VST- Cell Quest

Cell Quest

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Cell Quest

Welcome, brave traveler, your quest awaits, A castle and a cell—how do they relate? Both have key parts, each with a role, Uncover their links to achieve your goal! Explore each chamber, prove your might, Complete each challenge to earn your right. Only the wise who pass each test, Shall claim the key to the treasure chest!

Plant Cell

Chloroplast

Nucleus

Vacuole

Cytoplasm

Mitochondria

Cell Membrane

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Cell Wall

Continue

Labeled Cell Diagrams

The castle wall is where your quest begins,Like a plant's cell wall, it protects all that's within. Answer these questions, and your next clue will show; Follow the directions, and onward you'll go.

Select the cell wall in the plant cell diagram.

Cell Wall

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Cell Wall

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Cell Wall

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Cell Wall

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Diagram of an Animal Cell

Hover over the cell part label to see a short description of the cell part. Click on the label for a detailed explanation.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Fantastic work! You may continue on your quest.

Select one of the guards to proceed.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select the cell membrane in the plant cell diagram.

I’m like the membrane of a cell, I guard the gate and guard it well. I control what enters and leaves, Answer right, or you won’t proceed! Pass my test, and you shall know, The password that lets you go!

Cell Membrane

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Diagram of a Animal Cell

Cell Membrane

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

View Plant Cell Diagram

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Cell Membrane

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Cell Membrane

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

The password is: cytoplasm

Enter Password

Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.

To enter the castle gates, you must provide the correct password.

lowercase letters only

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select the cytoplasm in the plant cell diagram.

Pass the guards and step into the great castle hall,Just as cytoplasm fills a cell and supports life for all. It gives each part the space to move and thrive— Answer these cytoplasm questions to keep your quest alive.

Cytoplasm

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Cytoplasm

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over the cell part label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select the label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Cytoplasm

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Cytoplasm

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Proceed through the door on the left side of the Great Hall.

This way

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Welcome to the throne room, the castle’s command station,Like a cell’s nucleus, where DNA holds the information. Its blueprints, like a ruler, direct each function so every part does its best— Answer the challenge questions to proceed on your quest.

Select the nucleus in the animal cell diagram.

Nucleus

The Law of the Land

Animal Cell Diagram

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

The Law of the Land

Select the ruler's crown to continue.

The Law of the Land

Select the crown.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select one of the chloroplasts in the diagram.

The castle garden soaks in the sun’s warm rays, Like chloroplasts in cells on bright, sunny days. Look closer—each plant in the garden you see, Has cells with chloroplasts, working endlessly. Answer the questions about chloroplasts to prove what you know, Complete the challenge and let your journey grow!

Chloroplast

Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Chloroplast

Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Chloroplast

Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Chloroplast

Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

The plants in the garden are made of cells that contain chloroplasts, mostly in their green leaves and stems!

Select the lettuce to continue on to the kitchen.

Select the lettuce.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Welcome to the castle's kitchen, the heart of meal preparation, Much like a cell’s mitochondria, the site of cellular respiration. Glucose is transformed into ATP—the cell’s essential fuel, Just as a hearty feast sustains all under the castle’s rule. Put your understanding of mitochondria to the test, To exit the castle's kitchen and continue your quest!

Select one of the mitochondria in the animal cell diagram.

Mitochondrion

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

"Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Mitochondrion

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

View Different Cell Type

"Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Mitochondrion

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

"Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Mitochondrion

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

"Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Well done! Continue down to the castle's tunnels.

To the tunnels

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select the endoplasmic reticulum in the diagram.

The castle’s tunnels are like the endoplasmic reticulum,Pathways that move supplies with purpose and precision. The rough ER builds proteins, assembling them with care, While the smooth ER makes lipids and sends them everywhere. These passageways keep everything running without delay— Complete the challenge questions to proceed on your way!

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Animal Cell

Hover over the cell part label to see a short description of the cell part. Click on the label for a detailed explanation.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over the cell part label to see a short description of the cell part. Click on the label for a detailed explanation.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Enter the storage room.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select the vacuole in the plant cell diagram.

You've arrived at the storage room, the final stop of your quest,Where supplies are gathered and stored, alongside a treasure chest! This room is like a cell's vacuole, holding water and nutrients secure— Answer these vacuole questions to receive the key that unlocks your treasure!

Vacuole

Diagram of a Plant Cell

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Vacuole

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Hover over a label to see a brief description of the cell part.Select a label for a detailed explanation of its structure and function.

Vacuole

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

View Different Cell Type

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Select the key to open the treasure chest.

The journey is finished, the challenge is through, You mastered the cell. Now the kingdom cheers for you!

Please use this short form to provide feedback on this interactive module. We appreciate it so much!

Labeled Cell Diagrams

Chloroplasts

Plant Cell

Magnified Plant Cells with Moving Chloroplasts

• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plants and some protists.
• Plant cells have many chloroplasts, especially in leaf cells, where most photosynthesis happens.
• They use sunlight to make glucose, a sugar that stores energy.
• Chlorophyll inside helps absorb sunlight.

Cytoplasm

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.
• It holds and supports the cell’s organelles, like the nucleus and mitochondria.
• It allows molecules and nutrients to move around, helping the cell function.
• All cells—plant, animal, bacteria, and more—have cytoplasm.

Cytoplasm

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.
• It holds and supports the cell’s organelles, like the nucleus and mitochondria.
• It allows molecules and nutrients to move around, helping the cell function.
• All cells—plant, animal, bacteria, and more—have cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of folded membranes found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• It helps make and transport materials within the cell.
• The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is responsible for making proteins.
• The smooth ER has no ribosomes and is responsible for producing lipids (fats).

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

• The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that contains DNA and controls the cell’s activities, such as growth and reproduction.
• It acts as the cell’s command center, sending instructions to other parts of the cell.
• The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear membrane, which regulates what enters and exits.
• It is found in eukaryotic cells, including animals, plants, fungi, and protists.
• Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, do not have a nucleus; instead, their DNA floats freely in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of folded membranes found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• It helps make and transport materials within the cell.
• The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is responsible for making proteins.
• The smooth ER has no ribosomes and is responsible for producing lipids (fats).

Cell Wall

Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

• The cell wall is a thick, rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
• It helps support and protect the cell, giving it shape and strength.
• Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall to keep them sturdy.
• It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to pass in and out while keeping the cell safe.

Chloroplasts

Plant Cell

Magnified Plant Cells with Moving Chloroplasts

• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plants and some protists.
• Plant cells have many chloroplasts, especially in leaf cells, where most photosynthesis happens.
• They use sunlight to make glucose, a sugar that stores energy.
• Chlorophyll inside helps absorb sunlight.

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

• The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that holds DNA, which contains the instructions for building proteins and directing cell activities like growth and reproduction.
• The nucleus is found in eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, and protists), while prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) lack a nucleus, with their DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of folded membranes found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• It helps make and transport materials within the cell.
• The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is responsible for making proteins.
• The smooth ER has no ribosomes and is responsible for producing lipids (fats).

Cell Wall

Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

• The cell wall is a thick, rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
• It helps support and protect the cell, giving it shape and strength.
• Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall to keep them sturdy.
• It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to pass in and out while keeping the cell safe.

Chloroplasts

Plant Cell

Magnified Plant Cells with Moving Chloroplasts

• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plants and some protists.
• Plant cells have many chloroplasts, especially in leaf cells, where most photosynthesis happens.
• They use sunlight to make glucose, a sugar that stores energy.
• Chlorophyll inside helps absorb sunlight.

Mitochondria

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Mitochondria are bean-shaped organelles found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• They are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce energy.
• Mitochondria use oxygen and glucose to produce ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.
• Cells that need more energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.
• Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural, meaning one cell can have one mitochondrion or many mitochondria.

Mitochondria

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Mitochondria are bean-shaped organelles found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• They are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce energy.
• Mitochondria use oxygen and glucose to produce ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.
• Cells that need more energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.
• Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural, meaning one cell can have one mitochondrion or many mitochondria.

Cell Membrane

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer around the outside of the cell.
• It controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting like a security gate.
• It helps the cell maintain homeostasis, keeping the internal environment stable.
• All plant, animal, and other living cells have a cell membrane.

Close-up of the cell membrane's flexible layer that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Vacuole(s)

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• A vacuole is a membrane-bound storage sac found in plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells.
• It holds water, nutrients, and waste until they are used or removed.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, maintains turgor pressure, and provides structural support to keep the plant upright.
• Animal cells have multiple small vacuoles for storage and waste management.

Chloroplasts

Plant Cell

Magnified Plant Cells with Moving Chloroplasts

• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plants and some protists.
• Plant cells have many chloroplasts, especially in leaf cells, where most photosynthesis happens.
• They use sunlight to make glucose, a sugar that stores energy.
• Chlorophyll inside helps absorb sunlight.

Cytoplasm

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.
• It holds and supports the cell’s organelles, like the nucleus and mitochondria.
• It allows molecules and nutrients to move around, helping the cell function.
• All cells—plant, animal, bacteria, and more—have cytoplasm.

Cytoplasm

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.
• It holds and supports the cell’s organelles, like the nucleus and mitochondria.
• It allows molecules and nutrients to move around, helping the cell function.
• All cells—plant, animal, bacteria, and more—have cytoplasm.

Vacuole(s)

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• A vacuole is a membrane-bound storage sac found in plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells.
• It holds water, nutrients, and waste until they are used or removed.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, maintains turgor pressure, and provides structural support to keep the plant upright.
• Animal cells have multiple small vacuoles for storage and waste management.

Mitochondria

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Mitochondria are bean-shaped organelles found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• They are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce energy.
• Mitochondria use oxygen and glucose to produce ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.
• Cells that need more energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.
• Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural, meaning one cell can have one mitochondrion or many mitochondria.

Cell Membrane

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer around the outside of the cell.
• It controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting like a security gate.
• It helps the cell maintain homeostasis, keeping the internal environment stable.
• All plant, animal, and other living cells have a cell membrane.

Close-up of the cell membrane's flexible layer that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Chloroplasts

Plant Cell

Magnified Plant Cells with Moving Chloroplasts

• Chloroplasts are organelles found in plants and some protists.
• Plant cells have many chloroplasts, especially in leaf cells, where most photosynthesis happens.
• They use sunlight to make glucose, a sugar that stores energy.
• Chlorophyll inside helps absorb sunlight.

Cell Wall

Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

• The cell wall is a thick, rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
• It helps support and protect the cell, giving it shape and strength.
• Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall to keep them sturdy.
• It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to pass in and out while keeping the cell safe.

Vacuole(s)

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• A vacuole is a membrane-bound storage sac found in plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells.
• It holds water, nutrients, and waste until they are used or removed.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, maintains turgor pressure, and provides structural support to keep the plant upright.
• Animal cells have multiple small vacuoles for storage and waste management.

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

• The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that holds DNA, which contains the instructions for building proteins and directing cell activities like growth and reproduction.
• The nucleus is found in eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, and protists), while prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) lack a nucleus, with their DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of folded membranes found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• It helps make and transport materials within the cell.
• The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is responsible for making proteins.
• The smooth ER has no ribosomes and is responsible for producing lipids (fats).

Cytoplasm

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Cytoplasm is a gel-like fluid that fills the inside of a cell.
• It holds and supports the cell’s organelles, like the nucleus and mitochondria.
• It allows molecules and nutrients to move around, helping the cell function.
• All cells—plant, animal, bacteria, and more—have cytoplasm.

Cell Wall

Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

• The cell wall is a thick, rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
• It helps support and protect the cell, giving it shape and strength.
• Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall to keep them sturdy.
• It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to pass in and out while keeping the cell safe.

Mitochondria

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Mitochondria are bean-shaped organelles found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• They are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce energy.
• Mitochondria use oxygen and glucose to produce ATP (energy) through cellular respiration.
• Cells that need more energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.
• Mitochondrion" is singular, while "mitochondria" is plural, meaning one cell can have one mitochondrion or many mitochondria.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of folded membranes found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• It helps make and transport materials within the cell.
• The rough ER has ribosomes on its surface and is responsible for making proteins.
• The smooth ER has no ribosomes and is responsible for producing lipids (fats).

Nucleus

Animal Cell

Plant Cell

• The nucleus is a membrane-bound organelle that holds DNA, which contains the instructions for building proteins and directing cell activities like growth and reproduction.
• The nucleus is found in eukaryotic cells (animals, plants, fungi, and protists), while prokaryotic cells (like bacteria) lack a nucleus, with their DNA floating freely in the cytoplasm.

Cell Membrane

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer around the outside of the cell.
• It controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting like a security gate.
• It helps the cell maintain homeostasis, keeping the internal environment stable.
• All plant, animal, and other living cells have a cell membrane.

Close-up of the cell membrane's flexible layer that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Mitochondria

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• Mitochondria are bean-shaped organelles found in plant, animal, fungi, and protist cells (all eukaryotic cells).
• They are known as the "powerhouses of the cell" because they produce energy.
• Mitochondria use oxygen and nutrients to make ATP (energy) through a process called cellular respiration.
• Cells that need more energy, like muscle cells, have more mitochondria.

Cell Wall

Plant Cell

Cell Wall

Plant Cells Under a Microscope

• The cell wall is a thick, rigid outer layer found in plant cells.
• It helps support and protect the cell, giving it shape and strength.
• Unlike animal cells, plant cells have a cell wall to keep them sturdy.
• It allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to pass in and out while keeping the cell safe.

Cell Membrane

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer around the outside of the cell.
• It controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting like a security gate.
• It helps the cell maintain homeostasis, keeping the internal environment stable.
• All plant, animal, and other living cells have a cell membrane.

Close-up of the cell membrane's flexible layer that controls what enters and exits the cell.

Vacuole(s)

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• A vacuole is a membrane-bound storage sac found in plant, animal, fungal, and protist cells.
• It holds water, nutrients, and waste until they are used or removed.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, maintains turgor pressure, and provides structural support to keep the plant upright.
• Animal cells have multiple small vacuoles for storage and waste management.

Cell Membrane

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

• The cell membrane is a thin, flexible layer around the outside of the cell.
• It controls what enters and leaves the cell, acting like a security gate.
• It helps the cell maintain homeostasis, keeping the internal environment stable.
• All plant, animal, and other living cells have a cell membrane.

Close-up of the cell membrane's flexible layer that controls what enters and exits the cell.