Cell structure & function
What cell structure & function means
You learn how plant and animal cells are built and how each organelle helps the cell work. This matters because many exam questions ask you to match cell parts with their functions and compare plant cells with animal cells.
What you will practise
- Name cell organelles from simple diagrams and short descriptions
- Match each organelle to its main function
- Compare plant cells with animal cells
- Spot structures found only in plant cells
- Choose the correct cell part for a given job
Before you start
You should already know that living things are made of cells and that cells are the basic unit of life. It also helps if you can read simple science diagrams and key terms like plant cell and animal cell.
Worked example
One question from this skill's own question bank, shown with its full working.
Which organelle is called the powerhouse of the cell?
- Nucleus
- Mitochondrion
- Ribosome
- Vacuole
Working: The mitochondrion releases energy through respiration, so it is called the powerhouse of the cell.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up the nucleus and mitochondrion, so check which one controls the cell and which one releases energy.
- Forgetting that the cell wall is in plant cells, not animal cells, so compare both cell types carefully.
- Thinking every cell part has the same role, so learn the specific function of each organelle.
- Confusing the cell membrane with the cell wall, so note that the membrane is in both plant and animal cells.
Curriculum and exam alignment
In SHS 1-3, this topic normally appears in the cells and diversity of life part of Integrated Science. It supports WASSCE preparation by building the vocabulary and comparison skills often needed for cell structure questions.
Curriculum notes are a general guide to where this work normally sits. Always check the syllabus your school or examination body is currently using.
Related skills
Other SHS Integrated Science: Cells & Diversity of Life skills in Science, at the same point in the course.
Other Science topics
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Exams that assess cell structure & function
Senior High work on this skill feeds directly into these exam papers. Each page lists the Science topics that appear on it.
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Practise cell structure & function
6 questions with a worked answer after every attempt, and a SmartScore that tracks how close you are to mastery.