Showing posts with label cells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cells. Show all posts

1.4 compare the structures of plant and animal cells

Difference
Plant cells
Animal cells
Appearance
Plant cells are usually more rigidly shaped.
Animal cells have a more irregular shape due to a lack of cell wall to keep its shape.
Organelles
A standard plant cell contains:
-       Nucleus
-       Cell membrane
-       Cell wall
-       Chloroplasts
-       Cytoplasm
-       Large permanent vacuole
-       Mitochondria

A standard animal cell contains:
-       Nucleus
-       Cell membrane
-       Cytoplasm
-       Small temporary vacuole
-       Mitochondria (a typical animal cell would have 1000 to 2000 mitochondria) – animal cells need a lot of energy

Size
Plant cells are relatively larger than animal cells
40 times larger than a standard animal cell à 0.4 mm
Animal cells are relatively smaller than plant cells.
About 1/100 or 0.01 mm
Position of nucleus
The vacuole occupies central position. The nucleus in plant cells generally occupy peripheral position.
Nucleus usually occupies central position.

1.3 describe the functions of the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast and vacuole

Organelle: structure of part of a cell that serves a particular function

Function of organelles:

- Nucleus: controls main activities in cell
                 contains genes which control chemical reactions in cell by determining which enzymes cell makes

- Cytoplasm: where the cell carries out chemical reactions and stores nutrients

- Cell membrane: protects and keeps cell contents together - prevents cytoplasm from spilling out
                           selectively permeable- controls what enters and leaves the cell

- Vacuole: where sugars, minerals and other solubles are stored
                 keeps cell turgid

- Cell wall: protects and binds cell together
                 made of cellulose, a tough carbohydrate that is one of the many organic compounds plants make
                 freely permeable due to large holes, allows substances to enter and exit easily
                 withstands internal pressure
                 gives plant cells rigid shape

- Chloroplasts: contain chlorophyll which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis, a process in which plants                          make glucose, converting simple inorganic molecules such as water and carbon dioxide into                          complex, organic compounds such as glucose and oxygen.

- Mitochondria: cell's main energy producers, carry out chemical reactions to release energy
                         found in great numbers in cells which require lots of energy, e.g. muscle cells

1.1 describe the levels of organisation within organisms: organelle, cells, tissues, organs and systems



Organelle: a structure or part of a cell that has a particular function
Eg: nucleus, vacuole, mitochondria

Cell: the basic unit of structure and function in organisms
Eg: leaf palisade cell, muscle cell, white blood cell

Tissue: made up of cells that are similar in structure and function. 1+ type of cell. These cells work together to perform a particular function
Eg: muscle tissue, blood

Organ: 1+ type of tissue that work together to perform a specific activity
Eg: heart, lungs, liver

System: made up of two or more organs that work together to perform an activity
Eg: circulatory system, respiratory system

Organisms: entire living thing that can carry out all basic life processes
Eg: human, worm, sunflower

External links:
http://wps.pearsoncustom.com/wps/media/objects/3014/3087289/Web_Tutorials/01_A02.swf

1.2 describe cell structures including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, chloroplast and vacuole.

Organelle: a structure or part of a cell that serves a particular function

Descriptions of organelles:

- Nucleus: generally the largest organelle. 
   contains genetic information in chromosomes needed for cell division/ genes.
- Cell membrane: a thin outer protective layer that covers the cell

- Cytoplasm: a jelly-like substance that fills the cell

- Vacuole: a watery solution full of sugars, minerals and other solubles

- Chloroplast: tiny sacs that contain the green pigment chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight and is needed for      photosynthesis

- Cell wall: extra layer made of cellulose, a tough polysaccharide that plants produce
                 large holes in it - freely permeable
                 tough rigid material

- Mitochondria: tiny structures that are found in the cytoplasm.