Plant cells vs animal cells

Science · Organisms & Life Processes · ages 11-12

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which structure is present in a typical plant cell but absent from animal cells?
- Mitochondria
- Cell membrane
- Cell wall
Which structure belongs in diagrams of both a typical leaf cell and a typical animal skin cell?
- Cell wall
- Nucleus
- Chloroplast
Typical animal cells contain mitochondria, just as typical plant cells do.
Circle one: True False
A note names a cell's nucleus, cytoplasm and membrane. It says nothing about other parts. Which cell types could have these named parts?
- Animal cells but not plant cells
- Plant cells but not animal cells
- Both plant cells and animal cells
What is a job of the large central vacuole in a typical mature plant cell?
- To store water and dissolved materials
- To use light to make sugar for the cell
- To control substances crossing the membrane
Animal cells have chloroplasts that use sunlight to make sugar.
Circle one: True False
Mia says, 'Chlorophyll builds the cell wall because plant cells are green.' Which response corrects her claim?
- Yes. Chlorophyll builds the wall as it captures light during photosynthesis.
- No. Chlorophyll captures light; it does not build the cell wall.
- No. Chlorophyll stores cell sap; the vacuole builds the cell wall.
A complete diagram of either a plant cell or an animal cell shows a membrane with no cell wall outside it. It also shows a nucleus and cytoplasm. Which type is shown?
- Plant cell
- Animal cell
- Neither cell type

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Cell wall · A plant cell has a wall outside its membrane. Animal cells have membranes and mitochondria but no cell wall.
Nucleus · Both typical cells have a nucleus containing DNA instructions. The animal skin cell has no cell wall or chloroplasts.
True · Mitochondria are shared parts of typical plant and animal cells. They release energy from food during respiration.
Both plant cells and animal cells · The three named parts are shared by typical plant and animal cells. An incomplete note does not tell you whether other parts are present.
To store water and dissolved materials · The vacuole holds cell sap, including water and dissolved materials. Water pressure also helps keep the cell firm.
False · Animal cells have no chloroplasts. Many leaf cells have them, but root cells usually do not.
No. Chlorophyll captures light; it does not build the cell wall. · Chlorophyll captures light for photosynthesis; it does not build the cell wall. The wall's support function does not explain how the wall grows.
Animal cell · The confirmed absence of a cell wall identifies the animal cell in this comparison. A nucleus and cytoplasm are shared parts.