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What are Eukaryotic Cells? — Reading Comprehension

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This NGSS-aligned reading passage introduces middle school students to eukaryotic cells, which are complex cells found in animals, plants, fungi, and protists. Supporting MS-LS1-1, the passage explains the role of the nucleus, DNA, and organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and chloroplasts. It emphasizes how eukaryotic cells allow for specialization in multicellular organisms. With accessible language and scientific vocabulary, this passage helps students build a deeper understanding of life science and cell structure while supporting Next Generation Science Standards in biology.

CONTENT PREVIEW

"Eukaryote cell" by Nicole Gleichmann / Wikimedia Commons.

Eukaryotic cells are complex cells that make up most of the living things we see around us. Animals, plants, fungi, and protists are all made of eukaryotic cells. These cells are usually larger and more advanced than prokaryotic cells, which are found in bacteria.

One of the main features of a eukaryotic cell is that it has a nucleus. The nucleus is like the control center of the cell. It holds the DNA, which contains instructions for how the cell works and grows. Eukaryotic cells also have many organelles—special parts inside the cell that do different jobs. These organelles are surrounded by membranes, which help organize the cell’s activities.

Important organelles include the mitochondria, which produce energy, and the endoplasmic reticulum, which helps build proteins and fats. In plant cells, there are chloroplasts, which use sunlight to make food through photosynthesis. All eukaryotic cells have a cell membrane that controls what enters and exits, and many have a cytoskeleton that helps give the cell shape and support.

Eukaryotic cells can be unicellular (like some protists) or multicellular (like humans and trees). In multicellular organisms, cells often become specialized, meaning they perform specific functions—like muscle cells for movement or nerve cells for sending signals.

These cells are essential for life as we know it. Their structure allows for greater complexity and organization, which makes it possible for organisms to grow larger and carry out many different functions.

Fun Fact: Your body is made of more than 37 trillion eukaryotic cells—each one busy keeping you alive!

What type of organisms are made of eukaryotic cells?

Bacteria onlyAnimals, plants, fungi, and protistsViruses and bacteriaOnly water-dwelling creatures

What structure holds the DNA in a eukaryotic cell?

RibosomeMitochondriaNucleusCell wall

What is one job of mitochondria in a eukaryotic cell?

Carry oxygenStore waterMake energyDigest food

What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum?

Produces sunlightBuilds proteins and fatsMoves the cellStores DNA

Which organelle helps plant cells perform photosynthesis?

NucleusRibosomeChloroplastCell membrane

What does the term “specialized cell” mean in multicellular organisms?

A cell that performs every jobA cell with no nucleusA cell that does one specific jobA cell made only of water

What is the main idea of the passage?

Eukaryotic cells are only found in plantsEukaryotic cells are complex and found in many living thingsEukaryotic cells are the same as bacteriaEukaryotic cells store sunlight

If a eukaryotic cell had no mitochondria, what would happen?

The cell would grow fasterThe cell could not make energy properlyThe cell would turn into a plantThe DNA would disappear