Exploring Plant Cell Structures

In a school project, Mason and Evelyn are building a model of a plant cell. What is the primary function of the cell wall in their model?

• To store nutrients

• To provide structural support and protection

• To conduct photosynthesis

• To transport water

Answer explanation

The primary function of the cell wall in plant cells is to provide structural support and protection, helping maintain the cell's shape and preventing damage from external forces.

During a biology class, Aria was asked which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. What should she answer?

• Mitochondria

• Chloroplast

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

Answer explanation

The chloroplast is the organelle in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Mitochondria generate energy, the nucleus stores genetic information, and ribosomes synthesize proteins.

Avery is studying plant biology and wants to know what the main component of the plant cell wall is. Can you help Avery find the answer?

• Cellulose

• Protein

• Lipid

• Starch

Answer explanation

The main component of the plant cell wall is cellulose, a polysaccharide that provides structural support. Unlike proteins, lipids, or starch, cellulose is specifically essential for maintaining the integrity and rigidity of plant cells.

During a biology class, Arjun and Abigail were discussing the differences between plant and animal cells. Which of the following is a unique feature of plant cells compared to animal cells?

• Nucleus

• Cell membrane

• Chloroplasts

• Mitochondria

Answer explanation

Chloroplasts are unique to plant cells, allowing them to perform photosynthesis. In contrast, animal cells do not have chloroplasts, as they obtain energy from other sources.

Grace is learning about plant cells in her biology class. She wonders, what is the function of the vacuole in plant cells?

• To synthesize proteins

• To store water and maintain turgor pressure

• To conduct cellular respiration

• To transport nutrients

Answer explanation

The vacuole in plant cells primarily functions to store water, which helps maintain turgor pressure. This pressure is crucial for keeping the plant rigid and supporting its structure.

During a biology class, Lily was asked to identify the jelly-like substance inside the plant cell that holds organelles in place. What is it?

• Cytoplasm

• Nucleoplasm

• Chlorophyll

• Stroma

Answer explanation

The jelly-like substance inside a plant cell that holds organelles in place is called cytoplasm. It provides a medium for biochemical reactions and supports the cell's structure.

During a biology class, Olivia was asked which organelle is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell. What should she answer?

• Ribosome

• Chloroplast

• Mitochondria

• Golgi apparatus

Answer explanation

The mitochondria are known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they generate ATP, the main energy currency of the cell, through cellular respiration. This makes them essential for energy production.

Which organelles are only found in a plant cell? 

• Not found only in plant cell

• nucleus
• Found only in plant cell

• cell membrane
• Found only in plant cell

• chloroplast
• Not found only in plant cell

• mitochondria
• Not found only in plant cell

• cell wall

Answer explanation

You can see that the chloroplast and cell wall are only in the plant cell.

Label the parts of the plant cell

a

b

cell membrane

cell wall

Which of the following is a characteristic of specialised cells?

• They all have the same shape

• They perform specific functions

• They are all the same size

• They do not have a nucleus