YEAR 7 SCIENCE WEEK 1&2 TRIMESTER 1 NOTES

CELLS:

Cells are the basic units of life and the building blocks of all living organisms.

Plant Cell

1. Cell Wall: The cell wall provides structural support and protection to the plant cell. It acts as a
rigid outer layer made of cellulose.

2. Cell Membrane: It controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining its
internal environment.

3. Nucleus: The nucleus is the control center of the cell. It contains the cell's DNA, which carries
genetic information. The nucleus regulates cell activities and coordinates cell growth,
development, and reproduction.

4. Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that fills the cell. It houses various organelles
and allows for the movement of substances within the cell.

5. Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis. They contain chlorophyll, which
captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy.

6. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They generate energy through
cellular respiration.

7. Sap vacuole: Plant cells often have a large central vacuole that stores water, ions, nutrients, and
waste products. It helps maintain turgor pressure, which provides structural support to
the plant.
 ANIMAL CELL

1. Cell Membrane: The cell membrane surrounds the cell and controls the movement of
substances in and out of the cell. It maintains the cell's internal environment and provides
protection.

2. Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is a gel-like substance that fills the cell. It houses various organelles
and allows for the movement of substances within the cell.

3. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell. They generate energy through
cellular respiration.
4. Nucleus: The nucleus is the control centre of the cell. It contains the cell's DNA, which carries
genetic information. The nucleus regulates cell activities and coordinates cell growth,
development, and reproduction.

LO; The similarities and differences between plant and animal cells:

Similarities:

Cell Membrane: Both plant and animal cells have a cell membrane

Nucleus: Both types of cells contain a nucleus.

Cytoplasm: Both plant and animal cells have cytoplasm..

Mitochondrion; Both plant and animal cell have mitochondria.

Differences:

Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall. Animal cells lack a cell wall.
Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.

Vacuoles: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, ions, and nutrients. Animal cells may
have smaller vacuoles or none at all.

Shape: Plant cells often have a fixed, rectangular shape due to the presence of a cell wall. Animal cells
are more varied in shape.

LO: The structures of specialized cells are intricately related to their functions. Here, we'll explore the
structures and functions of five different specialized cells: red blood cells, neurones, ciliated cells, root
hair cells, and palisade cells.

Red Blood Cells:

Structure: Red blood cells are small and round with a biconcave shape. They lack a nucleus and most
organelles.

How it is specialised

The lack of a nucleus provide a larger surface area for the efficient transport of oxygen and carbon
dioxide. The absence of organelles allows for more space to carry oxygen-carrying protein called
haemoglobin.

Function: Carry oxygen

Neurones/Nerve

Structure: Neurones consist of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon. Dendrites receive signals, the cell
body processes information, and the axon transmits signals.
How it is specialized: Has long axon where electrical signals can travel quickly

Function: Transmitting electrical impulses and information throughout the body.

Ciliated Cells:

Structure: Ciliated cells possess hair-like structures called cilia on their surface.

Function: Ciliated cells are found in the respiratory tract. The movement of cilia helps propel mucus,
dust particles out of the body. The coordinated beating of cilia helps in the removal of foreign particles.

How is it specialized: Has hair like structures called cilia.

Root Hair Cells:

How is it specialized: Has a long, thin extension that allows water to move easily from the soil into the
cell.

Function: absorb water from the soil.

Structure: Palisade cells are found in the upper layer of plant leaves. They contain numerous
chloroplasts.

How is it specialized: They contain numerous chloroplasts where photosynthesis can take place.

Function: Palisade cells are responsible for photosynthesis.

LO; Cells can be organized into higher levels of structural complexity, including tissues, organs, and
organ systems. Here's a breakdown of each level:

Cells:

Cells are the basic units of life and the building blocks of all living organisms.
Tissues:

Tissues are groups of similar cells that work together to perform a specific function.

Cells within a tissue share a common structure and function, enabling them to carry out specialized
tasks.

There are four main types of animal tissues: epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous tissues.

Organs

Organs are composed of different types of tissues that work together to perform a particular function.

They have a distinct structure and perform specific roles within the body.

Examples of organs include the heart, lungs, liver, brain, and stomach.

Each organ is made up of multiple tissue types and performs specialized functions necessary for the
overall functioning of the organism.

Organ Systems:

Organ systems are groups of organs that collaborate to perform a specific function or set of functions.

Organ systems work together to maintain homeostasis and carry out essential life processes.

Examples of organ systems include the circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system,
nervous system, and skeletal system.

Each organ system consists of multiple organs that work in harmony to achieve a common goal.

Plant organ system includes: