Grade 6 · Cells and Living Systems · Cell Structure and Function
Inside Plant and Animal Cells
Organelles, their jobs, and what makes a plant cell different.
Learning objectives
- Identify the main organelles of plant and animal cells.
- Relate each organelle to its function.
- Explain why plant cells have chloroplasts and a cell wall.
NGSS alignment
HS-LS1-2
Develop and use a model to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms.
MS-LS1-2
Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways the parts of cells contribute to the function.
MYP criteria
- Criterion A — Knowing and Understanding
ENGAGE
Why is a leaf green but a cheek cell not?
Both a leaf cell and a cheek cell are alive and both contain a nucleus, yet only one can make its own food.
Think about it
- What structure could explain the green colour?
- Which structures would you expect both cells to share?
EXPLAIN
Organelles and their jobs
Organelles are the internal structures of a cell. Each one is specialised, in the same way that rooms in a building are specialised.
| Organelle | Function | Plant | Animal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nucleus | Contains DNA and controls the cell | Yes | Yes |
| Cell membrane | Controls what enters and leaves | Yes | Yes |
| Mitochondria | Releases energy by respiration | Yes | Yes |
| Chloroplast | Absorbs light for photosynthesis | Yes | No |
| Cell wall | Rigid support made of cellulose | Yes | No |
| Large vacuole | Stores sap and keeps the cell firm | Yes | Small or absent |
Remember
Plant cells have everything animal cells have, plus a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large permanent vacuole.
Cells with a high energy demand, such as muscle cells, contain far more mitochondria than cells that do little work.
Watch
Cell Organelles and Structures Review
Amoeba Sisters · 8 min
Reviews each organelle and its function with clear diagrams.
Before you watch: Which organelle do you think does the most work?
- Which three structures are found only in plant cells?
- Why do muscle cells contain many mitochondria?
Interactive simulation · PhET
Gene Expression Essentials
Use the My Protein tab and follow the molecules moving between cell structures.
While you explore
- Which organelle assembles proteins?
- How do organelles work together on one job?
Key vocabulary
- Chloroplast
- The green organelle where a plant makes food.
- Organelle
- A tiny structure inside a cell with a specific job.
Practice questions
0/2 correct
Level 1 · Criterion A
Which organelle controls the activities of the cell?
Level 2 · Criterion A
A cell has a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large vacuole. It is most likely:
MYP criterion tasks
Level 3 · Criterion A
Sperm cells contain unusually large numbers of mitochondria. Explain why, linking structure to function.
Reflect & track
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