Describe four ways in which a plant cell differs from an animal cell in terms of its structure.

Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 2.1 Cell structure and organisation · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Model answer (4 marks)

1. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, whereas animal cells lack a cell wall.
2. Plant cells contain a large, permanent central vacuole, while animal cells either have no vacuole or only small, temporary ones.
3. Plant cells possess chloroplasts for photosynthesis; animal cells do not.
4. Plant cells are usually larger and have a more regular, rectangular shape compared with the irregular, smaller animal cells.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms: cell wall, permanent vacuole, chloroplasts, regular shape. Include the comparison for each point. Keep each point short and to the point to fit the 4 marks.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the size of the vacuole with the presence of a vacuole. Using 'cell membrane' instead of 'cell wall'. Omitting the shape difference or describing it vaguely.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Plant cells have a cell wall; animal cells do not
  2. Plant cells have a permanent vacuole; animal cells do not (or only have temporary vacuoles)
  3. Plant cells contain chloroplasts; animal cells do not
  4. Plant cells have a more regular shape and are larger than animal cells

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