# Explain why plant cells have both a cell membrane and a cell wall, whilst animal cells only have a cell membrane.

> OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247) — B1.1 Cell structures · Explain · 4 marks

> A student observing plant and animal cells under a light microscope notices that plant cells appear to have an extra outer layer that animal cells do not possess.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The cell wall provides strength and support to the plant cell
2. The cell wall is made of cellulose fibres
3. The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell
4. Animal cells do not need a cell wall because they do not need the same structural support / plant cells need extra support due to their larger size or to maintain turgidity

## Key terms

- [cell membrane](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-membrane)
- [cell wall](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/cell-wall)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR GCSE Biology A: Gateway Science (J247)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-plant-cells-have-both-a82a5f0a) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.