthesise / fungi are not autotrophs and obtain nutrients by absorption.
4. No permanent vacuole is present because fungi do not store cell sap or use a vacuole for structural support in the way plant cells do.

## Key terms

- [cell wall](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-wall)
- [chloroplast](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/chloroplast)
- [vacuole](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vacuole)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-examining-cells-under-a-fe0a083f) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.