Animal and plant cells

State that all living organisms are composed of cells.
Distinguish between unicellular and multicellular organisms, providing examples of each.
Identify and state the functions of the main organelles found in typical plant and animal cells.

All living things are made of cells.
Some living things (like bacteria) are made of just one cell, while others (like plants and animals) are made of many cells.
Plant cells have a more regular structure than animal cells, allowing them to fit together tightly like bricks.

Plant cells contain all the same parts as an animal cell but also contain:
Cell wall: A rigid structure made of cellulose that provides support and strength.
Vacuole: Contains cell sap, a watery fluid that keeps the cell firm.
Chloroplasts: The site of photosynthesis, which uses sunlight to produce energy.

Animal cell (left) and plant cell (right)

Cells: The fundamental structural and functional units of all living organisms.
Unicellular: Describes an organism that is made up of only a single cell (e.g., bacteria).
Multicellular: Describes an organism that is made up of many cells working together (e.g., plants, animals).
Nucleus: The central organelle in eukaryotic cells that controls cell activities and contains the genetic material.
Cell membrane: A thin barrier surrounding the cell (and the nucleus) that controls what substances enter and exit.
Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell, surrounding the organelles, where many chemical reactions take place.
Mitochondria: Organelles responsible for respiration, releasing energy for the cell's activities.
Cell wall: A rigid outer layer, found in plant cells (and others), that provides structural support and protection.
Vacuole: A large, fluid-filled sac in plant cells that stores cell sap and helps maintain turgor pressure.
Chloroplasts: Organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs, converting light energy into food.

Investigate examples of specialised cells (e.g., nerve cells, muscle cells, palisade cells) and relate their structures to their specific functions.
Compare and contrast the structure of typical plant and animal cells with that of a bacterium (a prokaryotic cell).