What Are Cells?
Common Structures in Animal and Plant Cells
Both animal and plant cells share several key structures:
- Cells are the basic building blocks of all living organisms.
- They are so small that we need a microscope to see them.
- There are two main types of cells:
- Animal Cells
- Plant Cells
Common Structures in Animal and Plant Cells
Both animal and plant cells share several key structures:
Structures Unique to Plant Cells
Plant cells have additional features that animal cells do not:
Key Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells
Functions of Key Structures
Each structure in a cell has a specific role:
Each structure in a cell has a specific role:
- Nucleus: Controls the cell’s activities and stores DNA.
- Mitochondria: Generates energy for the cell by breaking down glucose.
- Chloroplasts (plants only): Allow plants to make their own food using sunlight.
- Cell Wall (plants only): Provides strength and prevents the plant cell from bursting.
- Cell Membrane: Acts like a gatekeeper, controlling what goes in and out.
Microscope Observation of Cells
To study cells, we use a microscope. Here’s how to prepare slides:
Why Are Cells Important?
Summary
To study cells, we use a microscope. Here’s how to prepare slides:
- Plant Cells (e.g., onion skin):
- Peel a thin layer of onion and place it on a slide.
- Add iodine stain to make the cells more visible.
- Cover with a cover slip and observe under the microscope.
- Animal Cells (e.g., cheek cells):
- Use a cotton swab to collect cheek cells.
- Smear the cells on a slide and add methylene blue stain.
- Cover with a cover slip and observe
Why Are Cells Important?
- Cells are the building blocks of life—they make up all living organisms.
- Understanding their structures and functions helps us:
- Learn how organisms grow and reproduce.
- Understand how the body repairs itself.
- Explore how diseases affect cells.
Summary
- Animal and plant cells have similar structures but differ in key features like cell walls, chloroplasts, and vacuoles.
- Microscopes allow us to study cells in detail.
- By understanding cell structures, we can see how living organisms function and survive.
Flashcards for Biological World - BW1: Investigate the Structures of Animal and Plant Cells and Relate Them to Their Functions:
Q: What is a cell?
A: A cell is the basic building block of all living organisms.
Q: Name three structures found in both animal and plant cells.
A: Nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm.
Q: What is the function of the nucleus?
A: The nucleus controls cell activities and contains genetic material (DNA).
Q: What is the function of the cell membrane?
A: The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.
Q: What is the function of the cytoplasm?
A: The cytoplasm is where chemical reactions take place in the cell.
Q: What structures are unique to plant cells?
A: Cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
Q: What is the function of the cell wall?
A: The cell wall provides structure and support to the plant cell.
Q: What is the function of chloroplasts?
A: Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
Q: What is the function of the vacuole?
A: The vacuole stores nutrients and waste products and helps maintain cell pressure.
Q: How do plant and animal cells differ in shape?
A: Plant cells are usually rectangular due to the cell wall, while animal cells are more rounded or irregular.
Q: What tool is used to observe cells?
A: A light microscope.
Q: How can you prepare a slide to observe plant cells?
A: Peel a thin layer of onion, place it on a slide, add iodine stain, and cover with a cover slip.
Q: How can you prepare a slide to observe animal cells?
A: Collect cheek cells with a swab, smear them on a slide, add methylene blue stain, and cover with a cover slip.
Q: Why is understanding cell structure important?
A: It helps us understand how living organisms function, grow, and interact with their environment.
Q: What is a cell?
A: A cell is the basic building block of all living organisms.
Q: Name three structures found in both animal and plant cells.
A: Nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm.
Q: What is the function of the nucleus?
A: The nucleus controls cell activities and contains genetic material (DNA).
Q: What is the function of the cell membrane?
A: The cell membrane controls what enters and exits the cell.
Q: What is the function of the cytoplasm?
A: The cytoplasm is where chemical reactions take place in the cell.
Q: What structures are unique to plant cells?
A: Cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
Q: What is the function of the cell wall?
A: The cell wall provides structure and support to the plant cell.
Q: What is the function of chloroplasts?
A: Chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.
Q: What is the function of the vacuole?
A: The vacuole stores nutrients and waste products and helps maintain cell pressure.
Q: How do plant and animal cells differ in shape?
A: Plant cells are usually rectangular due to the cell wall, while animal cells are more rounded or irregular.
Q: What tool is used to observe cells?
A: A light microscope.
Q: How can you prepare a slide to observe plant cells?
A: Peel a thin layer of onion, place it on a slide, add iodine stain, and cover with a cover slip.
Q: How can you prepare a slide to observe animal cells?
A: Collect cheek cells with a swab, smear them on a slide, add methylene blue stain, and cover with a cover slip.
Q: Why is understanding cell structure important?
A: It helps us understand how living organisms function, grow, and interact with their environment.
Animal and plant cells have certain structures in common:
Cytoplasm: A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen.
Nucleus: Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell’s activities.
Cell membrane: Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others. It therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Mitochondria: Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration.
Ribosomes: A tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs.
Cytoplasm: A jelly-like material that contains dissolved nutrients and salts and structures called organelles. It is where many of the chemical reactions happen.
Nucleus: Contains genetic material, including DNA, which controls the cell’s activities.
Cell membrane: Its structure is permeable to some substances but not to others. It therefore controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
Mitochondria: Organelles that contain the enzymes for respiration, and where most energy is released in respiration.
Ribosomes: A tiny organelle where protein synthesis occurs.
Plant cells also have additional structures:
Chloroplast: Organelles that contains the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Contains the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
Cell wall: Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
Permanent vacuole: Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid.
Chloroplast: Organelles that contains the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy for photosynthesis. Contains the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
Cell wall: Made from cellulose fibres and strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
Permanent vacuole: Filled with cell sap to help keep the cell turgid.
