English National Curriculum - Science

Animal and Plant Cells

Mission Objectives

Explain how the main sub-cellular structures (nucleus, cell membrane, mitochondria, chloroplasts, plasmids) are related to their functions

Recognise, draw, and interpret images of animal and plant cells

Make estimations and comparisons to judge size and scale of sub-cellular structures

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

organelles

Structures within a cell that perform specific functions, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

objective lens

the lens on a microscope closest to the specimen; it magnifies the image and works with the eyepiece lens to determine total magnification.

slide

A flat piece of glass used to hold a specimen for viewing under a microscope.

coverslip

A small, thin square of glass or plastic placed over the specimen on a slide to protect it and keep it flat.

stain

A chemical dye used to highlight specific structures in cells, making them easier to see under the microscope

This lesson has been written by

Samantha Batch

Samantha is an accomplished science educator whose current work centres on curriculum design and professional development, supporting teachers to deliver high-quality science education through evidence-informed approaches. She is a former Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 experience, and has worked as an AQA examiner, giving her valuable insight into assessment standards and what students need to succeed.

Underpinning this is a strong foundation in applied science built across a range of industry roles. Samantha has held scientific roles at John Smith's Brewery, Yorkshire Water and WasteCare, where she led technical projects, drove operational efficiencies and ensured compliance with industry standards. Across these roles she has first-hand experience of how scientific knowledge translates into measurable outcomes in professional and commercial environments.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket. 

Required Resources

PowerPoint slides with labelled and unlabelled diagrams

Pre-prepared slides (onion and cheek cells) or cell micrographs

Worksheet with diagram labelling and structure-function matching task

Access to microscopes (if practical)

Blank table for comparing animal and plant cell structures

Optional video clips showing cell structure animations

Student reference materials (textbooks or revision guides)

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