Year 7 Cells Worksheet - Beginner

Year 7 Cells worksheet for Year 7 (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

Year 7 Science | Ages 11–12 | Beginner

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Instructions: Work through each activity in order, using the information provided to help you. Write clearly in every answer box; where a question asks you to explain, give a reason as well as a fact. Check your answers using the answer key when you have finished.

Cells: the basic unit of life

Read each statement and choose the best answer. Think about what all living things are made of and what cells do. Choose one option for each question.

1. What is the basic unit of life?

2. Which statement best describes a tissue?

3. Which sequence shows levels of organisation from smallest to largest?

4. Which is an example of an organ?

Cell parts and their jobs

Use the word bank to complete each sentence with the correct cell part. Each word is used once. The descriptions are short clues: match each part to its main job.

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

1. This part controls the cell’s activities and contains genetic material: ___.

2. This part controls what enters and leaves the cell: ___.

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

4. These structures release energy through respiration: ___.

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

6. These structures contain chlorophyll and absorb light for photosynthesis: ___.

7. This large fluid-filled space helps keep a plant cell firm: ___.

Compare plant and animal cells

Use the table to compare the features shown. A tick means the feature is usually present; a cross means it is usually absent. Answer each question using evidence from the table.

Cell feature	Plant cell	Animal cell
Nucleus	Yes	Yes
Cell membrane	Yes	Yes
Cytoplasm	Yes	Yes
Mitochondria	Yes	Yes
Cell wall	Yes	No
Chloroplasts	Yes	No
Large permanent vacuole	Yes	No

1. Name two features found in both plant and animal cells.

2. Which three features in the table distinguish the plant cell from the animal cell?

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

Using a light microscope

Put the microscope steps in a sensible order by writing 1–4 in the boxes. Then answer the final question. Begin with the slide and finish by adjusting the view carefully.

A. Use the fine focus knob to sharpen the image.

B. Place the prepared slide on the stage and secure it.

C. Look through the eyepiece and use the coarse focus knob to find the image.

D. Select the lowest-power objective lens.

5. Why should you begin with the lowest-power objective lens?

Specialised cells and adaptations

Read each description and name the specialised cell that best fits it. Use each word in the word bank once. In the final question, explain how the stated feature helps the cell do its job.

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

1. This cell has a long extension that increases the area available to absorb water and mineral ions from soil.

2. This cell has a biconcave shape and contains haemoglobin to carry oxygen.

3. This cell has a tail to help it swim towards an egg.

4. This cell has a long fibre that carries electrical impulses over a distance.

5. Explain how the tail helps a sperm cell carry out its function.

From cells to organ systems

Use the sequence and examples to answer the questions. Remember: cells work together in tissues, tissues form organs, and organs work together in organ systems. Give one clear example where requested.

1. Complete the sequence: cell → tissue → ___ → organ system.

2. The heart is an organ. Name the organ system it belongs to.

3. Cardiac muscle cells work together in the heart. What level of organisation is cardiac muscle?

4. Give one reason why cells in a tissue need to work together.

Answer Key

Activity 1: 1. A cell ; 2. A group of similar cells working together ; 3. Cell, tissue, organ, organ system ; 4. Heart

Activity 2: 1. nucleus ; 2. cell membrane ; 3. cytoplasm ; 4. mitochondrion ; 5. cell wall ; 6. chloroplast ; 7. vacuole

Activity 3: 1. Any two of nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria ; 2. Cell wall, chloroplasts, large permanent vacuole ; 3. Plant cell

Activity 4: A = 4 ; B = 2 ; C = 3 ; D = 1 ; 5. The lowest-power lens gives the widest view and makes it easier to find the specimen safely.

Activity 5: 1. root hair cell ; 2. red blood cell ; 3. sperm cell ; 4. neurone ; 5. The tail propels the sperm so it can swim towards an egg.

Activity 6: 1. organ ; 2. circulatory system ; 3. tissue ; 4. Accept: they carry out a shared function, allowing a larger structure to work effectively.