In the leveled reader Plant Cells vs Animal Cells, young readers discover that plants and animals have different types of cells. Cells are made of atoms and molecules and do different jobs in living things. [Atoms and molecules are defined.]
Both plant cells and animal cells are surrounded by a cell membrane and have organelles, which are structures inside cells that do different jobs. The nucleus of a cell is the organelle where DNA is made and held. DNA is a strand of linked atoms that tell the cell what to do. A ribosome is an organelle that makes proteins, which are long chains of atoms. Proteins do all the work inside a cell, cutting, joining, and moving molecules. A mitochondrion is an organelle where molecules are rearranged in the chemical reactions that power the cells.
Plant and animal cells are also different. Plant cells have a stiff outer cell wall in addition to a cell membrane. Animal cells have only a cell membrane. Plant cells have chloroplasts, which are organelles that catch sunlight to make food. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts and do not make food from sunlight but get their food from eating other animals and plants.
Fundamental science concepts in biology are explained through easily understood text and colorful illustrations and photographs. A pronunciation guide of scientific terms is included. 24 pages. Reading Level 1-3, Interest Level 2-5.