Structures found in BOTH plant and animal cells
Five parts are common to both — nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, so they share these structures:
- Nucleus — a large, round structure that controls the activities of the cell and contains the genetic material (DNA) organised into chromosomes.
- Cytoplasm — a jelly-like substance that fills the cell and is where most chemical reactions take place. Many organelles sit within it.
- Cell membrane (cell-surface membrane) — a thin layer surrounding the cell that controls what substances move in and out (it is selectively / partially permeable).
- Mitochondria (singular: mitochondrion) — sausage-shaped structures where aerobic respiration occurs, releasing energy for the cell.
- Ribosomes — tiny structures where proteins are made (protein synthesis).
Exam tip. Notice that mitochondria and ribosomes are in BOTH cell types. A common slip is to think mitochondria are "animal only" or chloroplasts and mitochondria are the same thing — they are not.
- Nucleus controls the cell and stores DNA.
- Mitochondria = respiration; ribosomes = protein synthesis (both cell types).
- Cell membrane controls movement in and out of the cell.
See the full worked example for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences →