# 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.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.1.1 Cell structure · Explain · 4 marks

> A student observes an unknown eukaryotic cell. The cell has a nucleus, a cell membrane, mitochondria, and a large vacuole.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The cell has a vacuole, which stores cell sap and is characteristic of plant cells
2. Plant cells have a cell wall (made of cellulose) which strengthens the cell, and this may also be present
3. Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic because they contain a nucleus
4. 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

- [vacuole](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/vacuole)
- [mitochondria](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/mitochondria)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](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/explain-why-a-cell-with-a-6561a406) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.