Cells are the building blocks of life and they come in many different shapes and sizes. All living organisms are made up of cells and these cells have various similarities and differences. They are classified into two main types: plant cells and animal cells. Although both cell types have some similarities, they also have significant differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences is important for understanding the diverse functions and processes that occur in these cells. In this article, we will explore the differences between plant and animal cells, including their structure, function, and unique characteristics.
We will look in detail at their similarities and differences to better understand the complex world of cells.
: What is the difference between prokaryotic cells and eukaryotic cells?
What are cells?
Basically, cells are the basic units of life and are made up of organic molecules such as lipids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, etc. All life processes are carried out by cells.
All organisms are made up of cells and can be classified based on the number of cells present in them, there are two types of organisms:
1. Unicellular
2. Multicellular
See more: What is the structure of plant and animal cells?
Single-cell organism
Cells that have only one cell are called unicellular organisms.
They are considered one of the earliest life forms on earth and now, more complex multicellular organisms have evolved from these single-celled organisms over the ages.
Multicellular organisms
Cells that have a large number of cells or more than one cell are called multicellular organisms.
They consist of specialized cells with complex cell organelles that unicellular organisms do not have.
It is recognized that in ecosystems, plants have a production function, while animals play a consumer role.
Therefore, their activities are different and their cell structures are also different.
Cell structures and organelles differ in plants and animals and are mainly classified based on their functions.
Changes in cell composition are the cause of the difference between plant cells and animal cells.
Animal cells are composed of four main parts:
- Cell nucleus,
- Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- and mitochondria
With all the parts of animal cells, plant cells also have:
- Cell wall
- vacuole
- Chloroplasts.
Difference between animal and plant cells
| Animal cells | Plant cells |
| It does not have a cell wall. | It consists of a cellulose cell wall outside the cell membrane. |
| Have an irregular or round shape. | Available in square or rectangular shape. |
| Centrosomes and centrioles are present. | Centrosomes and centrioles are absent. |
| Plastids are absent | Plastids are present. |
| Vacuoles are usually small and sometimes absent. | Vacuoles are a handful of large or single vacuoles that are centrally located. |
| Cilia are present in most animal cells. | Cilia is absent |
| Mitochondria are present and numerous in number. | Mitochondria are present but in smaller numbers |
| The diet is heterotrophic. | The main form of nutrition is autotrophic. |
| There is a very complex and prominent Golgi apparatus. | There are simpler units of the Golgi apparatus called dictyosomes. |
Similarities between animal and plant cells
1. Both have a cell membrane or plasma membrane.
2. Both have ribosomes.
3. Both have endoplasmic reticulum.
4. Both have a clearly defined nucleus and cytoplasm. The genetic material DNA is also surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
: Cells: Structure and Function
In summary, plant cells and animal cells may look similar, but they have fundamental differences that play important roles in their respective functions. Plant cells are characterized by the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, which are essential for photosynthesis and provide structural support for the plant. On the other hand, animal cells lack a cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, but they have lysosomes and centrosomes, which play important roles in digestion and cell division, respectively.
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