Cells Worksheet - KS3 - Beginner

Cells worksheet for KS3 (Key Stage 3 / Year 7-9 (Ages 11-14)). Beginner level science practice, aligned to the UK National Curriculum. Print-ready with answer key included.

Science•Key Stage 3 / Year 7-9 (Ages 11-14)•Cellsbeginner

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Cells: The Building Blocks of Life

Key Stage 3 • Years 7–9 • Beginner

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Instructions: Work through each activity in order, using the clues and data provided. Write answers in the boxes and use scientific vocabulary where you can. For microscope questions, use the magnification rule: total magnification = eyepiece magnification × objective magnification.

Animal and Plant Cell Structures

Use the word bank to complete each sentence. Choose the structure that best fits each description; some structures may be used more than once. Remember that both animal and plant cells have a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane and mitochondria.

Word bank: cell wall, cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, chloroplast, vacuole, mitochondria

1. This structure controls the activities of the cell and contains genetic material: ___.

2. This jelly-like material is where many cell reactions happen: ___.

3. This structure controls what enters and leaves the cell: ___.

4. These structures release energy through aerobic respiration: ___.

5. This rigid outer layer supports a plant cell: ___.

6. This plant-cell structure contains chlorophyll and absorbs light for photosynthesis: ___.

Compare Plant and Animal Cells

Read the feature table, then answer each question using the information shown. A tick means the feature is present in that cell type. Give a short reason where asked.

Cell feature	Animal cell	Plant cell
Nucleus	Yes	Yes
Cell wall	No	Yes
Chloroplasts	No	Yes
Cell membrane	Yes	Yes

1. Which two listed features are present in plant cells but not animal cells?

2. Which listed feature is present in both cell types and controls what enters and leaves?

3. A cell has a cell wall and chloroplasts. Is it more likely to be an animal cell or a plant cell?

Specialised Cells: Structure and Function

Use the word bank to identify each specialised cell. Link the feature in the clue to the job the cell performs. Write one cell type for each answer.

Word bank: sperm cell, red blood cell, neurone, root hair cell

1. Its long extension carries electrical impulses over long distances.

2. Its biconcave shape gives it a large surface area for carrying oxygen.

3. Its tail helps it swim towards an egg cell.

4. Its long hair-like extension increases the surface area for absorbing water and mineral ions from soil.

Microscope Skills

Write your answer in the box below.

Putting Cell Knowledge Together

Read each statement carefully and complete it with a precise scientific term or phrase. The final question asks you to explain a simple relationship between a structure and its function.

1. The basic unit of living organisms is the ___.

2. The large permanent space containing cell sap in many plant cells is the ___.

3. A group of similar cells working together forms a ___.

4. Explain briefly why a root hair cell has a long extension.

Answer Key

Activity 1: nucleus ; cytoplasm ; cell membrane ; mitochondria ; cell wall ; chloroplast

Activity 2: Cell wall and chloroplasts ; Cell membrane ; Plant cell

Activity 3: neurone ; red blood cell ; sperm cell ; root hair cell

Activity 4: 1. ×10 × ×4 = ×40 ; 2. ×10 × ×10 = ×100 ; 3. Coarse focusing control ; 4. Any one: use a thin specimen, place it on a slide, add a coverslip, or use an appropriate stain

Activity 5: cell ; vacuole ; tissue ; Its long extension increases surface area, helping it absorb water and mineral ions from the soil