Biology: Cell Structure: Plant vs Animal Cells Worksheet

Question 1

List two structures found in plant cells that are not found in animal cells. Explain the job of each structure.

Accepted Answer

Plant cells have a cell wall, which gives the cell support and protection. Plant cells also have chloroplasts, which use sunlight to make food during photosynthesis.

Question 2

Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus. What is the main function of the nucleus?

Accepted Answer

The nucleus controls many cell activities and contains the cell's genetic information, or DNA.

Question 3

A student looks at a cell under a microscope and sees a rigid outer layer around the cell membrane. Is the cell more likely a plant cell or an animal cell? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The cell is more likely a plant cell because plant cells have a rigid cell wall outside the cell membrane, while animal cells do not.

Question 4

Describe one way the shape of plant cells is often different from the shape of animal cells.

Accepted Answer

Plant cells often have a more box-like or rectangular shape because of the cell wall. Animal cells are often more rounded or irregular because they do not have a cell wall.

Question 5

What is the function of the cell membrane in both plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

The cell membrane controls what enters and leaves the cell and helps protect the inside of the cell.

Question 6

A cell contains chloroplasts. What process can this cell carry out, and why are chloroplasts important for that process?

Accepted Answer

The cell can carry out photosynthesis. Chloroplasts are important because they contain chlorophyll and capture light energy to help make sugar for the plant.

Question 7

Compare the vacuoles in plant cells and animal cells.

Accepted Answer

Plant cells usually have one large central vacuole that stores water and helps support the cell. Animal cells may have smaller vacuoles, but they are usually not as large or central as the vacuole in a plant cell.

Question 8

Why do plant cells need chloroplasts but animal cells do not?

Accepted Answer

Plant cells need chloroplasts because plants make their own food using sunlight during photosynthesis. Animal cells do not need chloroplasts because animals get food by eating other organisms.

Question 9

Fill in the blank and explain your answer: The cell wall is found in __________ cells and provides __________.

Accepted Answer

The cell wall is found in plant cells and provides support and protection. It helps the plant cell keep a firm shape.

Question 10

Mitochondria are found in both plant and animal cells. What do mitochondria do for the cell?

Accepted Answer

Mitochondria release energy from food so the cell can do its work. They are often called the powerhouses of the cell.

Question 11

Look at a diagram of a cell with a nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Is this a plant cell or an animal cell? Explain your evidence.

Accepted Answer

This is a plant cell because it has a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Those structures are typical of plant cells and are not all found in animal cells.

Question 12

What is cytoplasm, and why is it important in both plant and animal cells?

Accepted Answer

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like material inside the cell membrane. It holds the organelles in place and is where many cell activities happen.

Question 13

A teacher gives you two unlabeled cell diagrams. Diagram A has a cell wall and chloroplasts. Diagram B has only a cell membrane and no chloroplasts. Identify each cell type and explain your reasoning.

Accepted Answer

Diagram A is a plant cell because it has a cell wall and chloroplasts. Diagram B is an animal cell because it lacks a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Question 14

Explain why the large central vacuole helps a plant stand upright.

Accepted Answer

The large central vacuole stores water. When it is full, it pushes against the cell wall and helps keep the plant firm and upright.

Question 15

Create a short comparison table in words that includes three structures shared by plant and animal cells and three structures mainly found in plant cells.

Accepted Answer

Plant and animal cells both have a nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, and mitochondria. Plant cells mainly have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Biology: Cell Structure: Plant vs Animal Cells

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