Download Comparing Plant and Animal Cells

Comparing Plant and Animal Cells
Name __________________
The Question
How are cells from different living things alike and how are they different?
Task
You will use a virtual microscope to examine plant and animal cells. You will then use
cell diagrams to analyze the views of those cells.
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the virtual microscope. Use the checklists on
the left of the microscope to follow a series of steps that you need in order to view a
microscope specimen. Start with the top slide which has a newsprint letter "e". Once you
are able to follow the directions and view the specimen with low (4X) and medium (X10)
objectives, you can go to Part I.
The Letter “e”
Draw the letter “e” as viewed through the microscope using the 10X objective lens.
The Plant Cell
1. The virtual microscope works exactly like a real microscope. You must do each step in
the proper order to be able to see the cells. Use the checklist to guide you through the
proper setup of each slide.
2. Turn on the light and adjust the rehostat to 10.
3. Place the onion root tip slide on the stage. This slide represents typical plant cells.
4. Open the iris and centre the slide on the stage.
5. Use the coarse adjustment to raise the stage to its top level.
6. Switch views.
7. Adjust the oculars so that the field of view converges (one circle).
8. Use coarse adjustment to bring the slide into focus by adjusting it in a downward
direction.
9. When the slide comes into view, use the iris to adjust the light and the fine focus to
sharpen the image.
10. Rotate the nosepiece to the 10X objective lens. You may have to use the adjustment
knobs to center the slide over the opening in the stage. Use the fine focus adjustment to
sharpen the image. You will now see a red circle on the slide. This is the high resolution
section of the slide. Make sure that it is in the centre of the stage.
11. Repeat the process for the 40X objective lens.
Observations:
1. Count or estimate the number of cells you observe in the field of view using the (40X)
objective lens.
2. Describe the shape of the cells and how they are arranged.
3. Draw the field of view and the cells visible.
The Animal Cell
1. Place the cheek smear slide on the stage.
2. Follow the same procedure outlined in the introduction and Part I to observe the slide
under low, medium and high (40X) power.
Observations
1. Count or estimate the number of cells you observe in the field of view using the (40X)
objective lens.
2. Describe the shape of the cells and how they are arranged.
3. Draw the field of view and the cells visible.
Analysis and Interpretation
1. What do you think are the differences between plant and animal cells? Give examples
from what you observed.
2. What are the similarities you can identify between plant and animal cells?
3. Label the diagrams of the plant and animal cells.
4. Complete the chart by checking the cell organelle present in each type of cell.
Organelle
Cell wall
Cell membrane
Nucleus
Mitochondrion
Vacuole
Chloroplasts
Cytoplasm
Plant
Animal
Conclusion
5. Write a summary paragraph that answers the question: "How are cells from different
living things alike and how are they different?"
Extension
6. Use this activity to create a brochure describing the different parts of the plant or
animal cell. Pretend that you are encouraging others visit this cellular world. List
interesting places to visit inside the cell and explain what makes each one so fascinating.