Animal cell structures and their functions
I can identify common structures of animal cells and describe what these structures do.
Animal cell structures and their functions
I can identify common structures of animal cells and describe what these structures do.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Cells have a 3D shape (not 2D as they often appear in textbooks).
- Common structures of animal cells can be shown in diagrams.
- These structures include the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus and mitochondria.
- Each structure in an animal cell has a specific function.
- Cells can be represented using 2D and 3D scientific models.
Keywords
Cell membrane - The cell membrane surrounds the cell and controls what substances enter and leave the cell.
Cytoplasm - The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside a cell where the chemical reactions of the cell take place.
Nucleus - The nucleus contains DNA, which stores information that controls the activities of the cell.
Mitochondria - Mitochondria use food and oxygen as fuel to provide energy for the cell in a process called cellular respiration.
Model - Scientists use models as simpler representations of complex things and ideas.
Common misconception
Cells are 2D (as they are often depicted in diagrams).
The lesson explores the 3D structure of cells, and the use of both 2D and 3D scientific models of animal cells.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Animal cell structures and their functions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Animal cell structures and their functions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Cells unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Make an object bigger
Make an object clearer
Glass that magnifies and focuses an image
Exit quiz
6 Questions
contains DNA and controls the activities of the cell
provides energy for the cells activities.
controls what substances enter and leave the cell
where the chemical reactions of the cell take place