Animal and plant cells have three main differences. They both have a core, cytoplasm and cell membranebut only plant cells have a cell wall, vacuole and chloroplasts. We use gelatin to create an easy plant cell model showing the main characteristics of a plant cell.
See our animal cell model post to learn more about the organelles found in both types of cells.
Characteristics of a plant cell.
cell wall – a rigid layer made of cellulose, which supports the cell.
vacuole – this is a large space filled with cell sap. Cell sap is a solution of sugar and salts.
chloroplasts – these contain chlorophyll, which is necessary for photosynthesis.
Plant nutrition
Did you know that plants make their own food? They use a chemical process called photosynthesis, which takes place in every green plant. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water along with energy from sunlight to produce glucose (energy for the plant) and oxygen.
Photosynthesis equation
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
Plants obtain carbon dioxide from the air through their leaves and water from the soil through their roots.
Light energy comes from the Sun and is absorbed by chlorophyll (found in chloroplasts). It is chlorophyll that gives leaves their green color.
Glucose created in photosynthesis is converted into other substances, including starch, to store energy. This energy can be released by breathing.
What affects photosynthesis?
Four factors affect photosynthesis. The faster photosynthesis is, the more the plant grows.
Light – the more light there is, the faster photosynthesis occurs.
Water – lack of water slows down photosynthesis.
Temperature – photosynthesis works best around 30 degrees Celsius.
Carbon dioxide levels – photosynthesis is faster if there is more carbon dioxide in the air.
Easy models of plant cells.
Gelatin plant cell model
We made these plant cell models using gelatin (gelatin) and different candies. They are very easy to make and look great.
What you need to make a gelatin plant cell model.
Jelly/gelatine
Different sweets: You will need something long and thin for the cell membrane.
a container
Instructions
Make your gelatin according to instructions in a lightly greased bowl.
Once set up, gently tilt it into the container where you want to store the cell (it will be difficult to move after this point).
Add candy to resemble each organelle.
Use toothpicks and stickers as posters to label the cell model.
If you look closely, you may spot an error in our labeling.
We found that some candies, especially hard or sugar-coated ones, lost color in the gelatin after a period of time. Keeping them in the refrigerator seemed to help slow down this process.
Plant and Animal Cells Review Cards
Click the image below to download my FREE cell review cards! You can pin them somewhere or cut them into cards to carry with you.
Pizza cell model
If you don't fancy a jelly model, how about a pizza plant cell model?
Modroc plant cell model
This model is made of modroc (plaster bandage). We build it on a rectangular container and let it dry to take the shape.
We used crumpled pieces of Modroc to form the organelles and then painted it!
Candy plant cell model
Or how about a slightly easier sweet version?
More plant science for kids
Use two paper plates and a pin to create a plant life cycle spinner
Find out how water is transported in plants with these Simple experiments to demonstrate water transport in plants..
We also have many plant science activity ideas that fit the English science curriculum, including flower dissection!
Scientific concepts
Photosynthesis
plant cells
Last updated on September 26, 2024 by Emma Vanstone
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