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Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells

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Plant and animal cells are two primary types of eukaryotic cells with key differences. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, providing structural support, while animal cells lack cell walls, having only a flexible cell membrane. Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, but animal cells do not have chloroplasts and depend on external food sources for energy.

Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal cell

Below are some of the main differences between Plant Cells and Animal Cells:

Characterization

Plant Cell

Animal Cell 

Size Fixed-size, which tends to be bigger. The typical range is between 10 and 100 micrometers. Small and irregular in shape. The range is between 10 and 30 micrometers.
Shape They have a rigid, fixed shape that is often cubical or rectangular. They are shaped obliquely and spherical.
Cell wall Present Absent
Membrane The cell membrane is present. The plasma membrane is present.
Location of nucleus Side of the wall Center of the wall
Mode of nutrition Autotrophic Heterotrophic

Locomotion

Typically non-motile

Some animal cells may have cilia or flagella

Plastids Present Absent

Reproduction

Through cell division, spores, and runners

Primarily through cell division

Centriole Absent Present
Chlorophyll Present Absent
No. of Vacuoles Contain one large vacuole. Have many vacuoles.
Shape of vacuole Large in size Small in size
Food store Available as starch Available as glycogen and complex carbs
Centrosomes Absent Present
Microvilli Absent Present
Mitochondria Present in a few numbers Present in more in number.
Lysosomes Absent  Present

Plant vs Animal Cells Diagram

Below is the diagrammatic representation of plant and animal cell.

Plant vs Animal Cells Diagram

What is Plant Cell?

A plant cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that is the basic structural and functional unit of plant organisms. It is characterized by a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support. It contains chloroplasts, responsible for photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. Plant cells typically have a large central vacuole, storing water and maintaining turgor pressure. Their shape is often rectangular or square, and they lack centrioles. These cells work collectively to enable plant growth, nutrient storage, and adaptation to their environment.

Plant Cell Structure

Plant Cell Structure

Characteristics of Plant Cells

Plant cells have several unique characteristics that distinguish them from animal cells. Some of these include:

  • Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose.
  • They contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
  • Plant cells have a large central vacuole for storage and turgor pressure.
  • They often have a regular or rectangular shape.
  • Besides chloroplasts, they may have other plastids like chromoplasts.
  • Plant cells generally lack centrioles.
  • They are autotrophic, producing their own energy through photosynthesis.
  • They make up various tissues and structures in plants.

What is an Animal Cell?

An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell, forming the basic structural and functional unit of animal organisms. Unlike plant cells, animal cells lack a cell wall and chloroplasts, making them more flexible in shape. They typically have multiple, smaller vacuoles and may possess centrioles involved in cell division.

Animal cells obtain energy through external food sources and perform various functions within the complex tissues and organs of animals. The various organelles present in animal cells are Golgi apparatus, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, nucleolus, nucleus, cytoplasm, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, centriole, plasma membrane, and microvilli are among its components.

Animal Cell Structure

Animal Cell Structure

Characteristics of Animal Cells

Plant cells have several unique characteristics that distinguish them from animal cells. Some of these include:

  • Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose.
  • They lack chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells.
  • Animal cells may have smaller, multiple vacuoles (if present) rather than a large central vacuole.
  • Many animal cells contain centrioles, which play a role in cell division.
  • Animal cells are heterotrophic, relying on external food sources for energy.
  • Animal cells come in diverse and often irregular shapes.
  • They are essential components of complex tissues and organs within multicellular animals.

Conclusion

Animal and plant cells are classified as eukaryotic as they possess a true nucleus. Eukaryotes make up the majority of higher animals and plants on Earth, including all plants and animals except bacteria. Both plant and animal cells contain membrane-bound organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, nucleus, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes. Plant cells are larger in size compared to animal cells.

FAQs on Plant and Animal Cell

1. What are the Differences between Plant and Animal Cells?

Answer:

The primary differences include the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts in plant cells and absent in animal cells, while animal cells typically have centrioles which is usually absent in plant cells.

2. What is the Function of Plant cells?

Answer:

The primary function of plant cells is to support the growth and survival of plants. They are responsible for photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into energy, and they provide structural support through their rigid cell walls.

3. What is the Function of Animal cells?

Answer:

Animal cells are integral to the functioning of animals. They play roles in processes such as digestion, respiration, movement, and sensory perception. Animal cells obtain energy by consuming external food sources.

4. What are some Common organelles found in both Plant and Animal cells?

Answer:

Both plant and animal cells contain organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and vacuoles (though the size and function of vacuoles may differ).

5. What is the Role of the Cell wall in Plant cells?

Answer:

The cell wall provides structural support and protection to plant cells. It helps maintain the shape of the cell and provides resistance against physical pressure.



Last Updated : 26 Sep, 2023
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