Instructions
In this worksheet, you will explore the basic building blocks of life: cells! You will compare and contrast the two main types of eukaryotic cells: plant cells and animal cells. Follow the tasks below.
Task 1: Draw and Label a Plant Cell
In the box below, draw a typical plant cell. A plant cell is usually more rectangular or square. Use the words from the "Word Bank" to label the different parts of your drawing.
Draw Your Plant Cell Here
Word Bank:
- Cell Wall
- Cell Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Large Central Vacuole
- Chloroplasts
- Mitochondria
Task 2: Draw and Label an Animal Cell
Now, in the box below, draw a typical animal cell. An animal cell is usually more round or irregular in shape. Use the words from the "Word Bank" to label the different parts of your drawing.
Draw Your Animal Cell Here
Word Bank:
- Cell Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus
- Small Vacuoles
- Mitochondria
Task 3: What's the Difference?
Based on your drawings and what you know about cells, list three main differences between plant and animal cells.
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
Answer Key
Task 1 & 2: Cell Labels
While your drawing will be unique, make sure you have included and correctly pointed to these key parts:
- Nucleus: A large, often central, sphere that contains the cell's genetic material. (Found in both)
- Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles. (Found in both)
- Cell Membrane: The layer just inside the cell wall (in plants) or the outer layer (in animals) that controls what enters and leaves the cell. (Found in both)
- Mitochondria: Small, oval-shaped organelles that are the "powerhouses" of the cell, providing energy. (Found in both)
- Cell Wall: The rigid, protective outer layer of a plant cell. (Plant cells only)
- Large Central Vacuole: A very large, water-filled sac in the center of a plant cell that helps maintain its shape and stores water. (Plant cells only)
- Chloroplasts: Green, disc-shaped organelles where photosynthesis happens, making food for the plant. (Plant cells only)
- Small Vacuoles: Small, fluid-filled sacs in an animal cell used for storage. (Animal cells only)
Task 3: Three Differences
Here are the three most common answers. Your wording may be different.
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall on the outside of the cell membrane, but animal cells do not.
- Plant cells have chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis, but animal cells do not.
- Plant cells usually have one large central vacuole, while animal cells have several small vacuoles (if any).