Structure of Eukaryotic Cells
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 1.2.3
Types of Eukaryotic Cells
Eukaryotic cells have similar structures across different types of organisms. But there are some key differences that are outlined here.
Animal cell
- Most animal cells have the following organelles:
- Mitochondria.
- Ribosomes.
- Endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
- Golgi.
- Lysosomes.
- Nucleus.
- Animal cells are enclosed by a cell membrane.
Plant cell
- Plant cells contain all the organelles found in animal cells.
- Plant cells also possess:
- Vacuole (a repository of cell sap).
- Chloroplasts (the site of photosynthesis).
- Cell wall (made of cellulose and contains plasmodesmata, through which cells exchange substances with each other).
Algal cells
- Algal cells and plant cells have an identical set of organelles.
Fungal cells
- Fungal cells are similar to plant cells, apart from:
- There are no chloroplasts in fungal cells.
- The cell walls of fungal cells are made from chitin instead of cellulose.
Test yourself on Structure of Eukaryotic Cells
Which of these organelles are NOT found in animal cells?
Which organelles are present in plant cells but not in animal cells?
Which of these eukaryotes does NOT have a cell wall?