Animal Cell vs. Plant Cell — Reading Comprehension

Imagine tiny building blocks that make up all living things, from a towering oak tree to a buzzing bee. These are cells! Every living organism is made of cells, and while they all share some basic features, the cells of plants and animals have some important differences that help them do their jobs.

Both animal and plant cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus. The nucleus is like the cell's brain, controlling all its activities and holding the cell's genetic information. Both types of cells also have a cell membrane, which is a thin, flexible outer layer that controls what goes in and out of the cell. Inside the cell membrane is the cytoplasm, a jelly-like substance where many important cell activities happen. Both also contain mitochondria, often called the 'powerhouses' of the cell, because they produce energy.

Now, let's look at what makes them unique. Plant cells have a rigid outer layer called a cell wall, which is outside the cell membrane. Think of it like a sturdy brick wall around a house. This cell wall provides strong support and protection, helping plants stand upright. Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they rely on their cell membrane for their outer boundary.

Another big difference is chloroplasts. These are special organelles found only in plant cells. Chloroplasts contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the amazing process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food (sugars) and release oxygen. Since animals get their food by eating other organisms, animal cells do not need or have chloroplasts.

Finally, plant cells usually have one large, central vacuole. This large sac stores water, nutrients, and waste products, and also helps maintain the plant's rigid shape by pushing against the cell wall. Animal cells might have several small vacuoles, or none at all, and they don't play as central a role in maintaining cell shape.

Interesting Fact: A single plant cell can contain hundreds of chloroplasts!

Which part is found in plant cells but not animal cells?

What do mitochondria do?

Both animal and plant cells have a cell membrane. True or False?

If a cell can make its own food using sunlight, what organelle must it have?

Why don't animal cells need chloroplasts?

What is the main role of the plant cell wall?

Which organelle is described as the 'powerhouse'?

A cell found in a tree branch would likely have:

Which term describes the process of plants making food?

Imagine a flexible, jelly-like substance inside a cell. This is the: