Question
A science student is using a microscope to study the cells of an organism. Identifying which organelles or other cell parts would show that the organism is a plant, not an animal?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
When examining the cells of an organism under a microscope, certain organelles and structures can indicate that the organism is a plant rather than an animal. Key features to look for include:
1. **Chloroplasts**: These organelles are responsible for photosynthesis and are typically green due to the presence of chlorophyll. They are not found in animal cells.
2. **Cell Wall**: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made primarily of cellulose. This structure provides support and protection. Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they only have a flexible plasma membrane.
3. **Large Central Vacuole**: Plant cells often contain a large central vacuole that can hold water, nutrients, and waste products. It also helps maintain turgor pressure, which is absent in most animal cells that have smaller vacuoles.
4. **Plasmodesmata**: These are microscopic channels that traverse the cell walls of plant cells, allowing for communication and transport between adjacent cells. Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata.
Looking for the presence of chloroplasts, a cell wall, a large central vacuole, and plasmodesmata would help confirm that the organism being studied is a plant.
1. **Chloroplasts**: These organelles are responsible for photosynthesis and are typically green due to the presence of chlorophyll. They are not found in animal cells.
2. **Cell Wall**: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made primarily of cellulose. This structure provides support and protection. Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they only have a flexible plasma membrane.
3. **Large Central Vacuole**: Plant cells often contain a large central vacuole that can hold water, nutrients, and waste products. It also helps maintain turgor pressure, which is absent in most animal cells that have smaller vacuoles.
4. **Plasmodesmata**: These are microscopic channels that traverse the cell walls of plant cells, allowing for communication and transport between adjacent cells. Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata.
Looking for the presence of chloroplasts, a cell wall, a large central vacuole, and plasmodesmata would help confirm that the organism being studied is a plant.