Explain why a plant cell has a vacuole and a chloroplast, but an animal cell has neither of these organelles.

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

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

Model answer (4 marks)

A plant cell has a large central vacuole that stores cell sap and dissolved substances, and it also provides support, helping the cell maintain its shape and rigidity. The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis, which is required for a plant to produce its own food. Animal cells do not perform photosynthesis and therefore do not need chloroplasts, and they do not require a large vacuole for storage and support because they are usually smaller and have other means of maintaining shape.

Examiner tips

  • Use the exact terms "vacuole" and "chloroplast" and explain their functions. Show the link between photosynthesis and the need for chloroplasts. Mention that animal cells lack these organelles because they do not photosynthesise and have different structural needs.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the vacuole with the nucleus or mitochondria. Failing to state that animal cells do not photosynthesise. Using vague language such as "they are different" without explaining why.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. The vacuole stores cell sap / stores dissolved substances
  2. The vacuole supports the plant cell / helps maintain the shape / rigidity of the cell
  3. The chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis
  4. Animal cells cannot photosynthesise / do not carry out photosynthesis, so they do not need chloroplasts

Key terms in this question

vacuole · chloroplast · organelle

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