Let's be honest. There isn't a kid in this world that doesn't long to play with their food! This at home science project was a much loved assignment for my kids. I can't say that the same was true for their parents! But, every family accepted the challenge and we had 16 amazing plant and animal cells come into the classroom!
Animal Cells:
Animal cells are round in shape with a nucleus that controls the activity within that cell. The nucleus is surrounded by the endoplasmic reticulum. The ER produces proteins and fats. The animal cell also has several vacuoles for storing food and waste. All of these organelles exist in a jelly-like substance called cytoplasm. Lastly, the entire cell is surrounded by a cell membrane that decides what comes in and out of the cell.
Animal cells are round in shape with a nucleus that controls the activity within that cell. The nucleus is surrounded by the endoplasmic reticulum. The ER produces proteins and fats. The animal cell also has several vacuoles for storing food and waste. All of these organelles exist in a jelly-like substance called cytoplasm. Lastly, the entire cell is surrounded by a cell membrane that decides what comes in and out of the cell.
Plant Cells:
Plants cells are similar to animal cells.
They both have a nucleus, cytoplasm and a cell membrane.
The differences are:
- They only have one vacuole.
- They are rectangular in shape.
- They have chloroplasts, where they make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
- They have a cell wall to make it sturdy and more protected.
Plants cells are similar to animal cells.
They both have a nucleus, cytoplasm and a cell membrane.
The differences are:
- They only have one vacuole.
- They are rectangular in shape.
- They have chloroplasts, where they make their own food through a process called photosynthesis.
- They have a cell wall to make it sturdy and more protected.
So... what kind of cell is pictured above? Not only can my fifth graders tell you, but they can also tell you why! Mission accomplished! Mission delicious!!