Interactive 3D Cell Explorer

Rotate a real cell and tap any structure to learn what it does. Covers exactly what Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) asks for — plant, animal and bacterial cells — and nothing you don't need. No account, no download.

Building your cell…

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Drag to rotate · tap a structure

Plant vs animal — what examiners ask for

Feature	Plant cell	Animal cell
Cell wall	Present (cellulose)	Absent
Cell membrane	Present	Present
Nucleus	Present	Present
Cytoplasm	Present	Present
Chloroplasts	Present	Absent
Ribosomes	Present	Present
Mitochondria	Present	Present
Vacuole	One large, permanent (cell sap)	Small and temporary, or none
Shape	Fixed and regular	Irregular

Green rows are the differences — those are the marks.

What you need to know

The syllabus limits plant and animal cells to eight structures — cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria and vacuoles — and bacterial cells to six: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA and plasmids. You must be able to identify each one in a diagram and describe its function. Tap through every structure above and you will have covered the lot.

Common questions

What are the differences between a plant cell and an animal cell?

A plant cell has a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and one large permanent vacuole; an animal cell has none of these (it may have small, temporary vacuoles). Both have a cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosomes and mitochondria. Use the "Plant vs animal" button above to see exactly which structures differ.

Which cell structures do I need to know for IGCSE Biology 0610?

For plant and animal cells: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplasts, ribosomes, mitochondria and vacuoles. For bacterial cells: cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, circular DNA and plasmids. This explorer covers exactly those and nothing extra.

Why do bacteria not have a nucleus?

Bacteria are prokaryotes, which means their genetic material is not enclosed in a membrane. Instead they have a single loop of circular DNA free in the cytoplasm, plus small rings of extra DNA called plasmids. Plant and animal cells are eukaryotes and do have a true nucleus.

Is this 3D cell model free to use?

Yes — the explorer is completely free and needs no account. Create a free account to also get the revision notes, flashcards and exam questions on cell structure.

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