Describe four features that are found in animal cells and plant cells but are NOT found in prokaryote cells.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
1. A nucleus, containing the cell’s DNA, is present in both animal and plant cells but absent in prokaryotes.
2. A plasma membrane surrounds the cell, providing selective permeability in both animal and plant cells, which prokaryotes lack.
3. Cytoplasm, the gel-like matrix that houses organelles, is found in animal and plant cells but not in prokaryotes.
4. Ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis, are present in both animal and plant cells and are absent in prokaryotes.
2. A plasma membrane surrounds the cell, providing selective permeability in both animal and plant cells, which prokaryotes lack.
3. Cytoplasm, the gel-like matrix that houses organelles, is found in animal and plant cells but not in prokaryotes.
4. Ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis, are present in both animal and plant cells and are absent in prokaryotes.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘contain’ to match the scheme; list each feature clearly.
- Include the key detail that prokaryotes lack these structures.
- Keep each point concise and separate with numbers or bullets.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the presence of a nucleus in prokaryotes; they have no true nucleus.
- Mixing up the cell membrane with the cell wall; only the membrane is common to both eukaryotes.
- Adding extra features not asked for, such as mitochondria or chloroplasts.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Both animal and plant cells contain a nucleus (which is absent in prokaryotes)
- Both animal and plant cells contain a cell membrane
- Both animal and plant cells contain cytoplasm
- Both animal and plant cells contain ribosomes
Key terms in this question
animal · plant · prokaryote
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Features of organisms questions
- Describe four features that are shared by all cells in the Animal kingdom and th…
- Describe four features that can be used to identify an organism as a vertebrate …
- State four features that distinguish insects from arachnids.
- State four features that can be used to classify an organism into the Animal kin…