Students are examining cells under a microscope, and they notice mitochondria, a nucleus, chloroplasts, and ribosomes. What type of cells are they viewing and how do you know?

Question

1. I would say plant cells because they have chloroplasts.

Answer 1

You are correct! The presence of chloroplasts indicates that the cells they are viewing are indeed plant cells. Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis, which is a characteristic feature of plant cells.

Additionally, the presence of mitochondria and ribosomes further supports this, as these organelles are also found in both plant and animal cells. However, the defining feature here is the chloroplasts.

To summarize:

• Chloroplasts: This is a unique feature of plant cells, as they are involved in photosynthesis.
• Mitochondria, nucleus, and ribosomes: These organelles are found in both plant and animal cells, but do not distinguish the type of cell as specifically as chloroplasts do.

Hence, you can confidently conclude that the students are viewing plant cells.