Chapter 1: Cells – the Basic Building Blocks of Life

Lesson 3: Comparing plant and animal cells

Understand the differences between plant and animal cells

Record evidence using a microscopeCommunicate about cells using scientific

terminology

Lesson 3: Cells as Building Blocks

All living organisms are made of cells – they are the building blocks of life. Cells cannot be seen except under a microscope. This is why it took so long to discover them. Some organisms are made of only one cell; most are made of millions of cells working together.

Amoeba is a single-celled organism

Lesson 3: Common Structures in Animal and Plant Cells

All plant cells and animal cells have three main structures – the nucleus, the cytoplasm and the cell membrane.

DNA is inside the nucleus controls reactions and is responsible for cell reproduction

Cytoplasm makes up most of the cell and is where chemical reactions happen

Small structures inside the cytoplasm called organelles help keep the organism alive

Cell membrane surrounds the cell and controls what can get inside (water, oxygen, glucose) and outside the cell (carbon dioxide)

Special organelles called mitochondria convert glucose and oxygen into a form of energy that the cell can use.

Lesson 3: Structures in Animal and Plant Cells

Lesson 3: Differences between Animal and Plant Cells

Plant cells also contain: cell wall, vacuole, chloroplasts

The cell wall is an extra protective layer outside the cell membrane. It gives the cell shape and strength.

The vacuole is a large bubble full of liquid. It provides internal pressure for the cell, keeping it firm and in shape.

Leaf cells also contain small, round, green organelles called chloroplasts. These contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which absorbs energy from the Sun and helps the plant make glucose.

Lesson 3: Structures in Plant Cells

Lesson 3: Key Vocabulary and Notes

Key Vocabulary: nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria, cell wall, vacuole, chloroplast

Key Notes: Animal cells and plant cells contain : nucleus,

cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondrion, vacuole

Plant cells: also contain, cell wall, chloroplastChlorophyll allow for plants to make glucose,

using energy from sunlight

Lesson 3: Questions and Answers

1. Is a cell living?Ans. Yes!

2. Which two parts of the cell are found inside the cytoplasm?Ans. Nucleus, Mitichondria

3. What main substances are allowed through the cell membrane?

Ans. Oxygen, glucose, water, carbon dioxide, urea4. Which two structures give a plant cell its shape?

Ans. Cell wall, vacuole5. Which cell do you think will be larger – a plant cell or an animal cell? Explain your answer.

Ans. Plant cell; it has more structures