Describe the similarities and differences between animal and plant cells and the function of each component found in them.

An animals cell contains a cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm and ribosomes. A plant cell contains all of these components as well as a cell wall, chloroplasts and a vacuole. A cell membrane is permeable to some substances but not all and so controls what leaves and enters the cell. A nucleus contains all the genetic information of the cell and therefore controls the cell's activities. Mitochondria are are the site of respiration in the cell and contain enzymes that allow this process to occur. The cytoplasm is a jelly like structure that fills the cell and is where the organelles are found. It contains many chemicals and is where a lot of chemical reactions occur. Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis. The cell wall provides structural support to the cell and therefore the plant. It is made of cellulose fibres. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the site of photosynthesis . They contain many photosynthetic enzymes. The vacuole is filled with cell sap and is responsible for maintaining turgor and therefore providing support to the cell.