A small science study guide
Cell structures and functions practice
Match a cell part to its job. Read one worked example, try the questions yourself, then reveal hints and explanations.
Topic context: Australia, Year 8 Science — Cells and organelles. This is a short concept sample; check the level with a teacher.
Source checked 5 November 2026. Educator review pending. This original sample concerns typical plant and animal cells. It is not an official assessment or a claim of complete curriculum coverage.
Your learning goal
Explain why the membrane, nucleus and cell wall fit different jobs. Focus on the evidence in a question, rather than the position of an answer choice.
Three parts to notice
- Cell membrane: regulates exchange with the surroundings.
- Nucleus: contains most DNA in a typical plant or animal cell.
- Cytoplasm: the region inside the membrane and outside the nucleus, containing cell components.
Explore the labels
The boundary is the membrane. The central oval represents a nucleus. Cytoplasm occupies the region around it. Read the text descriptions as an alternative to the drawing.
Worked example: find the job first
A substance enters a typical animal cell. Which boundary does it cross?
- The clue is entering the cell.
- Match that clue to the boundary that controls exchange.
- The answer is the cell membrane, rather than the DNA-containing nucleus.
Try, then reveal an explanation
Choose an answer before opening the explanation. These browser-only choices are not sent to a server, saved, or scored.
Show a hint
Look for the boundary, rather than a store of information.
Reveal the answer and why
Cell membrane. The membrane separates the cell interior from its surroundings and controls exchange.
If you chose another option, explain how its job differs, then close this panel and try again.
Show a hint
Both typical plant and animal cells have this structure.
Reveal the answer and why
Nucleus. The nucleus contains most DNA in these cells. Some DNA also occurs in mitochondria and, in plants, chloroplasts.
If you chose another option, explain how its job differs, then close this panel and try again.
Show a hint
Its job here is structural support, rather than capturing light.
Reveal the answer and why
Cell wall. The plant cell wall provides support outside the cell membrane. Typical animal cells do not have a cell wall.
If you chose another option, explain how its job differs, then close this panel and try again.
Compare plant and animal cells
| Structure | Typical animal cell | Typical plant cell |
|---|---|---|
| Membrane and nucleus | Present | Present |
| Cell wall | Absent | Present |
| Chloroplasts | Absent | Present in photosynthetic cells; not every plant cell |
Exit question: apply the idea
A plant cell cannot regulate substances crossing its boundary. Would examining only its nucleus explain the problem?
Compare your reasoning
No. Start with the membrane’s role in exchange. Explain why storing DNA is a different job. Discuss uncertain answers with a teacher.
Sources and scope
The biology sample was checked against OpenStax. The curriculum link gives topic context; it does not certify this sample or the app. Teacher and learner validation remains pending. Public practice does not create a learner record or a mastery score.