Cells for Kids: Plant and Animal Cells and Their Parts (Grade 6 and Grade 7 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are zooming in on cells. Cells are the tiny building blocks of every living thing, from the smallest bacteria to the biggest whale.

Most cells are too small to see without a microscope. Some living things, like bacteria, are just one cell. You are made of trillions of cells working together, such as skin, muscle and blood cells.

Let's look inside an animal cell. The cell membrane is a thin skin that controls what goes in and out. Inside is a jelly called cytoplasm. The nucleus is the control center. It holds the DNA.

Cells need energy to do their jobs. Tiny parts called mitochondria are the power stations. They use oxygen to break down sugar from food, and this releases energy the cell can use.

Plant cells have the same parts, plus a few extras. A stiff cell wall gives them a box shape and support. Green chloroplasts use sunlight to make food. A large vacuole stores water.

So how can you tell them apart? Both plant and animal cells have a membrane, cytoplasm, a nucleus and mitochondria. Only plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Now it's your turn. A cell has a stiff wall and green chloroplasts. Is it a plant cell or an animal cell? Pause and try. It is a plant cell, because only plant cells have chloroplasts and a cell wall.

Great job! Remember, all living things are made of cells. The nucleus is in charge, the membrane guards the cell, mitochondria release energy, and plant cells add a wall and chloroplasts. Practice cells in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!