Plant cell and animal cells

Drawings of plants and animal cell; functions of parts of plants and animal cells, differences between plants and animal cells. suitable for advanced level and institutions.



Although plants and animals are both living organisms, there are significant differences between the cells found in each of them.

Plant cells have some unique features that distinguish them from animal cells:

1. Cell wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection for the cell. Animal cells do not have a cell wall.

2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain the pigment chlorophyll and convert sunlight into energy. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.

3. Large central vacuole: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell. The vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products and helps maintain cell turgidity. Animal cells may have smaller vacuoles, but they are not as prominent as in plant cells.

4. Plasmodesmata: Plant cells are interconnected by tiny channels called plasmodesmata, which allow for the transport of nutrients and signals between adjacent cells. Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata.

In contrast, animal cells have some distinguishing features:

1. Centrioles: Animal cells often contain centrioles, which are involved in cell division and the formation of spindle fibers. Plant cells lack centrioles.

2. Lysosomes: Animal cells have lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles that contain digestive enzymes. Lysosomes break down waste materials and cellular debris. Plant cells may have vacuoles with some similar functions but do not have true lysosomes.

3. Cilia and flagella: Animal cells often have cilia or flagella, which are hair-like structures involved in cellular movement. Plant cells do not have cilia or flagella, although some algae, which are plant-like organisms, may have similar structures.

Despite these differences, plant and animal cells also share many similarities. Both types of cells have a nucleus that contains the genetic material (DNA), as well as similar membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.