Cell Structure Investigation

Name:

Date:

Microscope and cell structures illustration

🔬 Part 1: Cell Structure Identification

1. Which organelle controls all activities in the cell?

Cell membrane

Nucleus

Cytoplasm

Mitochondria

2. Which structures are found ONLY in plant cells? (Tick all that apply)

Cell wall

Chloroplasts

Nucleus

Vacuole (large, permanent)

Cell membrane

3. What is the main function of mitochondria?

To make food through photosynthesis

To control what enters and leaves the cell

To release energy for the cell

To store water and maintain cell shape

4. Fill in the blanks:

The _____________ gives plant cells their rigid structure, whilst the _____________ controls what substances can enter and leave both plant and animal cells.

🧬 Part 2: Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

5. Complete the Venn diagram by writing the organelles in the correct sections:

Word bank: nucleus, cell wall, chloroplasts, mitochondria, cell membrane, cytoplasm, large vacuole

6. Explain why plant cells need chloroplasts but animal cells do not:

7. A scientist discovers a cell with no mitochondria. Describe two problems this cell would face:

Problem 1: ________________________________

Problem 2: ________________________________

🔍 Part 3: Cell Structure Investigation Challenge

8. You are investigating two mystery cells. Cell A has chloroplasts and a cell wall. Cell B has many mitochondria but no cell wall. Which is the plant cell and which is the animal cell? Explain your reasoning:

9. If you removed the cell membrane from any cell, what would happen and why?

10. Design your own cell! Draw and label a cell that could survive in extreme cold. What special organelles or structures would it need?