Cells are the basic building blocks of life. Every living thing is made up of one or more cells. But what exactly are they? We know they are microscopic and they are different types - that come in different sizes and shapes.
When
you looked at your cells, you saw even smaller things inside the cell.
With bigger, more expensive microscopes, scientists can look even
further into cells, seeing even more detail. The small structures you
saw are called organelles - and as it turns out, there a WHOLE lot of
them that you can't see with our microscopes. These organelles allow
cells to get and use energy, grow and develop, eliminate waste,
respond to changes, and reproduce. (Hey! Aren't those the
characteristics of life??) All living cells whether animal, plant,
fungi, protist, or bacteria, must be able to perform these life
processes. Therefore, similarities and differences exist in the
composition of these cells.
Using the links provided at the bottom you must do the following:
1. Each student will label the provided animal cell diagram and plant cell diagram and write a summary of what each structure does for the cell.
2. Complete the TWO Venn Diagrams. The first Venn Diagram should compare and contrast eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. The second Venn Diagram should compare and contrast plant and animal cells.
3. You will then have to complete your own animal cell and plant cell drawing using Pages.
Links to investigate and explore:
Cells Alive
Cellular Biology
Basic Cell Structure
Biology4Kids
Typical Animal and Plant Cells
Animal and Plant Cells