All living things are made of cells, which are the basic building blocks of life. Animal cells contain a nucleus that controls cell activities, cytoplasm in the center where reactions occur, and a cell membrane that regulates what enters and exits. Plant cells have these parts as well as a cell wall, vacuoles that store water, and chloroplasts for photosynthesis. While animal and plant cells share some components, plant cells differ in having a cell wall, vacuoles, and chloroplasts.

1. Cells and reproduction
1P9: Monday 22nd November

2. What are cells?
• All living things are made of cells
• A living thing is called an organism
• Plants and animals are organisms
• Cells are like ‘Lego bricks’ – they are the
building blocks of life – small units that
make up larger structures

5. Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell membrane
Animal Cell

6. Part Function
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell
Membrane
Controls all cell activities
Liquid centre of a cell where chemical
reactions happen.
The border of a cell which controls what goes in
and out of the cell. It only allows small
molecules to pass through it and so is known as
semi-permeable.
Parts of Animal Cells

9. Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell membrane
Vacuole
Chloroplast Cell wall
Plant Cell

10. Part of Cell Function
Nucleus
Cytoplasm
Cell membrane
Vacuole Contains a watery liquid called cell sap
Chloroplast
Contain a green chemical – chlorophyll –
responsible for photosynthesis
Cell wall
Provides strength and support and
helps to maintain shape
Controls all cell activities
Liquid centre of a cell where chemical
reactions happen.
The border of a cell which controls
what goes in and out of the cell

11. Similarities and Differences
BOTH animal and plant
cells have:
ONLY plant cells have:
Nucleus Cell wall
Cytoplasm Vacuole
Cell membrane Chloroplasts
The typical plant and animal cells look
different to each other – they are
different shapes and the nucleus is in a
different position.