Instructions
Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. You may need to use a book or the internet for the "Microscope Fact Hunt" section.
Spot the Difference
Write 3 key differences between plant and animal cells.
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Bonus: Why do plants need chloroplasts?
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Cell Analogy
Compare a cell to a city. The nucleus is like the mayor's office because it's in charge of everything. Fill in 4 more comparisons in the table below.
Example: Nucleus = Mayor’s office (in charge).
| Cell Part | City Analogy (What is its job?) |
|---|---|
| Mitochondria | |
| Cell Membrane | |
| Vacuole | |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) |
Microscope Fact Hunt
Research the answers to the following questions.
1. Who invented the microscope?
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2. Why was its invention so important for science?
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True or False Quiz
Circle T for True or F for False for each statement.
- Cells are the smallest unit of life. T / F
- All cells have cell walls. T / F
- Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance. T / F
- Plant cells make their own food. T / F
Answer Key
Spot the Difference
- Plant cells have a cell wall, but animal cells do not.
- Plant cells have chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis, while animal cells do not.
- Plant cells usually have one large central vacuole, while animal cells have several small vacuoles (if any).
Bonus: Plants need chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis. This is the process where they use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food (sugar/glucose) for energy.
Cell Analogy
| Cell Part | City Analogy (What is its job?) |
|---|---|
| Mitochondria | Power Plant (creates energy for the city) |
| Cell Membrane | City Border / Police Force (controls what enters and leaves the city) |
| Vacuole | Warehouse / Water Tower (stores food, water, and waste) |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) | Road System / Highways (transports materials around the city) |
Microscope Fact Hunt
1. Who invented the microscope?
The invention is often credited to Zacharias Janssen, a Dutch eyeglass maker, around 1590. However, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is famous for creating powerful single-lens microscopes and being the first to observe bacteria and protozoa.
2. Why was its invention so important for science?
It was incredibly important because it allowed scientists to see things invisible to the naked eye. This led to the discovery of cells, bacteria, and other microorganisms, which formed the basis of cell theory and our modern understanding of biology and disease.
True or False Quiz
- Cells are the smallest unit of life. T
- All cells have cell walls. F (Animal cells do not have cell walls.)
- Cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance. T
- Plant cells make their own food. T (Through photosynthesis.)