TEKS 7.12D differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cell organelles, including cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion, chloroplast, and vacuole Supporting Standard Chloroplast Vacuole Mitochondria Cytoplasm Cell wall Cell membrane Nucleus DNA Ribosomes 1. What are the structures that are only found in a plant cell? 2. Examine the plant and animal cells. What do you notice about the vacuoles in a plant cell compared to the animal cell?
Cell Structure
The knowledge and concept about the structure of the cells have changed constantly over the past years. Primarily the scientist defines the cells as a simple membranous sac with fluids and some particles. Researches have now revealed that the cell is the more complex and basic unit of life. There are different types of cells and they also differ in shape and structure. The basic three parts of a cell are cell membrane, cytoplasm, and organelle.
Plant Cell
The smallest functional unit of a living organism is known as the cell. It is composed of cytoplasm enclosed by an outer layer known as the cell membrane. A cell is classified as a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell. A prokaryotic cell does not contain a nucleus, and the genetic material is freely suspended in the cell cytoplasm; for example, bacteria are composed of a prokaryotic cell. Whereas a eukaryotic cell contains a nucleus and membrane-bound cell organelles with a specific function, plants and animal cells are examples of eukaryotic cells.
Plant Cell Types
Plants are made up of a variety of cell types that include both living and dead cells. These cells provide them mechanical and structural support along with the growth of plants. Plant tissue is a group or collection of cells, which are similar in structure and work together to accomplish a specific function. Plant cells are most similar to animal cells, both being eukaryotic cells.
![**TEKS 7.12D: Differentiate Between Structure and Function in Plant and Animal Cell Organelles**
**Objective:**
Understand the differences between plant and animal cell organelles, including cell membrane, cell wall, nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and vacuoles.
### Plant and Animal Cell Comparison
**Diagrams:**
The image includes two labeled diagrams, one of a typical animal cell and one of a typical plant cell. Each diagram is marked with lines pointing to the various organelles within the cells.
**Key Organelles and Structures:**
- **Chloroplast:** Found only in plant cells, chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis. They convert light energy into chemical energy.
- **Vacuole:** Both plant and animal cells contain vacuoles, but plant cells generally have a large central vacuole that maintains cell pressure and stores nutrients, while animal cells have smaller, sometimes numerous vacuoles.
- **Cell Membrane:** A semi-permeable membrane surrounding the cell, present in both plant and animal cells, controlling the entry and exit of substances.
- **Nucleus:** Present in both cell types, the nucleus houses DNA and controls cellular activities.
- **Mitochondria:** Known as the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria are present in both plant and animal cells and are responsible for producing energy.
- **Cytoplasm:** The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and houses the organelles, found in both plant and animal cells.
- **Ribosomes:** Present in both cell types, ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis.
- **Cell Wall:** Found only in plant cells, the cell wall provides extra protection and structural support.
### Comparative Questions:
1. **What are the structures that are only found in a plant cell?**
- Answer: Chloroplasts and cell wall.
2. **Examine the plant and animal cells. What do you notice about the vacuoles in a plant cell compared to the animal cell?**
- Answer: The vacuoles in plant cells are typically much larger and often central, whereas vacuoles in animal cells are smaller and more numerous.
By studying these diagrams and understanding the differences in cell organelles, students will gain a clearer perspective on how plant and animal cells function and maintain their activities.
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