Page 122 - Big Ideas Year 9 sciPAD 2025

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122 SCIPAD - BIG IDEAS - BOOK 1
LIFE AND THE TAIAO
Cells - The Building Blocks of Life
Cells are the foundational units that compose all living organisms (its the ‘C’ in MRS C GREN). Think
of them as the microscopic blocks that come together to form everything alive. Plants and animals
both have cells, but with some key differences. Plant cells have a protective outer wall and contain
chloroplasts, which are essential for converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Animal
cells, on the other hand, lack these features but have their own specific components suited for
their functions. It’s like comparing two types of machines; each has different parts based on their
purpose, but both are essential in their own right. In essence, the variations in plant and animal
cells highlight the diversity and intricacy of life.
1. Describe the shape of (a) a typical plant cell. 
(b) a typical animal cell. 
2. Define the term ‘organelle’. 
3. Name two organelles that are found in both plant and animal cells.


4. Name the organelles found in plant cells, but not in animal cells.


Plant Cells
The typical plant cell generally has a rectangular
or boxy shape, largely due to the presence of the
rigid cell wall, which provides structural support
and maintains the cell’s shape.
Animal Cells
Animal cells usually have an irregular shape due
to their flexible cell membranes. Animal cells lack
the rigid cell wall that provides plant cells with
their defined, boxy appearance.
Cells are made up of different parts, called organelles (meaning ‘small organs’). The models
below show the major cell organelles.
Organelles of a Plant Cell Organelles of a Animal Cell
Nucleus
Mitochondria
Endoplasmic reticulum
Chloroplast
Cell Membrane
Cell Wall
Large Vacuole
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