Cells are the building blocks of life and come in various shapes and sizes. All living organisms are made up of cells and these cells have several similarities and differences. They are classified into two main types: plant cells and animal cells. Although both cell types share some similarities, they also have significant differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial to understanding the various functions and processes that occur within these cells. In this article, we will explore the differences between plant and animal cells, including their structure, functions, and unique characteristics.
We will examine their similarities and differences in detail to better understand the complex world of cells.
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What is a cell?
Basically, cells are the fundamental basic unit 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 according to the number of cells present in them, there are two types of organisms:
1. unicellular
2. multicellular
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unicellular organisms
Cells that have only one cell are called unicellular organisms.
They are considered one of the first forms of life on Earth and the now more complex multicellular organisms have evolved from these single-celled organisms over eons.
multicellular organisms
Cells with a large number of cells or more than one cell are called multicellular organisms.
They consist of specialized cells with complicated cellular organelles, which single-celled organisms do not have.
It is observed that in the ecosystem plants have the role of producers, while animals have assumed the position of consumers.
Hence their activities are different and so are their cellular structures.
Cell structure and organelles differ in plants and animals and are mainly classified according to their function.
Variation in cellular composition is the reason for the difference between plant and animal cells.
Animal cells are made up of four main parts, namely:
- Core,
- Cellular membrane
- Cytoplasm
- and mitochondria
With all these parts of animal cells, plant cells also have:
- Cellular wall
- vacuole
- Chloroplasts.
Difference between animal and plant cell.
| Animal cell | Plant cell |
| It does not have a cell wall. | It consists of a cellulose cell wall outside the cell membrane. |
| They are irregular or round in shape. | They have a 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 few large or single vacuoles and located centrally. |
| Cilia are present in most animal cells. | Cilia are absent |
| Mitochondria are present and numerous. | Mitochondria are present but in smaller numbers. |
| The mode of nutrition is heterotrophic. | The mode of nutrition is mainly autotrophic. |
| A unique, very complex and prominent Golgi apparatus is present. | Many simpler units of the Golgi apparatus called dictyosomes are present. |
Similarities between animal and plant cells.
1. Both have a cell membrane or plasma membrane.
2. They both have ribosomes.
3. Both have endoplasmic reticulum.
4. Both have a well-defined nucleus and cytoplasm. The genetic material DNA is also surrounded by a nuclear membrane.
READ ALSO: Cell: Structure and Functions
In conclusion, plant and animal cells may look similar, but they have fundamental differences that play a crucial role in their respective functions. Plant cells are characterized by the presence of cell walls, chloroplasts and large central vacuoles, which are essential for photosynthesis and provide structural support to the plant. Animal cells, on the other hand, lack cell walls, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, but have lysosomes and centrosomes, which play crucial roles in digestion and cell division, respectively.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: ptivs2.edu.vn