Activity 4: A closer Look at Animal and Plant Cells
Pre-Lab: Complete the diagram below:
1. This diagram shows the outline of a typical cell.
2. Draw inside the cell the structures that make up the cell. Label each structure.
3. Next to each label write the function of the cell structure.
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Activity 4: A closer Look at Animal and Plant Cells
Activity
Directions: Read pages 19-24 and STOP to answer questions when prompted.
STOPPING TO THINK 1
a. How did scientists discover the common structure of cells? They used microscopes to observe
many kids of cells.
b. What are some of the common structures of a cell? Common cell structures include the cell
membrane and cytoplasm.
STOPPING TO THINK 2
a. Why is the nucleus an important part of most cells? The nucleus is important because it
contains the cell’s genes.
b. What type of organism does not contain a nucleus? Organelles help cells obtain and store
energy, move and divide, and make and transport substances.
STOPPING TO THINK 3
a. What are some of the functions of organelles? The cell wall provides support to the cell.
b. What do mitochondria use to produce energy for a cell? They use oxygen and nutrients.
STOPPING TO THINK 4
a.
Why do plant cells have a cell wall in addition to a cell membrane? The cell wall provides
support to the cell.
b. What do chloroplasts use to produce nutrients for plant cells and some protist cells? They use
light along with carbon dioxide and water.
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Activity 4: A closer Look at Animal and Plant Cells
Part B
Complete the simulation activity found here;
http://www.sepuplhs.org/middle/cellstructureandfunction/simulations/cell.html
HINT: TO BEGIN EACH CELL, YOU MUST START WITH THE CELLULAR STRUCTURE THAT SEPERATES THE
INSIDE OF EVERY CELL FROM THE OUTSIDE.
Update your diagram below;
1. This diagram shows the outline of a typical cell.
2. Draw inside the cell the structures that make up the cell. Label each structure.
3. Next to each label write the function of the cell structure.
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Activity 4: A closer Look at Animal and Plant Cells
Analysis
1.
For each organ or structure listed in column 1, record the name of the cell organelle, or
organelles, that performs similar functions for the cell in column 2. In column 3, record the
function shared by the organ and organelle.
Organ or Structure
Cell organelle or structure
Common function
Blood vessels (arteries, veins, Endoplasmic reticulum,
Carry materials from one
and capillaries)
vesicles
place to another
Bones
Cytoskeleton, cell wall
Provide support
Brain
Nucleus
Kidneys
Vesicles
Directs the activities of the
organism or the cell
Excrete wastes
Liver
Lysosomes
Destroys wastes
Muscles
Cytoskeleton
Movement
Skin
Cell membrane
Controls what enters the cell
Digestive system
Cytoplasm, mitochondria
Breaks down food for energy
2. The diagram below shows the energy transformations that occur when a solar panel is used to
light a bulb. Make a similar diagram that shows the energy transformations that occur when
someone eats a meal.
Solar energyElectrical energyThermal and Light energy
Movement of muscles (kinetic energy)
Chemical energy in food
Thermal energy
3. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of the model cell you created for Part C in illustrating the
structure and function of the cell. (answers will vary)
YOU SHOULD discuss:
Strength: The structure can be seen in the model because they are larger than an actual cell.
Weakness: The structures aren’t exact or on the same scale, and the functions of the cell are
not modeled.
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Activity 4: A closer Look at Animal and Plant Cells
4. Which of the questions studied by cell biologists (pg. 23) is most interesting to you? Why?
(answers will vary.
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