Grade 8 Science - Cells and Systems - Structure and function of plant and animal cells

Discover the exciting world of Grade 8 science with fun and challenging questions that will spark your curiosity and test your knowledge!

Get ready to explore fascinating topics and unleash your problem-solving skills. Are you ready to embark on this thrilling scientific journey? Join us and show off your science prowess by conquering these Grade 8 science challenges!

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1. What is the basic unit of life in all living organisms?

a) Atom

b) Cell

c) Tissue

d) Molecule

Answer: b) Cell

Explanation: Cells are the smallest units of life, making up all living organisms and performing essential functions.

2. Which structure controls the activities of the cell?

a) Cell membrane

b) Cytoplasm

c) Nucleus

d) Mitochondria

Answer: c) Nucleus

Explanation: The nucleus acts as the "control center" of the cell, containing DNA and regulating cell activities.

3. What is the function of the mitochondria?

a) To store genetic material

b) To produce energy

c) To digest nutrients

d) To control cell division

Answer: b) To produce energy

Explanation: Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of the cell because they produce energy through cellular respiration.

4. What is the main difference between plant and animal cells?

a) Animal cells have chloroplasts.

b) Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

c) Plant cells do not have a nucleus.

d) Animal cells have a larger vacuole.

Answer: b) Plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts.

Explanation: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall and chloroplasts for photosynthesis, which are absent in animal cells.

5. What is the function of the cell membrane?

a) To produce proteins

b) To control what enters and exits the cell

c) To give the cell its shape

d) To store water

Answer: b) To control what enters and exits the cell

Explanation: The cell membrane acts as a selective barrier, allowing some substances to pass while blocking others.

6. Which organelle is responsible for photosynthesis?

a) Chloroplast

b) Mitochondria

c) Ribosome

d) Golgi apparatus

Answer: a) Chloroplast

Explanation: Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures sunlight and uses it to produce food through photosynthesis.

7. What is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and holds organelles in place?

a) Cytoplasm

b) Nucleus

c) Vacuole

d) Ribosome

Answer: a) Cytoplasm

Explanation: The cytoplasm is the gel-like substance inside the cell where organelles are suspended and cellular processes occur.

8. Which organelle is responsible for storing water, nutrients, and waste in a plant cell?

a) Lysosome

b) Nucleus

c) Vacuole

d) Ribosome

Answer: c) Vacuole

Explanation: The vacuole is a large storage organelle in plant cells, often holding water, nutrients, and waste products.

9. What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

a) To store energy

b) To transport materials

c) To produce proteins

d) To digest waste

Answer: c) To produce proteins

Explanation: Ribosomes are responsible for synthesizing proteins, which are essential for cell function and growth.

10. What gives plant cells their rigid structure?

a) Cytoplasm

b) Cell membrane

c) Cell wall

d) Chloroplast

Answer: c) Cell wall

Explanation: The cell wall is a tough, rigid layer outside the cell membrane that provides structural support to plant cells.

11. What are lysosomes responsible for in animal cells?

a) Energy production

b) Digesting waste and cellular debris

c) Storing nutrients

d) Transporting proteins

Answer: b) Digesting waste and cellular debris

Explanation: Lysosomes contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris for removal or recycling.

12. What do chloroplasts contain that captures light energy for photosynthesis?

a) Chlorophyll

b) Cytoplasm

c) Ribosomes

d) Mitochondria

Answer: a) Chlorophyll

Explanation: Chlorophyll is the green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

13. Which organelle packages and distributes proteins within the cell?

a) Ribosomeb) Golgi apparatusc) Endoplasmic reticulumd) NucleusAnswer: b) Golgi apparatusExplanation: The Golgi apparatus processes, packages, and distributes proteins and other materials throughout the cell.

14. What is the role of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)?

a) Transporting materials within the cell

b) Producing energy

c) Controlling cell activities

d) Storing genetic material

Answer: a) Transporting materials within the cell

Explanation: The ER helps transport proteins and other molecules, and it is divided into smooth ER (without ribosomes) and rough ER (with ribosomes).

15. What is the thin, flexible barrier that surrounds all cells called?

a) Cell wall

b) Cytoplasm

c) Cell membrane

d) Nucleus

Answer: c) Cell membrane

Explanation: The cell membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.