Difference Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells
Animal cells only have a cell membrane; in contrast, plant cells also have a cell wall. Check this article to know more about the difference between Plant Cells and Animal Cells.
Jasdeep Bhatia15 Mar, 2024
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Difference Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells : All living organisms on the earth are composed of cells. Cells may be defined as the smallest structural and functional unit which forms the tissues and organs of animals and plants. The aggregation of cells forms complex tissues and organs. Plant cells may be of different types namely parenchyma, collenchyma, sclerenchyma, xylem, and phloem. Types of animal cells include skin cells, muscle cells, fat cells, nerve cells, bone cells, and blood cells.
Introduction
Cytology is the branch of biology that deals with the study of cells. A cell is the basic structural and functional unit that is capable of independent existence. It makes up the bodies of all living organisms. It was first discovered by a Dutch scientist, Anton Van Leeuwenhoek. Robert Brown is has done the discovery of the nucleus. Matthias Schleiden, Rudolf Virchow, and Theodore Schwann formulated a theory describing the cell, which is as follows:- Cells are the structural and functional unit of all living beings.
- All organisms are composed of cells.
- All cells arise from pre-existing cells.
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Components of Living Cell
Living cells, be they animal or plant cells have certain essential components that make up the machinery of the cell. These smaller structures found within the limits of the cell are known as cell organelles. Some important cell organelles are as follows:1. Cell Wall
It is a rigid, cellulosic, freely permeable boundary found only in plant cells.2. Cell Membrane
The plasma membrane is composed of a lipid bilayer and forms the outer covering of both animal and plant cells. It is semi-permeable.3. Nucleus
It is an essential organelle that carries genetic information in the form of DNA or RNA.4. Golgi apparatus
They are flattened tubular structures involved in the packaging of proteins.5. Mitochondria
It is the powerhouse of the cell. It releases ATP from the breakdown of glucose.6. Lysosomes
They are also known as suicidal bags. They consume the ill or abnormal cells.7. Ribosomes
Ribosomes are tiny globose structures mainly involved in protein synthesis within the cell. They are made of RNA (Ribonucleic acid) and proteins.8. Endoplasmic Reticulum
It is a tubular passage forming a link between the outer surroundings and the inside area of the cell.9. Centrosomes
They are related to spindle fibre formation during cell division.10. Plastids
Plastids store pigments in the plant cells. They may be of different types like Chloroplasts, Chromoplasts, and Leucoplasts.Related Links -
Characteristics of Plant Cell
Cells found in plant bodies are known as plant cells. Some features of the plant cells are as follows:- All plant cells are capable of manufacturing their food by the process of photosynthesis due to the presence of a green pigment called chlorophyll. Hence, these cells are autotrophic. Pigments like chlorophyll, xanthophyll, and carotenoids are contained in special organelles called Plastids. Plastids are not found in animal cells.
- Centrosomes are absent in plant cells. Centrosomes are helpful in cell division, as they produce spindle fibres. However, spindle fibres are already found outside the nuclear envelope in plant cells so the centrosomes are not required.
- Cell wall is a rigid framework that is present outside the plasma membrane which is composed of cellulose and pectin fibres. It gives a square or rectangle shape to the cell. It is freely permeable to all substances.
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Characteristics of Animal Cell
- Animal cells have heterotrophic modes of nutrition. They do not contain plastids which are pigment-bearing cell organelles. Plastids have chlorophyll which helps in the manufacture of glucose by photosynthesis in plant cells.
- Animal cells have centrosomes, which are cell organelles that help in spindle fibre formation during cell division.
- Only a single outer boundary called the plasma membrane is present in animal cells. The cell wall is absent.
Difference Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells
| Point of Difference | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
| Shape of cell | Plant cells are geometric in shape due to the presence of a rigid cell wall. They may be square or rectangular. | Animal cells are rounded or irregularly shaped since the plasma membrane is not a rigid covering. |
| Size of cell | They are larger as compared to animal cells. | They are relatively smaller in size as compared to plant cells. |
| Cell wall | A cell wall made up of cellulose is present. | A cell wall is absent. |
| Centrosome | It is absent in plant cells. | It is present in animal cells. |
| Plasma membrane | Cell membrane or plasma membrane is present. | Cell membrane or plasma membrane is present. |
| Endoplasmic reticulum | The endoplasmic reticulum is a tubular passage that links the nuclear membrane and the outer surroundings of the cell. It is present in plant cells. | The endoplasmic reticulum is present in the animal cell as well. |
| Nucleus | The nucleus is present towards the peripheral region of the cell since it is pushed by the large central vacuole. | A centrally placed nucleus is present. |
| Cytoplasm | Cytoplasm is present. | Cytoplasm is present. |
| Lysosomes | Their presence is rare. | Usually, numerous lysosomes are present in animal cells. |
| Golgi apparatus | It is present. | It is present. |
| Cytoplasm | It is an essential part of the cell. | It is present in the cell. |
| Ribosomes | They are present. | They are present in the cell. |
| Plastids | They impart colour (pigment) to the plant cells. | Plastids are absent in animal cells. |
| Cilia | Plant cells do not possess cilia. | Cilia is a very common finger-like locomotory and |
| Vacuoles | A large centrally located vacuole is observed in the cell. | Animal cells usually have a few tiny vacuoles. |
| Mitochondria | A few mitochondria may be present. | A significant number of mitochondria are present. |
| Nutrition | All plant cells are autotrophic, which means that they can produce their food. | Animal cells are unable to produce their food and are hence, heterotrophic. |
Difference Between Plant Cells and Animal Cells <span style=
What is cytology?
The branch of biology that deals with the study of cells is known as cytology.
Which organelles are present in animal cells but absent in plant cells?
Centrosomes are present in animal cells but absent in plant cells. They help in cell division.
Which organelles are absent in animal cells but present in plant cells?
Plastids and cell wall are present in plant cells but absent in animal cells. Plastids aid in photosynthesis and the cell wall provides a fixed structure to the cell.
Why do animal and plant cells differ in terms of size?
The large central vacuole present in a plant cell accounts for its massive size. On the other hand, vacuoles are small and numerous in animal cells and don't make a difference in their size.
List one major differentiation between plant and animal cells.
Plant cells have plastids that enable them to manufacture their food due to the presence of chlorophyll. Animal cells do not have plastids, and hence cannot produce glucose.
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