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

What is found in the cytoplasm of both animal and plant cells?

1. Cell membrane

2. Ribosomes

3. Both genetic material and ribosomes

4. Cell wall

The correct answer is: Both genetic material and ribosomes

The presence of both genetic material and ribosomes in the cytoplasm of animal and plant cells is crucial for cellular function. Genetic material, in the form of DNA, is primarily located in the nucleus; however, there are also small amounts of DNA found in mitochondria and chloroplasts (in plant cells) that assist in energy production and photosynthesis. Ribosomes, on the other hand, are the cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. They can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or bound to the endoplasmic reticulum, making them essential for producing the proteins necessary for cell structure and function. Animal cells have a flexible cell membrane that controls the movement of substances in and out, but this structure is not found exclusively in the cytoplasm. The cell wall, which provides rigidity and protection, is unique to plant cells and some other organisms, and thus is not present in animal cells. Therefore, the unique combination of genetic material and ribosomes being present in the cytoplasm of both cell types is what makes this choice the appropriate answer.