Cells

Introduction into cells

LO: Plant cells and Animal cells

What are cells?

All living things are made up of cells.

Most cells are so small that you can only see them with a microscope.

Cells have different components and each performs its own function within the cell.

What’s in a cell?

Inside cells are various structures that are specialised to carry out a particular function. Both animal and plant cells have these components:

Organelles (cell parts)

• Cell membrane – this surrounds the cell and allows nutrients to enter and waste to leave it.

• Nucleus – this controls what happens in the cell. It contains DNA, the genetic information that cells need to grow and reproduce.

• Cytoplasm – this is a jelly-like substance in which chemical reactions happen.

• Mitochondria – these are the powerhouse of the cell. They are structures where respiration takes place.

How are plant and animal cells different?

• Plant cells have a few extra parts:

• Cell wall - this is an outer structure that surrounds the cell and gives it support.

• Vacuole - this is a space within the cytoplasm of plant cells that contains sap.

• Chloroplasts - these contain chlorophyll 

Multiple Choice

Which part controls what enters and leaves the cell?

• Cell surface membrane

• Cell wall

• Nucleus

• Cytoplasm

Multiple Choice

Which part is where all chemical reactions happen?

• Cell surface membrane

• Cell wall

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleus

Multiple Choice

Which part controls what happens inside the cell?

• Cytoplasm

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Vacuole

Multiple Choice

Which organelle can only be found in plant cells?

• Nucleus

• Cytoplasm

• Chloroplasts

• Cell surface membrane

Multiple Choice

Which can only be found in plant cells?

• Cell surface membrane

• Cell wall

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleus

Multiple Choice

Which part is usually only found in Plant cells?

• Nucleus

• Cell surface membrane

• Vacuole

• Cytoplasm

Multiple Choice

Which part creates energy in your cells?

• Nucelus

• Mitochondria

• Cytoplasm

• Cell wall

Multiple Choice

Which part helps keep the cell rigid (turgid)

• Cell surface membrane

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Cell wall

Multiple Choice

Which part is used by the cell in Photosynthesis?

• Cell wall

• Nucelus

• Choroplasts

• Cytoplasm

Open Ended

Why do you think plant cells have cell walls but animal cells do not have cell walls?

HINT: Think about what a cell wall does