Let’s go through each question one by one, using basic plant cell knowledge.
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Question 1: Name two things found in a plant cell that are not found in an animal cell.
Plant cells have some special parts that animal cells don’t have. The most common ones are:
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Cell wall – It’s the hard outer layer that gives the plant cell its shape and protection.
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Chloroplasts – These are the green parts that make food for the plant using sunlight (photosynthesis).
Sometimes people also say “large central vacuole,” but since the question asks for *two*, we’ll stick with cell wall and chloroplasts — they’re the clearest differences.
✔ So, answer: Cell wall and chloroplasts.
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Question 2: How does the shape of a plant cell differ from that of an animal cell?
Animal cells can be any shape — round, oval, irregular — because they don’t have a rigid outer structure.
Plant cells usually look like rectangles or boxes. Why? Because they have a
cell wall around them that keeps them stiff and flat-sided.
✔ So, answer: Plant cells are usually rectangular or box-shaped; animal cells are more rounded or irregular.
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Question 3: What is the function of the chloroplasts?
Chloroplasts are where photosynthesis happens. They take sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugar (food) for the plant. They also give plants their green color.
✔ So, answer: Chloroplasts make food for the plant using sunlight (photosynthesis).
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Question 4: What is the function of the vacuole?
In plant cells, there’s usually one big vacuole in the middle. It stores water, nutrients, and waste. It also helps keep the cell firm so the plant doesn’t wilt.
✔ So, answer: The vacuole stores water and other materials, and helps keep the plant cell firm.
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Question 5: What is the function of the mitochondria? Why do plants need both a chloroplast and mitochondria?
Mitochondria are called the “powerhouses” of the cell. They turn sugar into energy (ATP) that the cell can use to do work — even if it came from photosynthesis!
Plants need
both because:
- Chloroplasts make the sugar (using sunlight).
- Mitochondria break down that sugar to release usable energy — just like animals do!
Even though plants make their own food, they still need to convert that food into energy to grow, move, and survive.
✔ So, answer: Mitochondria make energy for the cell. Plants need both because chloroplasts make food, and mitochondria turn that food into usable energy.
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Final Answer:
1. Cell wall and chloroplasts
2. Plant cells are rectangular/box-shaped; animal cells are round or irregular
3. To make food using sunlight (photosynthesis)
4. To store water and help keep the cell firm
5. Mitochondria make energy; plants need both because chloroplasts make food and mitochondria turn it into usable energy
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of animal and plant cell coloring worksheet answers.