Cells: Building Blocks

Plant and animal cells, cell organelles

Cells: The Building Blocks of Life

All living things are made of cells. Cells are the smallest units of life. Some organisms are made of one cell (unicellular, like bacteria), while others are made of many cells (multicellular, like humans and trees).

Plant and Animal Cells

Both plant and animal cells have: a cell membrane, cytoplasm, a nucleus and mitochondria. Plant cells ALSO have: • A cell wall — for extra support and shape • Chloroplasts — contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis • A large central vacuole — stores water and nutrients

Example

Comparing the Cells

Think of a cell like a factory: • Nucleus = the manager (controls the cell) • Mitochondria = the power station (produces energy) • Cell membrane = the security gate (controls what enters and leaves) • Cytoplasm = the factory floor (where reactions happen) • Chloroplasts (plant only) = the solar panels (capture light energy)

Note

Remember

You need to draw and label plant and animal cells. Use a sharp pencil, draw large and clear, and label with straight lines. Always give your diagram a heading.

Key Vocabulary

CellThe basic unit of all living organisms

NucleusThe control centre of the cell containing DNA

Cell membraneThe thin layer around the cell that controls what enters and exits

ChloroplastThe organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs

MitochondriaThe organelle that produces energy for the cell

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