Welcome to Year 7 Biology! Today, we will learn about the basic building blocks of life: animal cells and plant cells.

What are Cells?

Cells are the smallest units of life. They are like tiny factories that carry out all the functions needed to keep living things alive. Just like a house is made of bricks, living organisms are made up of cells.

Types of Cells

There are two main types of cells we will focus on:

  1. Animal Cells
  2. Plant Cells

Animal Cells

Animal cells are found in all animals, including humans. Here are some key features of animal cells:

  • Shape: Usually round or irregular.
  • Cell Membrane: This is the outer layer that holds the cell together and controls what enters and leaves.
  • Nucleus: This is the control centre of the cell. It contains the cell’s DNA (the instructions for how the cell works).
  • Cytoplasm: A jelly-like substance where all the cell’s activities happen.
  • Mitochondria: These are the powerhouses of the cell. They produce energy for the cell to use.

Example of an Animal Cell

Think of a cheek cell. If you look at it under a microscope, you will see its round shape and the nucleus inside.

Plant Cells

Plant cells have some different features compared to animal cells. Here are the key parts of plant cells:

  • Shape: Usually rectangular or boxy.
  • Cell Wall: A rigid outer layer that gives the plant its shape and strength.
  • Chloroplasts: These are the parts that allow plants to make their food through photosynthesis. They contain chlorophyll, which makes plants green.
  • Large Vacuole: A big storage space that holds water, nutrients, and waste.

Example of a Plant Cell

Think of a leaf cell. Under a microscope, you can see the green chloroplasts and the sturdy cell wall.

Key Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells

| Feature | Animal Cells | Plant Cells |

|——————-|——————|——————–|

| Shape | Round/irregular | Rectangular |

| Cell Wall | No | Yes |

| Chloroplasts | No | Yes |

| Vacuole size | Small | Large |

| Nucleus | Present | Present |

Tips and Tricks to Remember

  • Mnemonic for Animal Cells: “A Nasty Cat Makes Mice” – (A for Animal, N for Nucleus, C for Cell Membrane, M for Mitochondria).
  • Mnemonic for Plant Cells: “Clever Plants Can Vacate” – (C for Cell wall, P for Photosynthesis, C for Chloroplasts, V for Vacuole).

Questions

Easy Level (20 Questions)

  1. What is the basic unit of life?
  2. Name one part of an animal cell.
  3. What does the nucleus contain?
  4. Do animal cells have a cell wall?
  5. What shape are plant cells usually?
  6. What are mitochondria known as?
  7. What is the jelly-like substance in a cell called?
  8. What do chloroplasts do?
  9. Name one example of an animal cell.
  10. What is the outer layer of an animal cell called?
  11. Do plant cells have chloroplasts?
  12. What do vacuoles store?
  13. What is the main difference between animal and plant cells?
  14. Which type of cell has a cell wall?
  15. What is a common shape of animal cells?
  16. Which cell type contains chlorophyll?
  17. What is the function of the cell membrane?
  18. Where does photosynthesis take place?
  19. What do you call the control centre of the cell?
  20. What type of cell is a leaf cell?

Medium Level (20 Questions)

  1. List three parts found in both animal and plant cells.
  2. How do mitochondria benefit the cell?
  3. What is one function of the vacuole in plant cells?
  4. Describe the shape of an animal cell.
  5. Why is the cell wall important for plants?
  6. What happens in the cytoplasm?
  7. Explain the role of chloroplasts in plants.
  8. What is the primary function of the nucleus?
  9. How are plant cells different from animal cells in terms of energy production?
  10. Name two structures that are not found in animal cells.
  11. What is the significance of the large vacuole in plant cells?
  12. Why do plants need chlorophyll?
  13. How does the shape of a plant cell help its function?
  14. Which part of the cell controls what goes in and out?
  15. How does the cell wall affect plant rigidity?
  16. What does the cytoplasm contain?
  17. Why are mitochondria called the powerhouse of the cell?
  18. What is the main role of the cell membrane?
  19. Why don’t animal cells need a cell wall?
  20. How do animal cells get energy?

Hard Level (20 Questions)

  1. Compare and contrast the functions of chloroplasts and mitochondria.
  2. Explain how the structure of the cell wall supports plant cells.
  3. Discuss the importance of the vacuole in maintaining cell turgor.
  4. What would happen to a plant cell without chloroplasts?
  5. Describe the process that takes place in the mitochondria.
  6. Why is the nucleus referred to as the brain of the cell?
  7. How does the presence of a cell wall change the way a plant cell interacts with its environment?
  8. What role does the cytoplasm play in cellular processes?
  9. Explain how animal cells and plant cells respond differently to water intake.
  10. Why might a plant cell have more than one vacuole?
  11. How does the structure of an animal cell contribute to its function?
  12. What role do ribosomes play in both cell types?
  13. Discuss how animal cells obtain nutrients compared to plant cells.
  14. How do plant cells contribute to the ecosystem differently than animal cells?
  15. Explain how the size and shape of cells are related to their functions.
  16. Describe how chloroplasts contribute to the carbon cycle.
  17. What adaptations do plant cells have for photosynthesis?
  18. Discuss the importance of cell membranes in both animal and plant cells.
  19. How do cells communicate with each other?
  20. Explain the significance of DNA in the nucleus.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. Cell
  2. Nucleus, Cell Membrane, Mitochondria, Cytoplasm
  3. DNA
  4. No
  5. Rectangular
  6. Powerhouses
  7. Cytoplasm
  8. Make food
  9. Cheek cell
  10. Cell Membrane
  11. Yes
  12. Water, nutrients, waste
  13. The presence of a cell wall
  14. Plant cells
  15. Round/irregular
  16. Yes
  17. Controls movement
  18. Chloroplasts
  19. Control centre
  20. Leaf cell

Medium Level Answers

  1. Nucleus, Cell Membrane, Cytoplasm
  2. They provide energy.
  3. Stores substances.
  4. Round/irregular
  5. Provides support and shape.
  6. Cellular activities happen there.
  7. They capture sunlight for food.
  8. Controls cell functions.
  9. Plants use chloroplasts for energy.
  10. Cell wall, chloroplasts
  11. Maintains pressure and structure.
  12. For photosynthesis
  13. Helps in photosynthesis.
  14. Controls entry and exit
  15. Keeps the cell firm
  16. Enzymes and organelles
  17. They produce ATP for energy.
  18. Protects and supports
  19. They rely on their environment for support.
  20. Through nutrients in food

Hard Level Answers

  1. Chloroplasts make food; mitochondria produce energy.
  2. It provides support and structure to withstand pressure.
  3. It maintains the cell’s shape and provides support.
  4. The plant would not be able to produce food.
  5. They convert glucose into ATP.
  6. It controls all cell activities.
  7. It protects the cell; provides structure.
  8. It helps transport materials within the cell.
  9. Animal cells can swell or shrivel, while plant cells remain turgid.
  10. They can store different substances and support growth.
  11. Their structure allows them to adapt to their environment.
  12. Protein synthesis
  13. Animals ingest food, while plants make their own.
  14. They produce oxygen and food.
  15. Size and shape relate to the specific tasks they perform.
  16. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
  17. They have chlorophyll for capturing sunlight.
  18. They regulate what enters/exits the cell.
  19. They use chemical signals to communicate.
  20. DNA carries the genetic instructions for cell function.

Now that you’ve learned about animal and plant cells, try answering the questions above to test your understanding!