Content Writer-SME
Animal and plant cells are true eukaryotic cells with a definite shape and size. The presence or absence of a cell wall is the first point of difference between animal and plant cells. Like cell wall, there are some other important parameters that differentiate plant and animal cells from each other.
- Common cell components of plant and animal cells include the nucleus, golgi complex, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton, and cell (plasma) membrane.
- Overall, these cells have various other organelles which performs the specialized functions in the cells.
Differences between Plant Cell and Animal Cell
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Cells are the structural and functional unit of life. They are responsible for giving our body shape and carrying out all the functions that take place within our bodies. Animal and plant cells reproduce through similar processes called mitosis and meiosis.
Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells lack this organelle.Parameters
The most striking differences between animal and plant cells are vacuoles, chloroplasts, and more. Structural differences between plant and animal cell are as follows:- Cell Shape & Size: Plant cells are typically rectangular or square, while animal cells are round or irregular. Moreover, the size of plant cells are comparatively larger than animal cells.
- Cell Organelles: The specialized structures present in the cells that perform important functions are called cell organelles. Both plant and animal cells have almost similar cell organelles in structure, but some are present only in plant cells, such as chloroplasts.
- Plasma Membrane: The internal layer of cells are separated by the outside environment with the help of a biological membrane called plasma membrane.
- Cell Wall: A rigid cell wall is only present in plant cell and it is made up of cellulose and pectin. It acts as a shield and protects the outer layer of plant cell.
- Centrosomes: Animal cells have centrosomes, which help to organize cell division. On the other hand, plant cells do not have centrosomes.
Apart from these five parameters, there are some parameters on which comparison between animal cell and plant cell is done. Here, we have mentioned the parameters in the tabular form below-
| Basis of Comparison | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Shape | Square or rectangular | Round or irregular |
| Cell Size | Larger than animal Cells (10-100 micrometers) | Smaller in size (1-30 micrometers) |
| Cell Wall | Present (Composition: Cellulose) | Absent |
| Cell Membrane | Present | Present |
| Nucleus | Present on one side of the cell | Present in the center of the cell |
| Cytoplasm | Present | Present |
| Golgi Apparatus | Present, modifies and packages the proteins synthesized within the cell. | Present, packages proteins and lipids. |
| Lysosomes | Present (rare) | Present |
| Centrosomes | Present | Absent |
| Ribosomes | Present on rough endoplasmic reticulum, Chloroplasts and mitochondria, build protein for the cell. | Present floating in the Cytoplasm or stuck to ER, produces proteins. |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Present | Present |
| Vacuoles | Large Central Vacuole | Scattered numerous Vacuoles |
| Plastids | Present | Absent |
| Cilia | Absent | Present |
| Mitochondria | Present (less in number) | Present in large numbers. |
| Energy | Stores energy in the form of starch | Stores energy in the form of glycogen. |
| Chloroplasts | Present | Absent |
Animal and Plant Cell Diagram
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The presence of membrane bound organelles are the characteristic features of plant and animal cells. The structural differences between animal and plant cell can be understood with the help of animal and plant cell diagram given below:
Animal and Plant Cell Diagram
Things to Remember
- The primary difference between animal and plant cell is made on the basis of their structure.
- Animal cells are typically round while plant cells are rectangular or square.
- Plant cells can be up to 100 micrometers in size, while animal cells are typically only 10-30 micrometers in size.
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides support and protection whereas animal cells do not have a cell wall.
- Plant cells have a large central vacuole, animal cells have smaller vacuoles.
- Animal cells have centrosomes, which help to organize cell division wheraeas plant cells do not have centrosomes.
- Animal cells have cilia, which are hair-like projections that can help to move cells or move fluids while plant cells do not have cilia.
- Plant cells can produce their own food through photosynthesis, while animal cells must obtain their food from other sources.
Sample Questions
Ques. What are the two structural differences between plant and animal cell? (2 marks)
Ans.The parameters for comparison between animal and plant cells on the basis of their structure are as follows:
- Cell wall- It is present in plant cell (cellulosic cell wall) whereas, in animal cell, it is absent.
- Chloroplast- The presence of chloroplast in plant cells also differentiate it from animal cells.
Ques 1. What assists the transport of carbon dioxide and water in and out of the cell? (3 marks)
Ans. Substances like Carbon Dioxide and Water move in and out of the cell by the process of diffusion.
- Cytoplasm, which is present within the cell, assists this process.
- The movement of substances occurs on the basis of their concentration in the external and internal environment i.e. if the concentration is more in the external environment, the substances will move out of the cell and vice versa.
Ques 2. Why is the Cell Membrane called a semi-permeable membrane? Give reason. (2 marks)
Ans. The cell membrane has the responsibility to regulate the movement of substances from inside to outside of the cell and vice versa. It permits only a few substances to get exchanged and prevents someone from doing so. Hence, it is called a semi-permeable membrane.
Ques 3. Answer in one word:- (2 marks)
a) Which Cell Organelle has its own genetic material?
b) Which organelle is responsible for protein synthesis?
Ans. The answers to the questions are:-
a) Mitochondria and Plastids
b) Ribosomes
Ques 4. What will happen if the cell organization is disturbed due to physical or chemical changes? (2 marks)
Ans. If the organization of the cell is disturbed due to physical or chemical changes, it will not be able to perform its functions efficiently. With the failure of cells to perform the functions, the organs will fail and so will the organ system, and processes like digestion, respiration, and excretion will not be performed by the body. This will eventually lead to the death of the individual.
Ques 5. Which organelle is known as the powerhouse of the cell. Give a reason for your answer. (2 marks)
Ans. Mitochondria releases energy in the form of ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate). This ATP is used by the cell to perform its functions and therefore sustain life activities. Hence, it is called the powerhouse of the cell.
Ques 6. Are plant cells larger or smaller than animal cells? (3 marks)
Ans. Plant cells are typically larger than animal cells. In general, plant cells can be 10 to 100 micrometers in size, while animal cells are typically only 10 to 30 micrometers in size.
- The large size of plant cells is due to the presence of a cell wall and a large central vacuole.
- The cell wall provides support and protection to the cell, while the vacuole stores water and other substances.
- These structures allow plant cells to perform their specific functions, such as photosynthesis and water storage.
Ques 7. Do plant cells have DNA? (3 marks)
Ans. Yes, plant cells do have DNA.
- Plant cells have DNA located within their nucleus.
- In addition to the nucleus, plant cells also contain DNA in another organelle called the chloroplast.
- DNA in plant cells contains the genetic instructions necessary for various cellular functions, including growth, development, and the synthesis of proteins.
- This genetic material is crucial for the overall functioning and survival of plant cells.
Ques 8. Why are centrioles absent in cells of higher groups of plants? (3 marks)
Ans. Centrioles are absent in cells of higher groups of plants due to evolutionary adaptations. Over time, these plants have evolved alternative mechanisms for organizing microtubules during cell division.
- In higher plants, microtubule organization during cell division is primarily controlled by structures like the spindle apparatus and phragmoplast.
- These structures perform similar functions to centrioles but without the need for a distinct centriolar organelle.
- Higher plants exhibit greater cellular specialization and differentiation.
As a result, the need for centrioles, which are more commonly found in animal cells, diminishes in plant cells, and alternative structures fulfil the requirements of microtubule organization during cell division.
Ques 9. Why is there a lesser number of mitochondria in plants than in animals? (5 marks)
Ans. There are a lesser number of mitochondria in plants than in animals –
Plants primarily obtain energy through photosynthesis, which converts sunlight into energy-rich molecules. This process requires less energy from cellular respiration, hence the need for fewer mitochondria.
Animals are more active organisms with higher metabolic rates, requiring more energy from cellular respiration. This increased energy demand necessitates a greater number of mitochondria.
Plant mitochondria are generally less efficient at converting energy from food than animal mitochondria. To compensate for this reduced efficiency, plants require more mitochondria to generate the same amount of energy.
Mitochondria are concentrated in tissues with high energy demands, such as muscle cells in animals. Since plants have less active tissues, they have a lower overall mitochondrial count.
Plant cells have specialized organelles, such as chloroplasts, that play a crucial role in energy production. These organelles contribute to the overall energy needs of plant cells, reducing the reliance on mitochondria.
Ques 10. What is the function of vacuoles in a plant cell? (3 marks)
Ans. Vacuoles in plant cells serve as storage organelles, storing various substances such as nutrients, ions, and waste products.
- They maintain turgor pressure, providing structural support to plant cells by regulating water content and preventing wilting.
- Vacuoles contain enzymes that aid in digestion of macromolecules and detoxification processes, contributing to the overall cellular function in plants.
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