d-of-section questions a List six characteristics of all living organisms. b In which three ways do human cells differ from those of plants? c Draw a fully labelled diagram of the structure of a typical (unspecialised) animal cell and describe the function of each part.

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### a. Six Characteristics of All Living Organisms

1. **Cellular Organization**
   - All living organisms are composed of one or more cells, which are the basic units of life.

2. **Metabolism**
   - They exhibit chemical processes to convert energy from the environment into forms usable for growth, repair, and maintenance.

3. **Homeostasis**
   - Living organisms maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes.

4. **Growth and Development**
   - They undergo growth and develop according to specific instructions coded in their genetic material.

5. **Reproduction**
   - Living organisms have the ability to reproduce themselves, ensuring the continuation of their species.

6. **Response to Stimuli**
   - They can respond to environmental changes and stimuli, allowing them to adapt to their surroundings.

### b. Three Differences Between Human Cells and Plant Cells

1. **Presence of a Cell Wall**
   - **Plant Cells:** Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support.
   - **Human Cells:** Lack a cell wall; instead, they have a flexible cell membrane.

2. **Chloroplasts**
   - **Plant Cells:** Contain chloroplasts, which are the sites of photosynthesis.
   - **Human Cells:** Do not have chloroplasts since humans do not perform photosynthesis.

3. **Vacuoles**
   - **Plant Cells:** Typically have a large central vacuole that maintains cell turgor and stores nutrients and waste.
   - **Human Cells:** May have small, transient vacuoles, but they are not as prominent or large as in plant cells.

### c. Structure of a Typical (Unspecialised) Animal Cell

While I cannot provide a drawn diagram, I can describe the key components of a typical unspecialised animal cell along with their functions:

1. **Cell Membrane**
   - **Function:** Acts as a protective barrier that controls the entry and exit of substances.

2. **Cytoplasm**
   - **Function:** A jelly-like fluid where organelles are suspended and metabolic activities occur.

3. **Nucleus**
   - **Function:** Contains genetic material (DNA) and controls cell activities, including growth and reproduction.

4. **Nuclear Membrane**
   - **Function:** Surrounds and protects the nucleus, regulating the movement of molecules in and out of it.

5. **Nucleolus**
   - **Function:** Located within the nucleus, it is involved in the production of ribosomes.

6. **Mitochondria**
   - **Function:** Powerhouses of the cell, generating ATP through cellular respiration to provide energy.

7. **Ribosomes**
   - **Function:** Sites of protein synthesis; they can be free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

8. **Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)**
   - **Rough ER:** Studded with ribosomes; involved in protein synthesis and processing.
   - **Smooth ER:** Lacks ribosomes; involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification processes.

9. **Golgi Apparatus**
   - **Function:** Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for storage or transport out of the cell.

10. **Lysosomes**
    - **Function:** Contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

11. **Centrioles**
    - **Function:** Involved in the organization of the mitotic spindle during cell division.

12. **Cytoskeleton**
    - **Function:** Provides structural support and facilitates cell movement and division.

13. **Vesicles**
    - **Function:** Transport materials within the cell and to the cell membrane for secretion.

#### Summary Diagram Description

Imagine a roughly circular cell enclosed by the cell membrane. Inside, the nucleus is centrally located, surrounded by the nuclear membrane and containing the nucleolus. Mitochondria are scattered throughout the cytoplasm, as are ribosomes either free or attached to the rough ER. The smooth ER and rough ER form a network, connected to the Golgi apparatus nearby. Lysosomes and centrioles are also present, along with vesicles and the cytoskeleton providing structure.

For a visual representation, you can refer to standard cell biology textbooks or online resources that provide labelled diagrams of animal cells.
a. **Characteristics of All Living Organisms:** - **Cellular Organization:** Made of cells. - **Metabolism:** Convert energy. - **Homeostasis:** Maintain stable internal environment. - **Growth and Development:** Grow and develop based on genetic instructions. - **Reproduction:** Can reproduce. - **Response to Stimuli:** Respond to changes. b. **Differences Between Human and Plant Cells:** - **Cell Wall:** Plant cells have a rigid cell wall; human cells do not. - **Chloroplasts:** Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis; human cells do not. - **Vacuoles:** Plant cells have large central vacuoles; human cells have smaller ones. c. **Structure of a Typical Animal Cell:** - **Cell Membrane:** Protective barrier. - **Cytoplasm:** Fluid where organelles are suspended. - **Nucleus:** Contains DNA and controls cell activities. - **Nuclear Membrane:** Surrounds the nucleus. - **Nucleolus:** Produces ribosomes. - **Mitochondria:** Generate energy. - **Ribosomes:** Sites for protein synthesis. - **Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER):** Involved in protein and lipid synthesis. - **Golgi Apparatus:** Modifies and packages proteins. - **Lysosomes:** Break down waste materials. - **Centrioles:** Involved in cell division. - **Cytoskeleton:** Provides structure and facilitates movement. - **Vesicles:** Transport materials within the cell. **Summary Diagram Description:** A circular cell with the nucleus in the center, surrounded by the cell membrane. Mitochondria and ribosomes are scattered within the cytoplasm. The rough and smooth ER are present, connected to the Golgi apparatus. Lysosomes and centrioles are also shown, along with the cytoskeleton and vesicles.

d-of-section questions a List six characteristics of all living organisms. b In which three ways do human cells differ from those of plants? c Draw a fully labelled diagram of the structure of a typical (unspecialised) animal cell and describe the function of each part.

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