Plant vs Animal Cells
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Lesson overview
The structures found in plant cells but not animal cells, and why.
Go to lesson quiz →Exam guidance · WAEC WASSCE Paper 1 + Paper 2 Lens
Pacing
Objective speed on Paper 1 + structured step-by-step method marks on Paper 2 Theory/Practical.
How WAEC marks this
Examiners award method marks (M1) for stating the formula/definition and accuracy marks (A1) ONLY when SI units are written.
Watch out for
Writing bare numbers without working or omitting SI units loses up to 50% of Paper 2 marks even when the final value is right.
Lesson content
Overview — Plant vs Animal Cells
The structures found in plant cells but not animal cells, and why. This lesson is at the beginner level — by the end, you'll be able to recognise this question type, apply a reliable method, and avoid the traps that cost marks.
Key Concept
Plant cells have three structures animal cells lack: a rigid cell wall (for support), a large permanent vacuole (for storage), and chloroplasts (for photosynthesis).
Why It's Tested This Way
Comparing plant and animal cells is tested because it reinforces WHY each organelle exists — plants need to photosynthesise, store water and stay rigid without a skeleton, which is exactly what chloroplasts, vacuoles and the cell wall provide.
Method
To compare cell types, list what's PRESENT in one but ABSENT in the other, rather than just describing each cell separately.
Worked Example
Worked example: A palisade leaf cell (plant) has a cell wall, a large vacuole and chloroplasts, while a human cheek cell (animal) has none of these three structures.
Second Worked Example
Second worked example: A root hair cell (plant) has a cell wall and a large vacuole but few or no chloroplasts, since it's underground and doesn't photosynthesise — not every plant cell needs all three plant-only features equally.
Common Traps
Common trap: forgetting that plant cells ALSO have a cell membrane (like animal cells) in addition to their cell wall — the wall surrounds the membrane for extra strength, it doesn't replace it.
Lesson Summary
Remember: (1) identify what is being asked, (2) apply the WAEC strategy, (3) check against the traps. Complete the 10-question quiz below to unlock the next lesson — you need at least 60% to pass.
Mastery Check · Lesson Quiz · pass 60%
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