---
title: "Parts of Plant and Animal Cells"
description: "Describe the functions of the main components of plant and animal cells: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, vacuole, mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/parts-of-plant-and-animal-cells-mt_bABr-c2DfV
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/parts-of-plant-and-animal-cells-mt_bABr-c2DfV.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Parts of Plant and Animal Cells

Describe the functions of the main components of plant and animal cells: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, vacuole, mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts

Subject: Science · Area: Organisms & Life Processes · Ages 11 to 12
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/parts-of-plant-and-animal-cells-mt_bABr-c2DfV

## Ready when they can

- Names the main organelles in plant and animal cells
- Explains the function of each organelle in their own words
- Links organelle function to the needs of the whole cell (e.g. mitochondria produce energy for cell activities)

## Lesson: The Parts Inside a Cell

You've already looked at cells under a microscope. Now zoom in further. Every cell is packed with tiny parts called organelles, and each one has its own job to do.

Every cell, plant or animal, has a cell membrane. It's a thin skin around the cell that controls what moves in and out, like food and waste. Plant cells have something extra outside the membrane: a stiff cell wall, which gives the cell a fixed shape and protects it.

Inside the membrane is the cytoplasm, a jelly-like liquid that fills the cell and holds the other parts in place. Tiny ribosomes float in the cytoplasm, building proteins the cell needs.

*(drawing: Plant and animal cells share 6 parts: membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, and vacuole. Only 2 parts are plant-only: the cell wall and chloroplasts.)*

**Example.** Zara compares a plant cell and an animal cell. Both have a nucleus, which holds the instructions for the whole cell, like a control room. Both also have mitochondria, which break down food to release energy for the cell's work. Only the plant cell has green chloroplasts, which trap sunlight to make food, and a large vacuole, a bag of water that keeps the cell firm.

**Tip.** Quick way to remember: the cell wall and chloroplasts belong only to plant cells. The membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, ribosomes, mitochondria, and vacuole show up in both.

**Recap.** Every organelle has one job, and together they keep the whole cell running.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Cells Under the Microscope](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/cells-under-the-microscope-mt_VfA4xo4kUv)

## Opens up

- [Plant cells vs animal cells](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/plant-cells-vs-animal-cells-mt_fhqBH9scsU)
- [Single-Celled Organisms](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/single-celled-organisms-mt_g9RcQOhU5d)
- [How Diffusion Works](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-diffusion-works-mt_i80I-1MLP2)
- [Cancer & Stem Cells](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/cancer-and-stem-cells-mt_roinupb_7L)
- [Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/prokaryotic-and-eukaryotic-cells-mt_vlL4GinuH6)