Why is "Thinking mitochondria (or ribosomes) are found only in animal cells" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: Students pair 'chloroplasts = plant' and wrongly assume mitochondria must be the animal-only equivalent. How to avoid it: Mitochondria and ribosomes are in **both** plant and animal cells — every living cell respires and makes proteins. Only the cell wall, chloroplasts and large permanent vacuole are plant-only. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports

Why is "Confusing the cell wall with the cell membrane" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: Both surround the cell, so students mix up their names and jobs. How to avoid it: The **cell wall** (cellulose) gives **support**; the **cell membrane** (inside the wall) **controls what enters and leaves**. The membrane is present in all cells; the wall is plant-only. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports 2023–2024

Why is "Writing 'cell wall' without naming cellulose" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: Students forget the material is the discriminator and that fungi/bacteria also have walls. How to avoid it: Always write **cellulose** cell wall for plant cells — naming the material is often the marked detail. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports

Why is "Saying only plant cells have any vacuole at all" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: The 'plant-only' rule is over-applied to all vacuoles. How to avoid it: Animal cells can have **small temporary** vacuoles. The plant-only feature is specifically a **large permanent vacuole** containing cell sap — state it in full. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports

Why is "Confusing chloroplasts with mitochondria (or photosynthesis with respiration)" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: Both are organelles linked to energy, so they get swapped. How to avoid it: **Chloroplasts** carry out **photosynthesis** (make food, plant-only); **mitochondria** carry out **respiration** (release energy, all cells). They are different structures with opposite jobs. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports

Why is "Giving only one side in a 'difference' question" a common mistake in Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences?

Why it happens: Students list what the plant cell has but never mention the animal cell. How to avoid it: A difference needs **both sides**: e.g. 'the plant cell has chloroplasts **whereas** the animal cell does not'. One-sided answers lose the comparison mark. Source: Edexcel Biology examiner reports 2022–2024

Edexcel IGCSE Science(Double Award)-Biology (4WSD0-1B)

Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

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Detailed Study Notes

Detailed notes on Structure and Functions in Living Organisms for Edexcel IGCSE Science(Double Award)-Biology, covering key concepts, explanations, examples, and exam-focused revision points.

Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences — Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) Biology (4WSD0-1B) Study Notes

The structure and function of the cell parts you must know — nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes and vacuole — and exactly what plant cells have that animal cells do not. Covers Double Award Biology spec 2.2–2.4, assessed on Biology Paper 1 (4WSD0/1B).

At a glance

In BOTH plant and animal cells: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Only in plant cells: cell wall (cellulose), chloroplasts, and a large permanent vacuole.
Nucleus = controls the cell + holds the DNA (genetic material).
Cell membrane = controls what enters and leaves the cell (selectively permeable).
Mitochondria = where aerobic respiration happens → releases energy.
Ribosomes = where protein synthesis happens.
Chloroplasts = where photosynthesis happens (contain chlorophyll) — plant only.
Cell wall = made of cellulose, supports and strengthens the cell — plant only.

What you’ll learn

Mapped to the Edexcel IGCSE 4SD0 syllabus (2026 onwards).

2.2 — Describe cell structures, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, mitochondria, chloroplasts, ribosomes and vacuole.
2.3 — Describe the functions of the cell structures in 2.2.
2.4 — Understand the similarities and differences in the structure of plant and animal cells.

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 →

Structures found ONLY in plant cells

Plant cells add three extras: cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.

Plant cells have everything an animal cell has plus three extra structures:

Cell wall — a rigid outer layer made of cellulose. It supports and strengthens the cell and gives it a fixed shape. (Animal cells have no cell wall.)
Chloroplasts — green structures that contain the pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light so the cell can carry out photosynthesis to make food (glucose). Found in the green parts of plants, e.g. leaves.
Large permanent vacuole — a big, fluid-filled sac containing cell sap. When full, it pushes outwards and keeps the cell firm (turgid), helping support the plant.

Exam tip. Be precise about the wall: write "cellulose cell wall", not just "cell wall" — fungi and bacteria have walls too, but of different materials. Also note animal cells can have small temporary vacuoles, so the discriminating feature is the large permanent vacuole.

Plant-only: cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts, large permanent vacuole.
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
The large permanent vacuole keeps the plant cell firm (turgid).

See the full worked example for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences →

Each structure and its function (spec 2.3)

Learn one job per structure — examiners want the function, not just the name.

The most reliable Paper 1 marks come from matching each structure to one clear function:

Structure	Function	In animal?	In plant?
Nucleus	Controls the cell; contains DNA/genetic material	✓	✓
Cytoplasm	Site of most chemical reactions	✓	✓
Cell membrane	Controls what enters and leaves the cell	✓	✓
Mitochondria	Site of aerobic respiration (release energy)	✓	✓
Ribosomes	Site of protein synthesis	✓	✓
Cell wall	Cellulose; supports and strengthens the cell	✗	✓
Chloroplasts	Contain chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis	✗	✓
Vacuole (large, permanent)	Filled with cell sap; keeps cell firm (turgid)	✗	✓

Exam tip. Questions often give the structure and ask for the function, or vice versa. The verbs matter: nucleus controls, membrane controls movement, mitochondria release energy, ribosomes make proteins, chloroplasts photosynthesise, wall supports.

Function verbs: controls, controls movement, respires, makes proteins, photosynthesises, supports.
Cell wall = support; chloroplast = photosynthesis; vacuole = keeps cell firm.
Don't confuse: cell wall (support) is NOT the cell membrane (controls movement).

See the full worked example for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences →

Labelled diagrams of an animal and a plant cell

Recognise and label both cells — the plant cell has the three extra parts on the outside/inside.

You must be able to recognise and label both an animal cell and a plant cell, and spot the differences at a glance.

The plant cell (right) has the same core parts as the animal cell PLUS a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.

How to tell them apart instantly: an animal cell is usually rounded/irregular with no wall; a plant cell is box-shaped with a clear wall, often green chloroplasts, and a big central vacuole.

Animal cell: rounded, no wall, no chloroplasts, no large vacuole.
Plant cell: box-shaped, cellulose wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole.
Label the membrane INSIDE the wall — they are two different layers.

See the full worked example for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences →

Comparing plant and animal cells (spec 2.4)

Same five core parts; plant adds three. State BOTH sides for comparison marks.

Spec 2.4 asks for similarities AND differences.

Similarities — both have:

a nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane,
mitochondria and ribosomes,
both are eukaryotic cells.

Differences — only the plant cell has:

a cellulose cell wall (animal: none),
chloroplasts (animal: none),
a large permanent vacuole (animal: at most a small temporary one).

Exam tip. In a "compare" question you score by giving both sides of each point: e.g. "the plant cell has a cellulose cell wall whereas the animal cell has no cell wall." A bare list of one side rarely gets the comparison mark.

Similarities: nucleus, cytoplasm, membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Three plant-only differences: cell wall, chloroplasts, large permanent vacuole.
Comparison questions need BOTH sides ('plant has… whereas animal has not…').

See the full worked example for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences →

Quick recap

Both cells share: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Plant cells also have: cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large permanent vacuole.
Functions: nucleus controls/stores DNA; membrane controls movement; mitochondria respire; ribosomes make proteins.
Plant-only functions: wall supports, chloroplasts photosynthesise, vacuole keeps the cell firm.
Compare by stating BOTH sides — e.g. plant has chloroplasts whereas animal does not.

Memorise this

Verbatim phrases and definitions Edexcel mark schemes credit.

Shared structures: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes.
Plant-only structures: cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts, large permanent vacuole.
Nucleus = controls cell + holds DNA; cell membrane = controls what enters/leaves.
Mitochondria = aerobic respiration; ribosomes = protein synthesis.
Chloroplasts = photosynthesis (contain chlorophyll); cell wall = support (cellulose).
Large permanent vacuole = cell sap, keeps the plant cell firm (turgid).
Cell wall ≠ cell membrane: wall supports, membrane controls movement.

How it’s examined

Assessed on Biology Paper 1 (4WSD0/1B), 2 hours, 110 marks, untiered — Double Award has no separate Biology Paper 2. Common question shapes: label a diagram of a plant or animal cell; match structures to functions (table or lines); 'give two differences between a plant and an animal cell' (2–4 marks); and 'name the structure where respiration / photosynthesis / protein synthesis happens'. Naming cellulose, chloroplasts and the large permanent vacuole are reliable discriminator marks.

Sources: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Science (Double Award) 4SD0 specification — Issue 4, September 2024 (valid for 2026 onwards); Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology 4BI1 specification — Issue 4 (shared Biology Paper 1 content); Pearson Edexcel 4SD0 / 4BI1 examiner reports 2022–2024. Last reviewed 2026-06-04.

Take this whole topic with you

Step-by-step worked examples — Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

Step-by-step solutions to past-paper-style questions on animal & plant cells: similarities & differences, written exactly the way a tutor would explain them at the board.

Question type:

1Name the structure from its job (Getting started)
Getting startedIdentify & classify• 4WSD0/1B style — short answer• functions, spec-2.3
Question
Name the cell structure that (a) controls the activities of the cell and (b) controls what enters and leaves the cell. (2 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  (a) (1). The nucleus controls the cell's activities and contains the DNA.
2. Step 2
  (b) (1). The cell membrane controls what substances enter and leave the cell.
Answer
(a) Nucleus; (b) cell membrane.
Examiner tip
Keep the two 'controls' jobs separate: the nucleus controls the CELL; the membrane controls MOVEMENT in and out.
2Three plant-only structures (Getting started)
Getting startedIdentify & classify• 4WSD0/1B style — short answer• plant-cell, spec-2.4
Question
Name three structures that are found in a plant cell but NOT in an animal cell. (3 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Cell wall (1). Made of cellulose — animal cells have none.
2. Step 2
  Chloroplasts (1). For photosynthesis — animal cells have none.
3. Step 3
  Large permanent vacuole (1). Filled with cell sap — animal cells have at most a small temporary one.
Answer
Cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.
Examiner tip
Mitochondria and ribosomes are NOT the answer — they are in both cell types. The three extras are wall, chloroplasts, large vacuole.
3Match structures to their functions (Building confidence)
Building confidenceGraph or diagram• 4WSD0/1B style — structured• functions, spec-2.2, spec-2.3
Question
State the function of each of these structures: (a) mitochondria, (b) ribosomes, (c) chloroplasts, (d) cell wall. (4 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  (a) Mitochondria (1). Site of aerobic respiration — release energy for the cell.
2. Step 2
  (b) Ribosomes (1). Site of protein synthesis — where proteins are made.
3. Step 3
  (c) Chloroplasts (1). Contain chlorophyll; site of photosynthesis to make food.
4. Step 4
  (d) Cell wall (1). Made of cellulose; supports and strengthens the cell.
Answer
Mitochondria = aerobic respiration (release energy); ribosomes = protein synthesis; chloroplasts = photosynthesis; cell wall = support/strength.
Examiner tip
Use the function verb. 'Mitochondria give energy' is weak — say they are the site of respiration which releases energy.
4Identify a cell from a diagram (Building confidence)
Building confidenceGraph or diagram• 4WSD0/1B style — structured• plant-cell, animal-cell, spec-2.4
Question
A student views a cell under a microscope. It is box-shaped, has a rigid outer layer, several small green structures and one large fluid-filled sac in the centre. Is it a plant or an animal cell? Give two reasons. (3 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Conclusion (1). It is a plant cell.
2. Step 2
  Reason 1 (1). It has a rigid outer cell wall (cellulose), which animal cells lack.
3. Step 3
  Reason 2 (1). It has chloroplasts (green structures) and a large permanent vacuole — both absent from animal cells.
Answer
Plant cell — it has a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole, none of which are found in an animal cell.
Examiner tip
Justify with the plant-ONLY features. 'It has a nucleus' is not a reason — animal cells have one too.
5Compare a plant and an animal cell (Stretch)
StretchMulti-step problem• 4WSD0/1B style — extended• comparison, spec-2.4
Question
Give two similarities and two differences between a typical plant cell and a typical animal cell. (4 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Similarity 1 (1). Both have a nucleus, cytoplasm and cell membrane.
2. Step 2
  Similarity 2 (1). Both have mitochondria and ribosomes.
3. Step 3
  Difference 1 (1). The plant cell has a cellulose cell wall whereas the animal cell has none.
4. Step 4
  Difference 2 (1). The plant cell has chloroplasts (and a large permanent vacuole) whereas the animal cell does not.
Answer
Similarities: both have a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes. Differences: plant cell has a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts (and large permanent vacuole) whereas the animal cell has none of these.
Examiner tip
For DIFFERENCES state both sides ('plant has… whereas animal has not…'). A one-sided list often loses the comparison mark.
6Reason about where photosynthesis can occur (Stretch)
StretchWord problem• 4WSD0/1B style — extended• chloroplasts, function, spec-2.3, spec-2.4
Question
Root cells of a plant do not contain chloroplasts. Explain why a plant root cannot photosynthesise, and name the structure where respiration still takes place in those cells. (3 marks)
Step-by-step solution
1. Step 1
  Link to structure (1). Photosynthesis happens in chloroplasts (which contain chlorophyll).
2. Step 2
  Apply (1). Root cells have no chloroplasts, so they cannot absorb light / carry out photosynthesis (also the root is underground in the dark).
3. Step 3
  Respiration (1). Respiration still occurs in the mitochondria of the root cells.
Answer
Without chloroplasts there is no chlorophyll to absorb light, so the root cells cannot photosynthesise; respiration still takes place in their mitochondria.
Examiner tip
This tests that you link the FUNCTION to the STRUCTURE: no chloroplast → no photosynthesis, but mitochondria (and so respiration) are present in every living cell.

Model Answers — Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

High-scoring sample answers for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences on the Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology Paper 1 (4WSD0/1B) paper, with examiner-style notes mapping each response to the mark scheme and assessment objectives.

Question 1
4WSD0/1B style4 marks
Name three structures found in both plant and animal cells, and state the function of one of them. (4 marks)
Model answer
Three structures found in both cell types (any three for 3 marks):

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

Cell membrane

Mitochondria

Ribosomes

Function of one (1 mark), e.g. the nucleus controls the activities of the cell and contains the DNA (or: the mitochondria are the site of aerobic respiration; the ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis).
Why this scores
1 mark per correct shared structure (max 3) + 1 mark for a correct function. Do NOT list cell wall, chloroplasts or vacuole — those are plant-only.
Question 2
4WSD0/1B style2 marks
State the function of (a) the cell membrane and (b) the chloroplast. (2 marks)
Model answer
(a) Cell membrane (1) — controls what substances move into and out of the cell (it is selectively/partially permeable).

(b) Chloroplast (1) — contains chlorophyll and is the site of photosynthesis, where the plant cell makes food (glucose).
Why this scores
1 mark each. For the membrane, 'controls movement in and out' is the key idea — don't confuse it with the cell wall, which gives support.

Question 3

4WSD0/1B style6 marks

Describe three structural differences between a typical plant cell and a typical animal cell. (6 marks)

Model answer

Structure	Plant cell	Animal cell
Cell wall	Present — made of cellulose, gives support	Absent
Chloroplasts	Present — for photosynthesis	Absent
Vacuole	One large permanent vacuole of cell sap	None, or only small temporary ones

Each row gives a difference with both sides stated, which is what earns the comparison marks (1 mark for naming the structure, 1 mark for contrasting plant vs animal — 3 differences × 2).

Why this scores

Each difference must state BOTH sides. Naming 'cellulose' and 'large permanent vacuole' specifically secures the discriminator marks.

Question 4

4WSD0/1B style5 marks

Copy and complete a table giving the function of the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, cell wall and cell membrane. (5 marks)

Model answer

Structure	Function
Nucleus	Controls the activities of the cell; contains the DNA (genetic material)
Mitochondria	Site of aerobic respiration — release energy for the cell
Ribosomes	Site of protein synthesis — where proteins are made
Cell wall	Made of cellulose; supports and strengthens the cell
Cell membrane	Controls what substances enter and leave the cell

Why this scores

1 mark per correct function. Examiners reward the precise verb — 'site of respiration', 'makes proteins', 'controls movement' — and penalise wall/membrane mix-ups.

Question 5
4WSD0/1B style — extended open response8 marks
Compare the structure of a plant cell and an animal cell, giving the similarities and the differences between them, and the function of each structure you mention. (8 marks)
Model answer
Similarities (both cells have):

a nucleus — controls the cell and contains the DNA;

cytoplasm — where most chemical reactions take place;

a cell membrane — controls what enters and leaves the cell;

mitochondria — site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy;

ribosomes — site of protein synthesis.

Differences (only the plant cell has):

a cellulose cell wall — supports and strengthens the cell, giving it a fixed shape (the animal cell has no wall);

chloroplasts — contain chlorophyll and carry out photosynthesis (the animal cell has none);

a large permanent vacuole — filled with cell sap, keeping the cell firm/turgid (the animal cell has at most a small temporary vacuole).
Why this scores
Up to ~4 marks for shared structures + functions and ~4 for the three plant-only structures + functions. Stating both sides of each difference and naming cellulose/chlorophyll secures full credit.
Question 6
4WSD0/1B style — extended open response8 marks
A diagram shows a plant cell with parts labelled A (outer rigid layer), B (green oval bodies), C (large central sac) and D (sausage-shaped bodies). Name A–D and explain how each helps the cell function. (8 marks)
Model answer
A — Cell wall. Made of cellulose; it supports and strengthens the cell, giving the cell a fixed shape and helping the plant stay upright.

B — Chloroplasts. They contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light so the cell can carry out photosynthesis to make food (glucose).

C — Large permanent vacuole. Filled with cell sap; when full it pushes outwards and keeps the cell firm (turgid), which helps support the plant.

D — Mitochondria. The site of aerobic respiration, which releases energy for the cell's activities.

(1 mark for naming each of A–D + 1 mark for each correct function = 8.)
Why this scores
Naming + function for each labelled part. A common error is to confuse B (chloroplasts) with mitochondria — chloroplasts are green and photosynthesise; mitochondria respire and are in every cell.

Key Definitions and Keywords — Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

Definitions to memorise and the exact keywords mark schemes credit for animal & plant cells: similarities & differences answers — sharpened from recent examiner reports for the 2026 Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology Paper 1 (4WSD0/1B) sitting.

Nucleus
Examiner keyword
The structure that controls the activities of the cell and contains the genetic material (DNA). Found in both plant and animal cells.
Cytoplasm
Examiner keyword
The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and where most of the cell's chemical reactions take place.
Cell membrane
Examiner keyword
The thin layer surrounding the cell that controls which substances enter and leave it (selectively/partially permeable). Present in both plant and animal cells.
Cell wall
Examiner keyword
A rigid outer layer made of cellulose that supports and strengthens a plant cell, giving it a fixed shape. Found only in plant cells (not animal cells).
Mitochondria
Examiner keyword
Sausage-shaped structures that are the site of aerobic respiration, releasing energy for the cell. Found in both plant and animal cells.
Chloroplast
Examiner keyword
A green structure containing chlorophyll where photosynthesis takes place. Found only in plant cells (in the green parts of the plant).
Ribosome
Examiner keyword
A tiny structure that is the site of protein synthesis (where proteins are made). Found in both plant and animal cells.
Vacuole (large permanent)
Examiner keyword
A large, fluid-filled sac containing cell sap that keeps a plant cell firm (turgid). Plant cells have a large permanent vacuole; animal cells have at most small temporary ones.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions — Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

The traps other students keep falling into on animal & plant cells: similarities & differences questions — taken from recent Pearson Edexcel IGCSE Biology Paper 1 (4WSD0/1B) examiner reports and mark schemes — and how to avoid them.

✕Thinking mitochondria (or ribosomes) are found only in animal cells
Edexcel Biology examiner reports
Why it happens
Students pair 'chloroplasts = plant' and wrongly assume mitochondria must be the animal-only equivalent.
How to avoid it
Mitochondria and ribosomes are in both plant and animal cells — every living cell respires and makes proteins. Only the cell wall, chloroplasts and large permanent vacuole are plant-only.
✕Confusing the cell wall with the cell membrane
Edexcel Biology examiner reports 2023–2024
Why it happens
Both surround the cell, so students mix up their names and jobs.
How to avoid it
The cell wall (cellulose) gives support; the cell membrane (inside the wall) controls what enters and leaves. The membrane is present in all cells; the wall is plant-only.
✕Writing 'cell wall' without naming cellulose
Edexcel Biology examiner reports
Why it happens
Students forget the material is the discriminator and that fungi/bacteria also have walls.
How to avoid it
Always write cellulose cell wall for plant cells — naming the material is often the marked detail.
✕Saying only plant cells have any vacuole at all
Edexcel Biology examiner reports
Why it happens
The 'plant-only' rule is over-applied to all vacuoles.
How to avoid it
Animal cells can have small temporary vacuoles. The plant-only feature is specifically a large permanent vacuole containing cell sap — state it in full.
✕Confusing chloroplasts with mitochondria (or photosynthesis with respiration)
Edexcel Biology examiner reports
Why it happens
Both are organelles linked to energy, so they get swapped.
How to avoid it
Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis (make food, plant-only); mitochondria carry out respiration (release energy, all cells). They are different structures with opposite jobs.
✕Giving only one side in a 'difference' question
Edexcel Biology examiner reports 2022–2024
Why it happens
Students list what the plant cell has but never mention the animal cell.
How to avoid it
A difference needs both sides: e.g. 'the plant cell has chloroplasts whereas the animal cell does not'. One-sided answers lose the comparison mark.

Animal & Plant Cells: Similarities & Differences

Detailed Study Notes

At a glance

What you’ll learn

Quick recap

Memorise this

How it’s examined

Take this whole topic with you

1Name the structure from its job (Getting started)

2Three plant-only structures (Getting started)

3Match structures to their functions (Building confidence)

4Identify a cell from a diagram (Building confidence)

5Compare a plant and an animal cell (Stretch)

6Reason about where photosynthesis can occur (Stretch)

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

Cell membrane

Cell wall

Mitochondria

Chloroplast

Ribosome

Vacuole (large permanent)

✕Thinking mitochondria (or ribosomes) are found only in animal cells

✕Confusing the cell wall with the cell membrane

✕Writing 'cell wall' without naming cellulose

✕Saying only plant cells have any vacuole at all

✕Confusing chloroplasts with mitochondria (or photosynthesis with respiration)

✕Giving only one side in a 'difference' question