Cell City Warm Up: What Makes It Alive?

Welcome to the amazing world of cells! Before we dive deep, let's think about what makes something alive.

Instructions: Look at the pictures below (imagine them being here). One is a rock, and the other is a tree. In your own words, describe three differences you observe between them.

1.



2.



3.



Think about it: What do living things have that non-living things don't? (Hint: It starts with a C!)

Cell City Tour Script

Part 1: Warm Up (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going on an exciting journey into the very building blocks of life. But before we begin our grand tour, let's get our brains warmed up. I've handed out a short activity called Cell City Warm Up. Please take a few minutes to complete it, either by yourselves or with a partner sitting nearby. Think about what makes something alive."

(Allow students 5-7 minutes to complete. Circulate to assist.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's share some of our ideas. Who can tell me one difference they observed between a rock and a tree?" (Call on a few students. For ELLs, encourage them to point or use single words if full sentences are challenging.)

Teacher: "Great observations! Now, the big question: What do living things have that non-living things don't? What's the fundamental unit of life?" (Guide them towards the answer: cells.) "That's right, cells! And that's exactly what we're exploring today!"

Part 2: Introduction to Cell City (15 minutes)

Teacher: (Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 1: Welcome to Cell City!)

"Welcome, explorers, to the 'Cell City Tour!' Today, we're going to shrink down to an incredibly tiny size and discover the amazing world inside every living thing. We'll learn how different cells are built, and what all the tiny parts inside them do."

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 2: What is a Cell?)

Teacher: "First, let's define our destination. A cell is the smallest living unit of an organism. Think of it like a single brick in a huge building. That building could be a person, an animal, or a plant! Everything alive around you – from the smallest insect to the tallest tree, and even you – is made of cells. When we talk about cells, we are talking about biology, the study of life."

"Imagine a cell as a tiny, busy city. This city has different buildings, roads, and workers, all doing specific jobs to keep the city running. Our tour today will be like visiting this amazing Cell City!"

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 3: Two Main Cell Types)

Teacher: "Just like there are different kinds of cities – small towns and big metropolises – there are two main types of cells: prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells. We're going to explore both."

Part 3: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells (25 minutes)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 4: Prokaryotic Cells: The Simple City)

Teacher: "Let's start with the 'Simple City' – prokaryotic cells. These are the oldest and simplest cells, like the very first towns that ever existed. The most important thing to remember about them is that they do NOT have a true nucleus. Can anyone remember what we said the nucleus was like?" (Pause for answers - City Hall/Control Center.)

"That's right! So, in a prokaryotic cell, their DNA – their genetic instructions, like the blueprints for the city – floats freely inside the cell. It's not protected in a special office building like in a bigger city. They also don't have many of the other tiny, specialized structures we call organelles, which are like the complex buildings in a larger city."

"A common example of a prokaryotic cell is bacteria. Some bacteria can make you sick, but many are helpful, like the ones in yogurt or in your gut that help you digest food."

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 5: Eukaryotic Cells: The Complex City)

Teacher: "Now let's move to the 'Complex City' – eukaryotic cells. These are newer and much more complex, like a big, modern city. The biggest difference is that they DO have a true nucleus. Their DNA is safely stored inside this nucleus, like important documents in City Hall."

"Eukaryotic cells also have many special tiny parts called organelles. These organelles are like different departments or buildings in our city, each with a specific job. Think of them as the library, the police station, the power plant, etc."

"What are some examples of eukaryotic cells? Well, almost everything that isn't bacteria! All the cells in plants, animals (that's us!), fungi (like mushrooms), and protists are eukaryotic."

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 6: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic: Key Differences)

Teacher: "Let's quickly look at the big differences side-by-side. Take a moment to look at this table on the slide. This helps us remember the main points."

"Can someone summarize the main difference in one sentence?" (Guide them to: Prokaryotic cells don't have a nucleus or many organelles, eukaryotic cells do.)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 7: Eukaryotic Cells: Plant vs. Animal)

Teacher: "Now, within our 'Complex City' of eukaryotic cells, we're mainly going to talk about two big types: animal cells, like the cells that make up your body, and plant cells, like the cells in a flower or a tree. They have a lot in common, but also some important differences that help them do their specific jobs."

Part 4: Reading & Discussion: Exploring Cell Basics (30 minutes)

Teacher: "Excellent! To help solidify these ideas, I'm handing out the Cell City Reading Adventure. Please read the first section, which talks about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. As you read, think about the main ideas we just discussed."

(Distribute reading. Allow 10-15 minutes for silent or partner reading. For ELLs, suggest reading aloud with a partner or using a highlighter for key terms.)

Teacher: "Now, let's have a quick Cell City Discussion to make sure we've got these concepts clear. In your own words, what's one thing you found interesting or confusing about prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells from the reading or our discussion?" (Encourage varied responses. Use sentence stems for ELLs: "One thing I learned is..." or "I am still wondering about...")

Teacher: "Why do you think it's important that eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, but prokaryotic cells don't? How does that change how complicated they can be?" (Prompt for answers about organization and complexity.)

Part 5: Introducing Organelles: The City Workers (20 minutes)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 8: Organelles: The Cell's Mini-Organs)

Teacher: "Alright, now that we understand the two main types of cell cities, it's time to explore the amazing organelles inside them! Remember, organelles are like the tiny organs or specialized buildings within our cell city. Each one has a very specific job to help the entire cell city run smoothly."

"Think about your own body. You have a heart to pump blood, lungs to breathe, and a brain to think. Cells are the same way! They have tiny parts that do all these different jobs to keep the cell, and ultimately, you, alive and healthy."

"We'll look at many of these important organelles now, and you'll even get to create your own cell city later!"

Part 6: Organelle Deep Dive (Part 1: Common Organelles) (45 minutes)

Teacher: "To help you keep track of all these amazing cell parts, I'm handing out an Organelle Passport Activity Sheet. As we go through each organelle, you can fill in the information on your passport. This will be a great study tool later!"

(Distribute Organelle Passport Activity Sheet.)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 9: The Nucleus: City Hall & Control Center)

Teacher: "First stop, the Nucleus! We already talked about this. What was its nickname?" (Pause for answers - City Hall/Control Center.)

"Exactly! The nucleus is usually a large, round structure, often in the center. Its job, its function, is to contain the cell's DNA – all the genetic instructions, like the city's master plan or blueprints. It controls all the cell's activities. It's found in all eukaryotic cells, both plant and animal. It's super important because without it, the cell wouldn't know what to do; it couldn't grow or divide!"

(Guide students to fill in their passports for the Nucleus.)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 10: Mitochondria: The Power Plants)

Teacher: "Next, let's visit the Mitochondria! Say that with me: My-toe-chon-dria. These are oval-shaped with cool-looking folds inside. Their function is to make energy for the cell. Think of them as the cell's power plants! They take food and turn it into energy that the cell can use, a process called cellular respiration. We find mitochondria in both plant and animal eukaryotic cells."

"Why is a power plant important for a city?" (Electricity for lights, homes, factories.) "Exactly! Without enough energy, our cell city would shut down. Mitochondria provide all the power the cell needs to do its work – like moving, growing, and building new things!"

(Guide students to fill in their passports for Mitochondria.)

(Continue this pattern for the remaining organelles in the slide deck, referring to the script for specific talking points and analogies. Regularly pause to allow students to fill in their Organelle Passport Activity Sheet and check for understanding, especially for IEP and ELL students. Use gestures, rephrase, and provide examples.)

Teacher: (Organelle explanations will continue through Slide 18 for common organelles: ER, Ribosomes, Golgi, Lysosomes, Vacuoles, Vesicles, Peroxisomes.)

Part 7: Organelle Deep Dive (Part 2: Plant & Animal Specifics) (30 minutes)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 19: Chloroplasts: The Plant's Food Factory)

Teacher: "Now we're going to look at some organelles that are special to certain types of eukaryotic cells, or have bigger roles in one type than the other. First up, the Chloroplasts!" (Say with me: Klor-oh-plasts.)

"These are green, oval-shaped organelles. Can anyone guess why they are green?" (Pause for answers - chlorophyll, plants are green.)

"Yes! They contain a green pigment called chlorophyll. Their super important function is where photosynthesis happens. Photosynthesis is the process where plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food – sugar! Where do you think we find these?" *(Plant cells!)

"That's right, only in plant cells (and some very tiny organisms). Why are chloroplasts so important, not just for plants, but for almost all life on Earth?" (Guide them to understand that plants are the base of most food chains.)

(Guide students to fill in their passports for Chloroplasts.)

(Continue with Cell Wall, Central Vacuole (revisit and emphasize plant-specific role), Cytoskeleton, Cilia & Flagella using the same pattern of explanation, analogy, and passport completion.)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 23: Plant vs. Animal Cells: Quick Review)

Teacher: "Great job on our organelle tour! Now, let's quickly review the main differences between our two big eukaryotic cities: plant cells and animal cells. Look at this table on the slide. What are the three big things plant cells have that animal cells usually don't?" (Cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole.)

Part 8: Activity: Build Your Own Cell (or Diagram Practice) (30 minutes)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 24: Cell City in Action!)

Teacher: "Excellent work, Cell City tourists! You've learned so much about the different parts. Now it's your turn to show what you know!"

"We have two options for our Cell Building Activity / Cell Diagram Labeling Activity today. You can choose the one that helps you learn best.

Option 1 (Hands-on): If you like to build things, you can use the Play-Doh or modeling clay to create your own animal or plant cell. You'll need to make and place at least 5-7 different organelles and label them. This is a great way to see how they fit together!

Option 2 (Diagram Practice): If you prefer to draw and label, I have pre-printed diagrams of animal and plant cells. You will label as many organelles as you can and then choose 3-5 of them to describe their function briefly next to your drawing.

"No matter which option you choose, try your best and work with a partner if that helps you. I'll be walking around to help and answer any questions. Let's get creative!"

(Circulate, provide support, clarify instructions, and encourage students. Ensure IEP/ELL students have appropriate modifications, such as pre-labeled organelle pieces for building or partially labeled diagrams.)

Part 9: Wrap-up & Review: Cell Differences Worksheet (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. You all did a fantastic job building or labeling your cells! Now, to review some of our key ideas from today, please complete the Cell Differences Worksheet. You can work individually or with a partner."

(Distribute worksheet. Allow 7-8 minutes for students to work.)

Teacher: "Let's quickly go over some of the answers together to make sure we're on the right track. I'll use the Cell City Answer Key to guide us. Who has an answer for question 1?" (Go through answers, clarifying as needed. Correct misconceptions gently.)

Part 10: Cool Down: One Big Idea (10 minutes)

(Display Cell City Tour Slide Deck - Slide 25: End of Our Tour! Time for an Activity!)

Teacher: "You've just completed an amazing tour of Cell City! Before you leave, I have one last quick task for you: the Cell City Cool Down. On this sheet, please write down one big idea or one new thing you learned about cells today. This is your 'exit ticket' for class. When you're done, please turn it in on your way out."

"Thank you for a great class, everyone! See you next time!"

(Collect cool-downs.)

Cell City Reading Adventure

Section 1: Tiny Worlds, Big Differences: Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells

Imagine you could shrink down to an incredibly tiny size and visit a city that's so small, you can only see it with a powerful microscope. This city is a cell – the basic building block of all living things!

Just like there are different kinds of cities in the world, there are two main types of cell cities:

1. Prokaryotic Cells: The Simple, Old Town

Think of prokaryotic cells as the oldest and simplest towns. They are very small. The most important thing to know is that they do not have a nucleus. The nucleus is like the main office or control center of a cell, where all the important instructions (called DNA) are kept safe.

In a prokaryotic cell, the DNA just floats around inside the cell, kind of like papers scattered in a small office without filing cabinets. These simple cells also don't have many other special tiny rooms or machines called organelles (pronounced or-guh-NELZ). Organelles are like the different buildings with special jobs in a bigger city.

Most bacteria are prokaryotic cells. Some bacteria can make you sick, but many are helpful, like the bacteria that help make yogurt or live in your stomach to help you digest food.

2. Eukaryotic Cells: The Modern, Complex City

Now, imagine a bigger, more modern city with many buildings and departments. These are eukaryotic cells! They are larger and much more complex than prokaryotic cells. The biggest difference is that eukaryotic cells do have a nucleus.

In a eukaryotic cell, the DNA is safely stored inside the nucleus, like important blueprints kept in a secure vault at City Hall. This nucleus helps control everything the cell does. Eukaryotic cells also have many different organelles, each with its own special job. These organelles are like the power plants, post offices, and factories of our cell city.

All plants, animals (that's us!), fungi (like mushrooms), and protists (like amoebas) are made of eukaryotic cells. We will focus mostly on these complex cells today.

Section 2: Animal vs. Plant Cells: Different City Needs

Within the big group of eukaryotic cells, we often talk about two main kinds: animal cells and plant cells. They are both complex cities, but they have some different buildings and needs.

• Animal Cells: These are the cells that make up you, your pets, and all other animals! They are often round or irregular in shape.
• Plant Cells: These are the cells that make up trees, flowers, and all other plants! They usually have a fixed, rectangular shape because they have a special strong outer layer.
  
  
  ## Section 3: Meet the Organelles: The City's Departments

Every bustling city needs different departments and buildings to function, right? A cell is no different! Inside eukaryotic cells, there are many tiny structures called organelles, and each one has a very important job. Think of them as the specialized workers or departments in our cell city. We will learn about many of these amazing parts today and what they do to keep the cell alive and working!

Cell City Building Challenge or Diagram Decoder!

Welcome, architects and detectives of Cell City! Now that you've learned about all the amazing organelles and the two main types of eukaryotic cells (plant and animal), it's your turn to show what you know. Choose ONE of the activities below:

Option 1: Build Your Own Cell City (Hands-on Challenge)

Goal: Create a 3D model of either an animal cell OR a plant cell, including at least 7 important organelles.

Materials: Play-Doh, modeling clay, or other provided craft supplies. You might also use labels on toothpicks.

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Cell: Decide if you want to build an Animal Cell or a Plant Cell. Remember their key differences!
2. Form the Outer Boundary: Create the main shape of your cell. If it's a plant cell, remember it has a rigid Cell Wall and a fixed shape. Animal cells are more round or irregular.
3. Add the Cytoplasm: This is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell. You can imagine it or use a base color of clay.
4. Sculpt Your Organelles: Create at least 7 different organelles (e.g., Nucleus, Mitochondria, ER, Golgi Apparatus, Ribosomes, Vacuoles, Chloroplasts (if plant), Cell Wall (if plant)). Use different colors or shapes for each.
5. Place and Label: Carefully place your organelles inside your cell model. Use small labels (on toothpicks if you have them) to clearly name each organelle. You can also briefly describe its job.
6. Explain Your City: Be ready to explain to your teacher or a classmate which type of cell you built and the job of a few of your organelles.

Tips for Success:

• Refer to your Organelle Passport Activity Sheet for ideas.
• Think about the city analogies we used. How does your model show the cell working like a city?

Option 2: Cell Diagram Decoder (Drawing & Labeling Challenge)

Goal: Accurately label the parts of either an animal cell OR a plant cell diagram and describe the function of key organelles.

Materials: Printed cell diagrams (provided by teacher), pencil, colored pencils (optional).

Instructions:

1. Choose Your Diagram: Get a blank diagram of either an Animal Cell or a Plant Cell from your teacher.
2. Label, Label, Label! Use your notes, the Cell City Reading Adventure, and your Organelle Passport Activity Sheet to help you label as many organelles and cell parts as you can on your chosen diagram.
3. Describe the Job: Choose 5 different organelles from your diagram. Next to each of these 5 labeled organelles, write one sentence describing its main function (what job it does).
4. Color (Optional): If you like, you can color your diagram to make each organelle stand out!
5. Be Ready to Share: Be ready to point out and explain the job of a few organelles to your teacher or a classmate.

Tips for Success:

• Pay attention to whether your diagram is an animal or plant cell – some organelles are only in one or the other!
• Double-check your spelling of organelle names.

Teacher Check-in: Once you've completed your chosen activity, raise your hand for your teacher to check your amazing work!

Cell City Discussion: Let's Talk Cells!

Now that we've taken our first steps into Cell City and learned about prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, let's discuss what we've discovered. This is a chance to share your ideas and ask questions!

Discussion Questions:

1. Thinking back to our warm-up: How does learning about cells change your idea of what it means for something to be "alive"? What's the most important new idea you learned about living things today?
   
   
   
   
   

2. Simple vs. Complex: If you were describing prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells to a friend, what's the one biggest difference you would tell them? Why is that difference so important?
   
   
   
   
   

3. City Analogies: We talked about cells like cities. What's one part of a cell that you think is most like a building or a department in a city, and why? (For example, which organelle is like the city hall, or the power plant?)
   
   
   
   
   

4. Your Questions: What is one thing you are still curious about, or something that still confuses you a little bit about cells, prokaryotes, or eukaryotes? No question is a silly question!
   
   
   
   
   

Teacher Notes:

• Encourage all students to participate. For ELL students, allow them to use gestures, draw, or use single words in addition to speaking.
• Provide sentence starters if needed: "I think the biggest difference is...", "I am curious about...", "My question is..."
• Rephrase student answers to ensure clarity and build on their ideas.

Cell Differences: Check Your Knowledge!

Instructions: Read each question carefully and answer in the space provided. Use your notes and your Organelle Passport Activity Sheet to help you!

Part A: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

1. What is the main difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell? (Hint: Think about the "control center".)
   
   
   
   
   

2. Give one example of a prokaryotic cell:
   
   
   
   
   

3. Give two examples of eukaryotic cells:
   
   
   
   
   

4. Which type of cell is generally more complex and has many different organelles?
   
   
   
   
   

Part B: Plant vs. Animal Cells

5. Name two organelles that are typically found in plant cells but not in animal cells:
   
   
   
   
   

6. Which type of cell (plant or animal) usually has a large, fixed, rectangular shape because of its outer layer?
   
   
   
   
   

7. What is the main job of chloroplasts in a plant cell?
   
   
   
   
   

Part C: Organelle Functions (Match the Job!)

Instructions: Draw a line from the organelle to its main job in the cell.

Organelle

8. Nucleus
9. Mitochondria
10. Ribosomes
11. Golgi Apparatus
12. Lysosomes

Main Job

• a. Makes energy for the cell
• b. Breaks down waste and old cell parts
• c. Controls cell activities, holds DNA
• d. Packages and ships proteins
• e. Builds proteins

Cell Differences Worksheet: Answer Key

Part A: Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells

1. What is the main difference between a prokaryotic cell and a eukaryotic cell?

   • Answer: Prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do have a nucleus and many different membrane-bound organelles.
   • Reasoning: The presence or absence of a nucleus (which contains the cell's DNA) is the most fundamental defining characteristic that separates these two broad categories of cells. Eukaryotic cells are more complex due to their internal organization with specialized organelles.

2. Give one example of a prokaryotic cell:

   • Answer: Bacteria (or Archaea, but bacteria is more commonly introduced first).
   • Reasoning: Bacteria are the classic example of single-celled organisms that lack a true nucleus and complex internal structures.

3. Give two examples of eukaryotic cells:

   • Answer: Animal cells, Plant cells (also Fungi cells, Protist cells).
   • Reasoning: These are the most commonly discussed examples of complex cells that possess a nucleus and many organelles.

4. Which type of cell is generally more complex and has many different organelles?

   • Answer: Eukaryotic cells.
   • Reasoning: The definition of eukaryotic cells includes the presence of a nucleus and various specialized organelles, which contribute to their higher complexity compared to prokaryotic cells.

Part B: Plant vs. Animal Cells

5. Name two organelles that are typically found in plant cells but not in animal cells:

   • Answer: Cell Wall, Chloroplasts, Large Central Vacuole (any two of these).
   • Reasoning: These three organelles are key distinguishing features that allow plant cells to perform photosynthesis, maintain rigid structure, and store large amounts of water, functions not typically required or performed by animal cells.

6. Which type of cell (plant or animal) usually has a large, fixed, rectangular shape because of its outer layer?

   • Answer: Plant cell.
   • Reasoning: The cell wall, a rigid outer layer made of cellulose, provides structural support and a fixed shape to plant cells.

7. What is the main job of chloroplasts in a plant cell?

   • Answer: To perform photosynthesis, which means they use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make food (sugar) for the plant.
   • Reasoning: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are the sites where the process of photosynthesis takes place, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Part C: Organelle Functions (Match the Job!)

Instructions: Draw a line from the organelle to its main job in the cell.

8. Nucleus -> c. Controls cell activities, holds DNA
9. Mitochondria -> a. Makes energy for the cell
10. Ribosomes -> e. Builds proteins
11. Golgi Apparatus -> d. Packages and ships proteins
12. Lysosomes -> b. Breaks down waste and old cell parts

Reasoning:

• Nucleus: Contains the genetic material (DNA) and regulates all cellular functions.
• Mitochondria: Often called the

Organelle Passport: Your Cell City Guide!

Welcome to your Cell City Organelle Passport! As we travel through the cell and learn about each important organelle, fill in the blanks below. This passport will help you remember all the amazing jobs these tiny cell parts do!

Organelle 1: The Nucleus

• Nickname: City Hall / Control Center
• Main Job (Function): Contains the cell's __________ (genetic material) and controls all cell ______________.
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Without it, the cell wouldn't know what to do!
  
  
  

Organelle 2: Mitochondria

• Nickname: The Power Plants
• Main Job (Function): Makes __________ (ATP) for the cell through cellular respiration.
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Provides all the power the cell needs to work!
  
  
  

Organelle 3: Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

• Nickname: The Factory & Highway
• Main Job (Function): A network that makes and moves __________ (Rough ER) and __________ (Smooth ER).
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Crucial for making and transporting materials throughout the cell.
  
  
  

Organelle 4: Ribosomes

• Nickname: The Protein Builders
• Main Job (Function): Builds __________.
• Found In: (Circle one) ALL cells (Prokaryotic AND Eukaryotic)
• Importance: Proteins are vital for cell structure and function.
  
  
  

Organelle 5: Golgi Apparatus

• Nickname: The Post Office / Shipping Center
• Main Job (Function): ______________, sorts, and __________ proteins and lipids from the ER.
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Ensures proteins and lipids get to the correct place.
  
  
  

Organelle 6: Lysosomes

• Nickname: The Recycling & Cleanup Crew
• Main Job (Function): Breaks down __________ materials, old cell parts, and foreign invaders.
• Found In: (Circle one) Mostly Animal Cells / Plant Cells
• Importance: Keeps the cell clean and healthy by recycling and destroying harmful substances.
  
  
  

Organelle 7: Vacuoles & Vesicles

• Nickname: Storage & Transport
• Main Job (Function): ____________ water, nutrients, and waste (vacuoles); __________ substances around the cell (vesicles).
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Stores materials, removes waste, and moves things.
  
  
  

Organelle 8: Peroxisomes

• Nickname: Special Detox Squad
• Main Job (Function): Breaks down __________ acids and detoxifies harmful substances.
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Protects the cell from toxic chemicals.
  
  
  

Plant Cell Special Features!

Organelle 9: Chloroplasts

• Nickname: The Plant's Food Factory
• Main Job (Function): Site of ____________________ (uses sunlight to make food).
• Found In: (Circle one) Animal Cells / Plant Cells
• Importance: How plants make their own food; essential for most life on Earth.
  
  
  

Organelle 10: Cell Wall

• Nickname: The Plant's Sturdy Outer Layer
• Main Job (Function): Provides structural __________, protection, and maintains cell __________.
• Found In: (Circle one) Animal Cells / Plant Cells
• Importance: Gives plants their strength and allows them to stand upright.
  
  
  

Organelle 11: Central Vacuole

• Nickname: The Plant's Water Tower (Giant Storage Tank)
• Main Job (Function): Stores __________, nutrients, and waste; maintains turgor pressure.
• Found In: (Circle one) Animal Cells (small) / Plant Cells (large)
• Importance: Keeps the plant rigid and provides large-scale storage.
  
  
  

Other Important Organelles!

Organelle 12: Cytoskeleton

• Nickname: The Cell's Skeleton & Muscles
• Main Job (Function): Provides structural ____________, maintains cell __________, and helps with cell ____________.
• Found In: (Circle one) Prokaryotic Cells / Eukaryotic Cells (Plant AND Animal)
• Importance: Gives the cell its shape and allows movement.
  
  
  

Organelle 13: Cilia & Flagella

• Nickname: The Cell's Motors
• Main Job (Function): Help cells ____________ around (cilia are short and numerous, flagella are long and whip-like).
• Found In: (Circle one) Some Eukaryotic Cells (Animal) / Most Plant Cells
• Importance: Allows single-celled organisms to move; in multicellular organisms, moves fluids or helps with feeding.

Cell City Cool Down: One Big Idea!

Instructions: Before you leave Cell City today, please think about everything we learned. In your own words, write down one big idea, one new fact, or one important thing you learned about cells today. This is your exit ticket!

Bonus Challenge (Optional): If you can, draw a quick sketch of one organelle we discussed and label it!