Year 7 - Science
Plant cell structures and their functions
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 explores cell structures, their functions, and differences between plant and animal cells. It includes adaptations of unicellular organisms and the organisation of multicellular organisms. Skills in using safe techniques, recording data, and evaluating methods in lab work are developed.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to identify common structures of plant cells and describe what these structures do.
Key Notes
- Plant cells have some common structures.
- Some of these structures are common with animal cells, such as the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus and mitochondria.
- Plant cells have additional structures including the cell wall and vacuole, and some have chloroplasts.
- Each structure in a plant cell has a specific function.
- Plant cells can be adapted with different shapes and structures.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Cell wall: The cell wall of a plant cell is made of fibres that strengthen the cell but allow substances to pass through.
- Chloroplast: Chloroplasts are structures found within cells in the green parts of a plant. They trap light to enable the plant to make its own food.
- Vacuole: The vacuole of a plant cell contains watery sap which, when full, keeps the cell firm.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Plants are not living; plant cells all have the same shape and structures (as depicted in textbooks)
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Plant cells have some common structures. 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'
The cell wall of a plant cell is made of fibres that strengthen the cell but allow substances to pass through. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Plants are not living; plant cells all have the same shape and structures (as depicted in textbooks). Correction: This lesson consolidates understanding that plant cells are living, and that different plant cells can have different shapes and structures.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Animal cell structures and their functions Study Guide
- Multicellular and unicellular organisms Study Guide
- Observing cells with a light microscope Study Guide
- Preparing and observing a microscope slide Study Guide
- Specialised cells are adapted for their functions Study Guide
- The common processes of all living organisms Study Guide
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