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BW1 : Students should be able to investigate the structures of animal and plant cells and relate them to their functions.

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Analyse - study or examine something in detail, break down something in order to bring out the essential elements or structure; identify parts and relationships, and interpret information to reach conclusions

BW 1 , No S 4 , PW 6

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5. Links to JC Key Skills & Important Principles

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5. Links to JC Key Skills & Important Principles

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Compare - Gave an account of the similarities and/or difference between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both/all of them throughout

BW1 , No S 2 , EaS 3

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Video computer games, virtual labs and activities for learning and reviewing biology content. Great for students and teachers.

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Nature of Science:

NoS1 , NoS5 , NoS9 , NoS10 ( justification in links to other strands )

Other Science Strands:

BW3 , BW9 , CW1 , PW3

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Lesson Plan 2 Resource - Im a scientist, get me out of here

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Lesson Plan 2 Resource - Im a scientist, get me out of here

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The Science Debate Kits develop students’ discussion skills around scientific issues. They contain 8 debate cards outlining the opinions of fictional characters with an interest in a given science topic

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Our Science Debate Kits (a free STEM resource) develop students' discussion skills around scientific issues. They allow you and your students to debate and discuss the power and limitations of science, and then consider the ethical issues which may arise.

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7. Links to Resources : Case of the Immortal Cells

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7. Links to Resources : Case of the Immortal Cells

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HeLa cells are immortal human cells taken from Henrietta Lacks in 1951. Unlike most cells, they can divide indefinitely, making them essential for scientific research.

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The immortal cells of Henrietta Lacks - Robin Bulleri

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Lesson Plan 2 - Plant vs Animal Cell Resource

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Lesson Plan 2 - Plant vs Animal Cell Resource

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Plant vs. Animal Cell - Amoeba Sisters #Shorts

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7. Links to Resources : Interactive animation of plant & animal cells 

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7. Links to Resources : Interactive animation of plant & animal cells 

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Cells alive—a UDL way for intractive and visual learners to grasp the cell content!

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Plant and Animal Cell Organelles

Eukaryotes (protozoa, plants and animals) have highly-structured cells. These cells tend to be larger than the cells of bacteria, and have developed specialized packaging and transport mechanisms that may be necessary to support their larger size. Use the following interactive animation of plant and animal cells to learn about their respective organelles.

Nucleus: The nucleus is the most obvious organelle in any eukaryotic cell. It is enclosed in a double membrane and communicates with the surrounding cytosol via numerous nuclear pores. Within each nucleus is nuclear chromatin that contains the organism's genome. The chromatin is efficiently packaged within the small nuclear space. Genes within the chromatin are made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA stores the organism's entire encoded genetic information. The DNA is similar in every cell of the body, but depending on the specific cell type, some genes may be turned on or off - that's why a liver cell is different from a muscle cell, and a muscle cell is different from a fat cell. When a cell is dividing, the nuclear chromatin (DNA and surrounding protein) condenses into chromosomes that are easily seen by microscopy.

Nucleolus: The prominent structure in the nucleus is the nucleolus. The nucleolus produces ribosomes, which move out of the nucleus and take positions on the rough endoplasmic reticulum where they are critical in protein synthesis.

Cytosol: The cytosol is the "soup" within which all the other cell organelles reside and where most of the cellular metabolism occurs. Though mostly water, the cytosol is full of proteins that control cell metabolism including signal transduction pathways, glycolysis, intracellular receptors, and transcription factors.

Cytoplasm: This is a collective term for the cytosol plus the organelles suspended within the cytosol.

Centrosome: The centrosome, or MICROTUBULE ORGANIZING CENTER (MTOC), is an area in the cell where microtubules are produced. Plant and animal cell centrosomes play similar roles in cell division, and both include collections of microtubules, but the plant cell centrosome is simpler and does not have centrioles.

During animal cell division, the centrioles replicate (make new copies) and the centrosome divides. The result is two centrosomes, each with its own pair of centrioles. The two centrosomes move to opposite ends of the nucleus, and from each centrosome, microtubules grow into a "spindle" which is responsible for separating replicated chromosomes into the two daughter cells.

Centriole (animal cells only): Each centriole is a ring of nine groups of fused microtubules. There are three microtubules in each group. Microtubules (and centrioles) are part of the cytoskeleton. In the complete animal cell centrosome, the two centrioles are arranged such that one is perpendicular to the other.

Golgi: The Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound structure with a single membrane. It is actually a stack of membrane-bound vesicles that are important in packaging macromolecules for transport elsewhere in the cell. The stack of larger vesicles is surrounded by numerous smaller vesicles containing those packaged macromolecules. The enzymatic or hormonal contents of lysosomes, peroxisomes and secretory vesicles are packaged in membrane-bound vesicles at the periphery of the Golgi apparatus.

Lysosome: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes necessary for intracellular digestion. They are common in animal cells, but rare in plant cells. Hydrolytic enzymes of plant cells are more often found in the vacuole.

Peroxisome: Peroxisomes are membrane-bound packets of oxidative enzymes. In plant cells, peroxisomes play a variety of roles including converting fatty acids to sugar and assisting chloroplasts in photorespiration. In animal cells, peroxisomes protect the cell from its own production of toxic hydrogen peroxide. As an example, white blood cells produce hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria. The oxidative enzymes in peroxisomes break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Secretory Vesicle: Cell secretions - e.g. hormones, neurotransmitters - are packaged in secretory vesicles at the Golgi apparatus. The secretory vesicles are then transported to the cell surface for release.

Cell Membrane: Every cell is enclosed in a membrane, a double layer of phospholipids (lipid bilayer). The exposed heads of the bilayer are "hydrophilic" (water loving), meaning that they are compatible with water both within the cytosol and outside of the cell. However, the hidden tails of the phosopholipids are "hydrophobic" (water fearing), so the cell membrane acts as a protective barrier to the uncontrolled flow of water. The membrane is made more complex by the presence of numerous proteins that are crucial to cell activity. These proteins include receptors for odors, tastes and hormones, as well as pores responsible for the controlled entry and exit of ions like sodium (Na+) potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++) and chloride (Cl-).

Mitochondria: Mitochondria provide the energy a cell needs to move, divide, produce secretory products, contract - in short, they are the power centers of the cell. They are about the size of bacteria but may have different shapes depending on the cell type. Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles, and like the nucleus have a double membrane. The outer membrane is fairly smooth. But the inner membrane is highly convoluted, forming folds (cristae) when viewed in cross-section. The cristae greatly increase the inner membrane's surface area. It is on these cristae that food (sugar) is combined with oxygen to produce ATP - the primary energy source for the cell.

Vacuole: A vacuole is a membrane-bound sac that plays roles in intracellular digestion and the release of cellular waste products. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small. Vacuoles tend to be large in plant cells and play several roles: storing nutrients and waste products, helping increase cell size during growth, and even acting much like lysosomes of animal cells. The plant cell vacuole also regulates turgor pressure in the cell. Water collects in cell vacuoles, pressing outward against the cell wall and producing rigidity in the plant. Without sufficient water, turgor pressure drops and the plant wilts.

Cell Wall (plant cells only): Plant cells have a rigid, protective cell wall made up of polysaccharides. In higher plant cells, that polysaccharide is usually cellulose. The cell wall provides and maintains the shape of these cells and serves as a protective barrier. Fluid collects in the plant cell vacuole and pushes out against the cell wall. This turgor pressure is responsible for the crispness of fresh vegetables.

Chloroplast (plant cells only): Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in all higher plant cells. These organelles contain the plant cell's chlorophyll responsible for the plant's green color and the ability to absorb energy from sunlight. This energy is used to convert water plus atmospheric carbon dioxide into metabolizable sugars by the biochemical process of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts have a double outer membrane. Within the stroma are other membrane structures - the thylakoids. Thylakoids appear in stacks called "grana" (singular = granum).

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: Throughout the eukaryotic cell, especially those responsible for the production of hormones and other secretory products, is a vast network of membrane-bound vesicles and tubules called the endoplasmic reticulum, or ER for short. The ER is a continuation of the outer nuclear membrane and its varied functions suggest the complexity of the eukaryotic cell.
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is so named because it appears smooth by electron microscopy. Smooth ER plays different functions depending on the specific cell type including lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, breakdown of lipid-soluble toxins in liver cells, and control of calcium release in muscle cell contraction.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum: Rough endoplasmic reticulum appears "pebbled" by electron microscopy due to the presence of numerous ribosomes on its surface. Proteins synthesized on these ribosomes collect in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport throughout the cell.

Ribosomes: Ribosomes are packets of RNA and protein that play a crucial role in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are the site of protein synthesis. Each ribosome comprises two parts, a large subunit and a small subunit. Messenger RNA from the cell nucleus is moved systematically along the ribosome where transfer RNA adds individual amino acid molecules to the lengthening protein chain.

Cytoskeleton: As its name implies, the cytoskeleton helps to maintain cell shape. But the primary importance of the cytoskeleton is in cell motility. The internal movement of cell organelles, as well as cell locomotion and muscle fiber contraction could not take place without the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is an organized network of three primary protein filaments:

microtubules

actin filaments (microfilaments)

intermediate fibers

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This exploration of plant and animal cell organelles and cell structure is presented in a mobile-friendly interactive model with detailed descriptive text.

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7. Links to Resources for other Learning Strands 

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7. Links to Resources for other Learning Strands 

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The article discusses the complexity and adaptability of plant cell walls, likening them to shapeshifters due to their ability to change structure and function throughout a plant's life cycle. It reviews the evolution of scientific understanding of the five major cell wall polymers: cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectins, lignin, and wall-associated proteins.

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The plant cell wall—dynamic, strong, and adaptable—is a natural shapeshifter

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This review provides a historical context for the processes by which plant cell wall structures are created, assemble, sense, and respond to signals and ch

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This article discusses cell culture, a technique for growing cells in artificial environments to study their functions and applications. Widely adopted since the mid-1900s, it is essential for drug testing, cancer research, and vaccine production. Cell culture also facilitates the development of therapeutic proteins and biologics using controlled media and advanced research methods.

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Before we start the Plant and Animal Cells Lab Activity we must discuss the history. Robert Hooke's discovery of cells left a huge impact on both science and society. The cell theory states that cells are the basic structural, functional, and organizational unit of all living organisms. They can be classified by the presence of the nucleus. A prokaryotic cell doesn't have one, but a eukaryotic cell does. Some examples of eukaryotes are protozoa, fungi, plants, and animals. These types of cells can be classified according to the organelles that they have, and each of these organelles has a role to perform. Plant and animal cells have similar organelles, while other organelles are unique to each of them.

In this lab investigation, you will compare the structure of a plant cell using an onion, an Elodea leaf, and an animal cell using a human cheek cell.

Plant Cells vs Animal Cells Lab Activity Learning Objectives:

At the end of this laboratory activity, students are expected to:

Compare the structure of plant cells (onion) and animal cells (cheek cell).

Cite the similarities and differences between plants and animal cells.

Here are the Files Downloadable Files for the Plant Cells vs Animal Cells LabActivity

Dive into the intricate world of cells by conducting a lab activity that compares and contrasts both plant and animal cells. With engaging activities to strengthen your understanding, this lab activity will bring science to life as you explore the distinct structure of each!

Gather Materials and Prepare Samples

Before you can begin the lab activity, you need to gather the materials needed and prepare samples of both plant and animal cells. To do this, use slides of prepared cell samples or create your own by placing onion skin, cheek cells, or Elodea leaves on slides and using a microscope to view them. With these materials in place and ready to go, you're ready to start exploring the differences between plant and animal cells!

Examine Plant Cells Under a Microscope

Begin your study of plant cells by placing an Elodea leaf on a microscope slide with a drop of water or stain, then adding a coverslip. View the leaf under low power and move your slide from side to side, looking for rectangular shaped cell walls. When you find them, switch to a higher power of magnification to study the different organelles in each cell. Record what you observe in your lab notebook, then move onto examining animal cells in the same manner.

Identify Features of Plant Cells

Plant cells contain chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, and cell walls made of cellulose. Chloroplasts are the tiny green organelles where photosynthesis takes place, while the large vacuoles store valuable nutrients and act as a defence mechanism against damaging toxins. The cell wall is an additional protective layer that envelopes the entire plant cell, providing support and structure to maintain its shape.

Examine Animal Cells Under a Microscope

Animal cells rely on their organelles to run the processes of the cell, but lack a cell wall and large vacuole. With the help of a microscope, students can observe the differences between these two types of cells side-by-side. Have them take notes as they look through the lens to document their observations and identify any similarities or differences. They will quickly come to understand why these two types of cells have very different functions!

Identify Features of Animal Cells

Have students use their microscopes to carefully identify the features in an animal cell. They should look for organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and plasma membrane. Additionally, they should note absent features such as the cell wall and large vacuole. With these observations made, they will have a basis for comparison when looking at a plant cell next.

Plant Cells vs Animal Cells Lab Activity Materials:
Materials:
Plant Cells vs Animal Cells Lab Activity Procedure:

1. Make wet-mount slides for the available cell types.

Try to look around while on low power. When you find something, you can go up to medium or high.

To see one layer of cells, try to adjust to fine focus.

Draw what you can see, try to recognize the structures found and label them.

2. For the onion:

Remove a scale from the onion.

Peel a thin layer of onion from its inner surface.

Make a wet-mount slide of the onion tissue, then add 2-3 drops of water.

Put on a coverslip, then stain with iodine.

Observe, draw what you can see, and label what you can recognize.

3. For the Elodea:

Get one young leaf from the tip of the plant.

Make a wet-mount slide of this leaf.

Put on a coverslip, and don't stain.

Elodea leaves are two cells thick so you need to focus carefully using fine focus.

Observe, draw what you can see, and label what you can recognize.

4. For the cheek:

Gently scrape the inside of your mouth using a flat clean toothpick. Don't worry if you can't see anything. You can actually pick up any cheek cell when you scrape.

Smear the toothpick on the slide to spread the saliva and cells. You may add a tiny drop of water if the sample is too dry.

Put on a coverslip, and stain with methylene blue.

Observe, draw what you can see, and label what you can recognize.

5. Draw what you can see on the attached RESULT SHEET.

6. Answer the discussion questions that follow.

Plant Cells vs Animal Cells Lab Activities Result Sheet:
ONION
Onion Cells Under a Microscope at 40x Magnification

Onion Cells Under a Microscope at 100x Magnification

Onion Under a Microscope at 400x Magnification
ELODEA
Elodea Under a Microscope at 40x Magnification

Elodea Under a Microscope at 100x Magnification

Elodea Under a Microscope at 400x Magnification
CHEEK
Cheek Cells Under a Microscope at 40x Magnification

Cheek Cells Under a Microscope at 100x Magnification

Cheek Cells Under a Microscope at 400x Magnification

Discuss the following with your students about Plant Cells vs Animal Cells Lab Activities:

1. Use the Venn diagram below to cite the similarities and differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.

2. Why are stains used when observing cells under the microscope?

3. Why is a wet-mount preparation better than a dry-mount preparation in observing living cells?

4. How would you determine if a given cell sample is that of an animal or a plant cell when observed under a microscope?

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Plant and Animal Cells Lab Activity ⋆ iTeachly.com

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Plant and Animal Cells Lab: Explore the structure of both plant and animal cells in an engaging lab activity. Lab Sheets included.

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1. Links to other strands and Learning Outcomes

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1. Links to other strands and Learning Outcomes

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Resource - Linking Plant and Animal Cells to current lab investigations

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Resource - Linking Plant and Animal Cells to current lab investigations

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Scientists in Japan have successfully created hybrid plant-animal cells, enabling animal cells to harness energy from sunlight like plants. By inserting chloroplasts into animal cells, researchers observed photosynthesis functioning for at least two days

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Scientists in Japan have created hybrid plant-animal cells, essentially making animal cells that can gain energy from sunlight like plants. The breakthrough could have major benefits for growing organs and tissues for transplant, or lab-grown meat.

Animal and plant cells have different energy-producing structures inside them. For animals, that's mitochondria, which convert chemical energy from food into a form that our cells can use. Plants and algae, meanwhile, use chloroplasts, which perform photosynthesis to generate energy from sunlight to power their cells.

In a new study led by the University of Tokyo, the team inserted chloroplasts into animal cells, and found that they continued to perform photosynthetic functions for at least two days. The chloroplasts were sourced from red algae, while the animal cells were cultured from hamsters.

Previous studies had found success in transplanting chloroplasts into yeast, granting them the new ability of photosynthesis. But that's a fungus - doing so in animals is next-level.

The team essentially cultivated hamster cells and isolated chloroplasts together for two days, then checked that the animal cells had taken them up by looking for signs of chlorophyll. This compound performs a key role in chloroplasts but shouldn't normally be present in animal cells, so its presence is a good indicator that the method worked. Conveniently, it naturally fluoresces under certain wavelengths of light.

When the team shone a specific type of laser light on the cells, they quickly saw chlorophyll - and by extension, chloroplasts - inside the hamster cells. Using another technique called pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry, they confirmed that the chloroplasts were still performing photosynthesis.

"As far as we know, this is the first reported detection of photosynthetic electron transport in chloroplasts implanted in animal cells," said Professor Sachihiro Matsunaga, corresponding author of the study. "We thought that the chloroplasts would be digested by the animal cells within hours after being introduced. However, what we found was that they continued to function for up to two days, and that the electron transport of photosynthetic activity occurred."

Intriguingly, the team also noticed that the hamster cells grew faster than usual while they were cultured alongside chloroplasts. This suggests that they're providing a new carbon source, and could hint at a new potential use for these hybrid cells.

"We believe this work will be useful for cellular-tissue engineering," said Matsunaga. "Lab-grown tissues, such as artificial organs, artificial meat and skin sheets, are made of multiple layers of cells. However, there is a problem that they cannot increase in size due to hypoxia (low oxygen levels) inside the tissue, which prevents cell division. By mixing in chloroplast-implanted cells, oxygen could be supplied to the cells through photosynthesis, by light irradiation, thereby improving the conditions inside the tissue to enable growth."

The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the Japan Academy, Series B.

Source: University of Tokyo

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Plant-animal hybrid cells make solar-powered tissues, organs or meat

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Scientists in Japan have created hybrid plant-animal cells, essentially making animal cells that can gain energy from sunlight like plants. The breakthrough could have major benefits for growing organs and tissues for transplant, or lab-grown meat.