Characteristics of a living organism-

Movement- An action by an organism or a part of an organism that causes a change of

position
Respiration- The chemical reaction in cells that break down cells and release energy for
respiration.
Sensitivity- The ability to detect or sense stimuli in the internal or external environment and
to make appropriate responses.
Growth- A permanent increase in size and dry mass by an increase in cell number or cell size
or both.
Reproduction (sexual)- a process involving the furtum of a make gamete to form a zygote
and the production offering they are genetically different from each other.
Reproduction (asexual)- A process resulting in the production of genetically identical
offspring from one parent.
Excretion- Removal from organisms of the waste product metabolism (chemical reactions in
cells including respiration) toxic materials and substances in excess of requirements.
Nutrition- Taking in of materials for energy, growth and development. E.g. Plants require
light, carbon dioxide, water and ions.

Cell structure and organization-

All living organisms are composed of at least one cell. Microscopes are needed to identify
cells as they cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Cells can be categorized into prokaryotic (bacterial cells) and eukaryotic cells (animals and
plant cells). No matter what cell it is, they all have: cell membrane, DNA, cytoplasm and
ribosomes.

Animal and plant cells-

An animal cell has an irregular shape and can change shape due to its lack of cell wall- the
organelle which holds the cell into a fixed position.
Some of the structures in an animal cell include:

Nucleus- carries the genetic information (DNA) and

controls all cell metabolism.
Cell membrane- acts as a semi-permeable barrier,
allowing the movement of molecules across
according to its size and concentration.
Cytoplasm- Internal fluid where a chemical reaction
takes place
Mitochondria- Performs aerobic cellular respiration
releasing energy.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum- interconnected
membranes with ribosomes attached.
Ribosomes- responsible for producing proteins
Vesicles- carry protein to the outside of the cell membrane, releasing the contents to the
extra cellular fluid. Can also store protein and carbohydrate contents.
Animal cells are shaped irregularly because of the lack of a cell wall.

Plant cells-

A plant cell’s structures include-

Nucleus- carries the genetic information (DNA) and controls all cell metabolism.
Cell membrane- acts as a semi-permeable barrier, allowing the movement of molecules
across according to its size and concentration.
Cytoplasm- Internal fluid where a chemical reaction takes place
Mitochondria- Performs aerobic cellular respiration releasing energy.
Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum- interconnected membranes with ribosomes attached.
Ribosomes- responsible for producing proteins
Vesicles- carry protein to the outside of the cell membrane, releasing the contents to the
extra cellular fluid. Can also store protein and carbohydrate contents.
Vacuole- occupies the majority of a central large space. It stores cell sap (amino acids,
water, sugars, ions and toxic wastes)
Chloroplasts- contains chlorophyll (green pigment)
responsible for photosynthesis.
Cell wall- Composed of cellulose and located outside the
plasma membrane, it is thicker and more permeable than
the cell membrane. It is responsible for cell support and
shape.

Comparing animal and plant cells-

All structures presented in animal cells are also in plant cells. However, plant cells have 3
extra ones that animal cells don’t have: Cell wall, chloroplasts and large central vacuole.

Identification of organelles in cell images-

In this picture, we can see that the RER, the mitochondria and the nucleus is in an animal
cell. We can see that the RER is around the nucleus and while the mitochondria is dispersed
in the cytoplasm.
The number of mitochondria in a cell can vary according to its metabolic rate, as areas
which need more energy need more to be able to function properly. This is another example
of an animal cell.