Animal cells, plant cells, and unicellular organisms

In a nutshell

Cells are the building blocks of life. Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell. Multicellular organisms, such as animals and plants, are made up of lots of cells. Animal cells and plant cells share many similarities and differences.

Animal cell

Animal cells have many different features. These are described below.

1.	Cytoplasm	The liquid component of the of the cell where most chemical reactions happen.
2.	Nucleus	This controls what happens in the cell and contains the genetic material.
3.	Mitochondria	Small structures where respiration takes place. Mitochondrion is the name given to one mitochondria.
4.	Cell membrane	A supportive outer layer that controls which substances enter and leave the cell.

Plant cell

Plant cells have many of the same features as animal cells but they also have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a vacuole.

1.	Nucleus	This controls what happens in the cell and contains the genetic material.
2.	Cytoplasm	The liquid component of the of the cell where most chemical reactions happen.
3.	Mitochondria	A small structure where respiration takes place. Mitochondrion is the name given to one mitochondria.
4.	Chloroplast	Structures that contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. This is where photosynthesis happens.
5.	Cell membrane	A supportive outer layer that controls which substances enter and leave the cell.
6.	Cell wall	A stiff extra outer layer made from cellulose. This extra layer provides strength and supports the plant cell.
7.	Vacuole	A sac that contains cell sap which contains salts and sugars. The vacuole keeps the plant cell rigid.

Multicellular and unicellular organisms

Cells are the basic building blocks of all animals and plants. Multicellular organisms, such as humans and animals, are made up of lots of cells. Unicellular organisms, like bacteria, are made up of just one cell. Unicellular organisms usually have adaptations to help them to survive.

Euglena

Euglena are unicellular organisms that live in the water.

Science; Cells and respiration; KS3 Year 7; Animal cells, plant cells, and unicellular organisms

1.	Their genetic material is found in the nucleus.
2.	They have chloroplasts that they can use for photosynthesis.
3.	They have a flagellum which is a tail-like structure that rotates to help them swim.

Amoeba

Amoeba are another example of unicellular organisms that can live in water.

Science; Cells and respiration; KS3 Year 7; Animal cells, plant cells, and unicellular organisms

1.	Their genetic material is found in the nucleus.
2.	They have a contractile vacuole that collects any water that enters the cell.
3.	They can contract (squeeze) it at the cell membrane to remove any water from the cell.