Grade: Grade 5 Subject: Science Unit: Cells Lesson: 6 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Science

Unit Checkpoint: Cells

Test Your Knowledge

This checkpoint covers everything you've learned in the Cells unit. Answer all 10 questions to check your understanding. Click "Show Answer Explanation" after each question to learn more.

Question 1: What is the smallest unit of life?

A) Atom
B) Cell
C) Organ
D) Tissue
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: B - Cell

The cell is the smallest unit of life. While atoms are smaller, they are not alive. Tissues and organs are made up of many cells working together. All living things are made of one or more cells.

Question 2: Which organelle is known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because it produces energy?

A) Nucleus
B) Ribosome
C) Mitochondria
D) Vacuole
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: C - Mitochondria

Mitochondria convert food (glucose) into energy (ATP) that the cell can use. This is why they're called the "powerhouse" of the cell. Without mitochondria, cells wouldn't have the energy to perform their functions.

Question 3: Which structure is found in plant cells but NOT in animal cells?

A) Cell membrane
B) Nucleus
C) Cell wall
D) Mitochondria
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: C - Cell wall

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides extra support and protection. Animal cells only have a flexible cell membrane. Both plant and animal cells have cell membranes, nuclei, and mitochondria.

Question 4: What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells?

A) Store water and waste
B) Control cell activities
C) Make food through photosynthesis
D) Make proteins
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: C - Make food through photosynthesis

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll (the green pigment) and use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make glucose (food) through photosynthesis. This is why plants can make their own food and animals cannot.

Question 5: Where is DNA located in a cell?

A) Nucleus
B) Cytoplasm
C) Cell membrane
D) Vacuole
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: A - Nucleus

The nucleus contains DNA, which is the genetic material that has instructions for all cell activities. The nucleus is like the "brain" or "control center" of the cell because it directs what the cell does.

Question 6: Which type of graph would be BEST to show how a cell grows over 5 days?

A) Pie chart
B) Line graph
C) Bar graph
D) Data table
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: B - Line graph

Line graphs are best for showing change over time. Since the question asks about growth over 5 days, a line graph would clearly show how the cell size changed from day to day. Bar graphs compare categories, and pie charts show parts of a whole.

Question 7: In a CER (Claim-Evidence-Reasoning) paragraph, what is the purpose of EVIDENCE?

A) To state your main idea
B) To provide facts and data that support your claim
C) To explain why your evidence matters
D) To ask a question
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: B - To provide facts and data that support your claim

Evidence consists of facts, data, and observations that support your claim. Option A describes the claim, Option C describes reasoning. Good evidence comes from experiments, observations, or reliable sources.

Question 8: The jelly-like substance that fills the cell and surrounds the organelles is called the:

A) Cell membrane
B) Cytoplasm
C) Nucleus
D) Vacuole
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: B - Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like fluid that fills the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus. All organelles float in the cytoplasm. It's like the "factory floor" where cell activities happen.

Question 9: Which organelle packages and ships proteins to where they are needed?

A) Ribosome
B) Endoplasmic Reticulum
C) Golgi Body
D) Mitochondria
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: C - Golgi Body

The Golgi Body (or Golgi Apparatus) is like the "shipping and packaging department" of the cell. It takes proteins made by ribosomes, packages them, and sends them where they need to go inside or outside the cell.

Question 10: Why do plant cells typically appear more rectangular while animal cells appear more round?

A) Plant cells have more mitochondria
B) Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that maintains their shape
C) Animal cells have larger nuclei
D) Plant cells don't have cell membranes
Show Answer Explanation

Correct Answer: B - Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that maintains their shape

The cell wall in plant cells is made of cellulose, which is rigid and provides structural support. This gives plant cells their boxy, rectangular shape. Animal cells only have a flexible cell membrane, so they can take on more irregular, rounded shapes.

Unit Summary

Great job completing the Cells unit! You've learned about cell structure, plant vs. animal cells, how to collect and graph data about cells, and how to write scientific explanations using CER. These skills will help you in all your future science studies!
🔬

Cell Structure

Organelles and their functions

🌱

Plant vs Animal

Key differences between cell types

📊

Data Analysis

Tables and graphs for cell data

📝

CER Writing

Scientific explanations

Next Steps

  • Review any questions you missed by reading the explanations
  • Go back to specific lessons if you need more practice
  • Continue to the next science unit to keep learning!