Explain why a cell with a nucleus, a cell membrane, mitochondria, and a vacuole is most likely a plant cell rather than an animal cell.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
A student observes an unknown eukaryotic cell. The cell has a nucleus, a cell membrane, mitochondria, and a large vacuole.
Model answer (4 marks)
A cell that contains a large vacuole is most likely a plant cell because plant cells normally have a prominent central vacuole that stores water, ions and cell sap, whereas animal cells do not.
Plant cells also have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that gives structural support; this wall is absent in animal cells.
Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, so the presence of a nucleus alone does not distinguish them.
If chloroplasts were present, they would confirm a plant cell, as chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis and are not found in animal cells.
Plant cells also have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that gives structural support; this wall is absent in animal cells.
Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, so the presence of a nucleus alone does not distinguish them.
If chloroplasts were present, they would confirm a plant cell, as chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis and are not found in animal cells.
Examiner tips
- Use the word ‘most likely’ to show you are comparing features; mention the vacuole and cell wall first, then note the shared nucleus, and finish with chloroplasts as a confirming feature.
- Show clear cause–effect links: vacuole → plant cell, cell wall → plant cell, chloroplasts → plant cell.
- Keep each point concise – 1–2 sentences per mark.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the presence of a nucleus with the type of cell; forgetting that both plant and animal cells have nuclei.
- Over‑emphasising the cell membrane and ignoring the vacuole and cell wall.
- Failing to mention chloroplasts as a confirming feature or stating they are present when they are not.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- The cell has a vacuole, which stores cell sap and is characteristic of plant cells
- Plant cells have a cell wall (made of cellulose) which strengthens the cell, and this may also be present
- Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic because they contain a nucleus
- The cell could also contain chloroplasts (site of photosynthesis), which would confirm it is a plant cell and are absent in animal cells
Key terms in this question
Related
- Revision notes: Cell structure →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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