Plant and Animal Cells

Animal and Plant Cells have:

• Cell Membrane: Separates the contents of the cell and its surroundings. It controls the movement of substances like oxygen, glucose and carbon dioxide into and out of the cell.
• Cytoplasm: Where many of the chemical reactions neede to carry out life processes take place. It also contains organelles (tiny structures that carry out specific jobs)
• Nucleus: An organelle that contains DNA, which is the genetic material. The nucleus also controls all of the activities of the cell.
• Mitochondria: Organelles in which respiration occurs. They are very tiny and cannot be seen easily through a light microscope at low magnification

Plant Cells also have:

• Cell Wall: Made of tough cellulose to support the cell and allow it to keep its shape
• Large Vacuole: A space in the cytoplasm that is filled with cell sap and helps to support the plant by keeping the cells rigid
• Chloroplasts: Organelles that contain chlorophyll, a green substance that absorbs light energy used in photosynthesis

Both can be viewed in greater detail with a light microscope