Chapter 3 – Cell Structure

and Function
 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and

Animal Cells
You should be able to:
■ draw and label simple diagrams to show
the structure of unspecialised plant and
animal cells;
■ state the functions and explain the
importance of the cell wall, cell membrane,
nucleus, chromosomes, cytoplasm,
mitochondria, vacuoles and chloroplast; and
■ differentiate between plant and animal
cells.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure of Unspecialised Plant and Animal Cell

Animal and plant cells have the following features in common:

• Cell membrane
• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus
• Vacuole
• Mitochondria

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Differences between plant and animal cells:

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Structure & Function of the organelles

in Plant & Animal Cells

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Cell membrane – a cell’s protective coat

• It separates and protects a cell from its surrounding
environment.
• It controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell
and is said to be partially permeable or selectively permeable.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Cytoplasm – a cell’s inner space

• It is the watery material between the nucleus and the cell

membrane with a jelly-like consistency.

• It contains mainly water and dissolved materials, allowing

materials to move around the cell.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Nucleus – a cell’s centre

• It is usually spherical, separated from the cytoplasm by a
double membrane called the nuclear envelope.

• It stores deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA is the genetic

material of an organism, carrying instructions for cell activities
and heredity.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Nucleus
Its function therefore, is:

1. to protect the cell’s genetic material and

2. control cell activities.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Vacuole – a cell’s storage space

• In a plant cell, the vacuole is a permanent structure with a fixed
shape, occupying a large central part of the cell.
• It is surrounded by a membrane and contains cell sap, a
solution of mineral salts and sugars.
• Plant cells pump a lot of water into the vacuoles which expand
and push against the cell wall. This creates a turgor pressure
which is important to the plant to keep the cells turgid and thus
provide support to the plant

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Vacuole – a cell’s storage space

• In animal cells, the vacuoles are small and scattered throughout
the cytoplasm. They are
temporary structures and are
membrane-bound sacs which have
various functions such as:
• transporting materials,
• storing sugars,
• containing digestive enzymes to digest invading bacteria,
• helping the cell to expel excess water.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Mitochondria – a cell’s power generator

• They are rod shaped and surrounded by a double membrane

• They are sites of respiration and are responsible for the release
of energy which is subsequently stored in adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) molecules.

• Cells which have a high metabolic rate need a constant supply

of energy. These cells, such as muscle and liver cells, contain a
large number of mitochondria.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Cell wall – a plant cell’s extra armour

• It is found only in plant cells; it is an extra layer of material in
addition to the cell membrane.
• Unlike the cell membrane, the cell wall is fully permeable. It is a
rigid structure made up of cellulose and provides strength and
shape to the cell.
• It prevents the plant cell from bursting when too much water
enters the vacuole

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.1 The Structure and Function of Plant and Animal
Cells

Structure and Function of the Cell and Its Organelles

Chloroplasts – a plant cell’s solar generator

• They are similar to mitochondria but are found only in plant

cells which photosynthesize.

• They are usually green in colour because of a pigment called

chlorophyll. During photosynthesis, chloroplasts trap light
energy from the Sun and energy is stored in ATP.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular

Organisms

You should be able to:

■ State what are unicellular & Multicellular
organisms
■ explain the importance of cell specialisation; and
■ differentiate between cell, tissue, organ and organ
system.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

What are Unicellular organisms?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Unicellular organisms
• These are organism that consists of only
one cell.
• Eg. Amoeba & Bacterial

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Prokaryotes & Eukaryotes

• Unicellular organisms are prokaryotes

• Multicellular organisms are Eukaryotes

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Differences between Prokaryotes &

Eukaryotes

No true nucleus

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Microbe cells
• Microbes or micro-organisms are
extremely small organisms.
• These include all members of the
Prokaryotae kingdom, e.g. bacteria,
• many members of the Protoctista/Protista
kingdom, e.g. amoeba,
• some members of the Fungi kingdom, e.g.
yeast

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Structure of a Bacterium

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Functions of the structures of a

Bacterium Cell
Structures Functions
Capsule Slimy outer covering which
protects the cell .

Nucleoid Single, long coiled loop of DNA,

which controls all cellular
activities.
Plasmid
Flagellum Long, whip-like projection
Cell Wall made from murein, not cellulose.
Provides protection for the cell.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Home work
• Complete the table by writing the
functions of the missing organelles.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Functions of the structures in

Amoeba
Structures Functions
Cell Membrane: This is n layer of protein
and fat that surrounds the
amoeba. It allows the flow of
substances in and out of the
cell.

Nucleus: It is the brain of the Amoeba.

It contains genetic material
for its growth and manages
Amoeba's whole functioning.

Pseudopods: These are finger-like

projections that help the
Amoeba move about and
grab hold of food particles.
UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES
 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Home work
• Complete the table by writing the
functions of the missing organelles.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Observe the bacterium & the plant cell

and state the differences.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Differences between Prokaryotes

& Eukaryotes

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Cell Specialization
• What comes to mind when you hear the
word specialization?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

What are specialized cells?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

• Specialized cells are cells that are

adapted to carryout specific functions.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms
Cell Specialization

• Multicellular organisms are composed of several

different types of cells; each cell is differently adapted
to perform a specific function.

• As the cells are produced and developed, they change

their structure in some ways to specialise in a specific
function.
• This process of development is known as cell
differentiation.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Importance of Cell Specialization

1. Without cell specialization, organisms
would not be able to perform complex
functions. Each cell type is perfectly
adapted to its role, and the efficiency of
the organism as a whole is increased.
For example, if all cells were the same, the
organism would have to rely on diffusion
for the transport of substances, which is
a slow and inefficient process.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

But thanks to the specialisation of blood

cells, substances can be transported quickly
and efficiently around the body.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

2. cell specialization allows for the

development
of complex structures.

For example, the human brain is made up of

billions of specialised nerve cells that work
together to process information. Without
cell specialisation, such complex structures
would not be possible.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Cell Specialization
• Specialized plant and animal cells and
their adaptations.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Identify the following tools & state

• How are these tools adapted to carry out
their specific functions?

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

What link can you identify between the

tools and cells that are considered
specialized cells?

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Identify the following Specialized cell &

state
• How are these cells adapted to carry out
their specific functions?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Type of cell?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Type of cell?

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Specializes cells in Animals

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Sperm Cell

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Ovum/Egg Cell
The egg cell, has several adaptations that allow it to carry out its
function as the female reproductive cell.
• It is larger than a normal cell and has the basic cell organelles,
structures, and extra nutrients necessary to begin embryonic
development if fertilized by a sperm cell.
•It also has a special jellylike coating, which hardens immediately after
fertilization. This prevents more than one sperm cell from fertilizing
the same egg cell.
• Perhaps most importantly, the egg cell has half of the genetic
material that will be inherited by the offspring. This is called a haploid
cell. The other half of the genetic material is delivered to the egg cell
by the sperm cell.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Examples of specialized cells in plants and animals:

Red blood cells

• supply oxygen to other body cells;
Adaptations
• contain red pigment called haemoglobin – combine
easily with oxygen;
• do not have nucleus – can pack more haemoglobin;
• are biconcave shaped – increase surface area;
• have an elastic cell membrane – allows them to be
squeezed through narrow cap

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Muscle Cell

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Specializes cells in plants

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Examples of specialized cells in plants and animals:

Xylem vessels
• are pipe-like columns;

Functions
• provide support;
• transport water and mineral salts from roots to other
parts.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Xylem Vessels
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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Leaf cells

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Plant Cells & Adaptation

Plant Cells Adaptation
Palisade mesophyll cell 1. Cells are arranged at 90° to the leaf’s
surface to minimize the loss of sunlight
energy which occurs as it passes
through cell walls.
2. Contains a large number of
chloroplasts to maximize the amount of
light energy absorbed.

Spongy mesophyll cell rounded cells with air spaces between

them to allow diffuse of gases.
Epidermal cells These cells combine to form flattened
sheets of epidermal tissues which
protects the surfaces of leaves, stems
and roots.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Plant Cells & Adaptation

Plant Cell Adaptation

Vascular bundle (vein)

Xylem transports water mineral salts.

Phloem transport sugar

Stomata Contain guard cells which open

and closes to allow diffusion of
gases into and out of cells

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Examples of specialized cells in plants and animals:

Root hair cell

• has a long narrow extension of the cell;
• has a large surface area to volume ratio;
Adaption
• increases the rate of
diffusion of water
and mineral salts.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Give the name of two plant organs

1.

2.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Fig 3.20: Plant organs

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Plant Systems

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Levels of Organization in animals

• Cell organization

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Cell Organisation

• Some organisms, such as bacteria, are unicellular,

consisting of a single cell. Other organisms, such as
humans, are multicellular, or have many cells − an
estimated 100,000,000,000,000 cells!
• Multicellular organisms are composed of several
different types of cells organised into organ systems
which work with one another to ensure that the whole
organism functions effectively.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Cell Organisation

The different levels of organisation are as follows:

1. Similar cells work together as tissues to carry out a
particular function.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

2. Different tissues work together as an organ to carry

out a particular function.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

3. Different organs work together as an organ system to

carry out a particular function.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

4. An organism consists
of several organ
systems with each
carrying out its own
function.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Other systems include the:

• respiratory system,
• circulatory system,
• nervous system,
• digestive system,
• excretory system,
• muscular skeletal system, and
• reproductive system.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Levels of organization in Plants

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Levels of Organization
in Plants

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function
3.2 Cell Specialisation in Multicellular Organisms

Cell Organisation
• Plants are also multicellular organisms.
• Epidermal cells make up the epidermal tissue. Xylem
cells and phloem cells make up the vascular tissue.
Many other cells of the cortex and pith make up the
supporting tissue of the stems.
• These different plant tissues group together to form
the plant organs – the roots, leaves and flowers.
• The different organs make up the organ systems of the
plant – the roots or shoots system.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Levels of Organization in Plants

Cells Tissues Organs System Organism

Epidermal cells (root hair cells) epidermal tissue root (organ)

Root System Plant

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Key Concepts
Cell structure and organelles
• All plant and animal cells have a cell membrane made up of
cell membrane, cytoplasm, a nucleus which contains
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and rod-shaped structures
involved in respiration called mitochondria.
• Plant cells are also surrounded by a cell wall which is made up
of cellulose. The cell wall is fully permeable unlike the cell
membrane which is partially permeable. The cell membrane
controls the movement of substances into and out of the cell.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Key Concepts
Cell structure and organelles
• Plant cells are occupied by a large central vacuole which
contains a solution of salts and sugars called cell sap. This
vacuole is surrounded by a membrane known as the
tonoplast.
• Animal cells may also contain vacuoles; however they are
smaller and scattered throughout the cytoplasm.
• Chloroplasts are found in plant cells which photosynthesise.
They contain a pigment called chlorophyll.

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES

 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

Key Concepts
Cell specialisation and organisation
• Cells become specialised in structure to perform a specific
function in a process called cell differentiation.
• Similar cells work together as a tissue to carry out a particular
function.
• Different tissues work together as an organ to carry out a
particular function.
• Different organs work together as an organ system to carry
out a particular function.
• A multicellular organism is made up of many organ systems
working together.

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 CHAPTER 3 Cell Structure and Function

UNIT II LIFE PROCESSES