OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

What unique component do plant cells have compared to animal cells?

1. Ribosomes

2. Mitochondria

3. Chloroplasts

4. Nucleus

The correct answer is: Chloroplasts

Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles responsible for photosynthesis. This process allows plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy, making them vital for the plant's ability to produce its own food. While ribosomes, mitochondria, and nuclei are also vital organelles, they are present in both plant and animal cells. Ribosomes are involved in protein synthesis, mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell and generate energy through respiration, and the nucleus houses the cell's genetic material and controls its activities. However, chloroplasts are distinctive to plant cells, highlighting their unique ability to photosynthesize, setting them apart from animal cells.