Year 10 - Science
Plant cells: common structures and specialised cells
Eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit covers the structure and function of sub-cellular components in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and explores DNA as the genetic material of organisms. It explains genetic terms, protein synthesis, and how genetic variants influence phenotypes.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify common structures of plant cells and relate each structure to its function.
Key Notes
- The plant cell model describes the common structures of plant cells.
- Some of these structures are common with animal cells, such as the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus and mitochondria.
- Plant cells have additional structures, i.e. the cell wall, chloroplasts and vacuole; each has a specific function.
- Specialised cells in plants have shapes, sizes and structures that are adapted for the jobs the cells do.
- Examples of specialised plant cells include root hair cells and palisade cells.
Vocabulary To Learn
- cell wall: A subcellular structure made from cellulose fibres that strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
- chloroplast: A subcellular structure that contains the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis.
- permanent vacuole: A subcellular structure filled with cell sap that helps keep the cell turgid.
- photosynthesis: A chemical reaction that plants use to make glucose, taking place in the chloroplasts.
- active transport: The net movement of particles from a low to high concentration, against a concentration gradient, using energy.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- A palisade cell is not a specialised cell as it is used as the plant cell model. All plant cells contain chloroplasts.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
The plant cell model describes the common structures of plant cells. Some of these structures are common with animal cells, such as the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus and mitochondria.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'cell wall'
A subcellular structure made from cellulose fibres that strengthens the cell and supports the plant. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: A palisade cell is not a specialised cell as it is used as the plant cell model. All plant cells contain chloroplasts. Correction: Presentation outlines that the palisade cell is a specialised cell. Question in the check for understanding that is designed to show chloroplasts are not in root hair cells.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Animal cells: common structures and specialised cells Study Guide
- Cells Study Guide
- Common structures of prokaryotic cells Study Guide
- Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms Study Guide
- Light microscopy: observing and drawing cells Study Guide
- The size and scale of cells: including standard form Study Guide
- The size and scale of cells: the basics Study Guide
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