Describe the differences between an animal cell and a plant cell in terms of their structures.

Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 2.2 Cell structure · Describe · 4 marks · View as Markdown

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

Model answer (4 marks)

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, whereas animal cells lack a cell wall.
Plant cells contain a large permanent central vacuole that stores cell sap; animal cells do not have a permanent vacuole.
Plant cells possess chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis; animal cells do not.
Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus, a cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria and ribosomes.

Examiner tips

  • Use the word "contain" or "have" to show possession of structures. Mention the key differences first, then list the common organelles. Keep the answer concise – 4 points can be covered in 4 short sentences.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the presence of a cell wall in animal cells. Forgetting to mention the permanent vacuole in plant cells. Listing organelles that are not shared (e.g. mitochondria) as a difference.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Plant cells have a cell wall (made of cellulose) but animal cells do not
  2. Plant cells have a (permanent) vacuole that stores cell sap; animal cells do not have a permanent vacuole
  3. Plant cells contain chloroplasts (the site of photosynthesis); animal cells do not
  4. Both cell types have a nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria and ribosomes (any one correctly identified as shared / present in both)

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