Cells are the most important yet most amazing elements of nature. They are the smallest unit, yet the building blocks of life for every living thing. Each organelle in a cell is specified to carry out a specific function. The plants and animals are two different entities that balance an ecosystem, which is why their cells differ from each other in size, structure, and shape. The plant and animal cells carry out all the life activities required for plants and animals to survive. Organisms are classified based on the number of cells. Single-celled organisms are referred to as unicellular, while organisms with multiple cells are classified as multicellular.
Studying plant and animal cells is a part of biology for both O-level and A-level subjects. Almost all concepts of biology depend on this basic concept of cells. This comprehensive blog explains the differences and similarities of plant and animal cells in detail.
What are plant and animal cells?
Cells are the fundamental units of life. The plant and animal cells are the basis through which animals and plants carry out their everyday operations and every important function to survive. In a balanced ecosystem. The plants are the producers while the animals are the consumers; thus, their daily activities and functions vary. With variation in tier activities and functions, their cells are structured differently according to their needs. The differences in the composition of plant and animal cells are the major reason behind the differences between animal and plant cells.
The Plant cells:
Plant cells, just like animal cells, are eukaryotic cells, which means that they have a membrane-bound nucleus. Plant cells have a cell wall composed of cellulose surrounding a cell membrane. The most distinguishing feature of a plant cell is the chloroplast, which serves in photosynthesis. Chloroplast, containing the pigment chlorophyll that absorbs sunlight, converts it into energy and help in the growth of plants. Plant cells also contain large vacuoles. A vacuole is a storage organelle, and it helps in the process of osmosis. Plant cells also contain plastids that are responsible for photosynthesis. Lastly, the plasmodesmata are channels that penetrate the cell wall, helping in transportation.
The Animal Cells:
Just like plant cells, animal cells are also eukaryotic cells. Unlike plant cells, animal cells lack a cell wall, but they have a membrane-bound nucleus. Animals have a plasma membrane that is a selectively permeable membrane allowing the movement of nutrients and other substances. It also has a cytoplasm that is a jelly-like substance that fills the cell and contains other organelles. The mitochondria in the animal cells produce energy for the cell. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is involved in protein and lipid synthesis and transport. A Golgi apparatus in the animal cell modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or delivery. The lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that help in breaking down debris and waste. Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis. Animal cells have other organelles, too, such as centrosomes and the cytoskeleton.
Comparing the plant and animal cells:
Plant and animal cells hold some common organelles. Plants and animals play different roles in an ecosystem. Plants, being the producers, have different roles in comparison to animals that are the consumers of an ecosystem. This blog will help you understand the differences and the similarities in plant and animal cells.
The differences:
The major differences between animal and plant cells are:
- Cell wall:
The cell wall is present in a plant cell, whereas in an animal cell, there is no cell wall.
- Cell shape:
The shape of a plant cell is square or rectangular. The cell shape of an animal cell is irregular or round in shape.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum:
The endoplasmic reticulum is present in both plant and animal cells.
- Nucleus:
The nucleus of a plant cell is present and lies on the side of the cell. The nucleus of an animal cell is present in the center of the cell.
- Lysosomes:
In the plant cell, lysosomes are present but are very rare, whereas in animal cells, they are present.
Further differences:
- Golgi apparatus:
The Golgi apparatus is present in both plant and animal cells.
- Cytoplasm:
Cytoplasm is present in both of them.
- Ribosomes:
Ribosomes are also present in both animal and plant cells.
- Plastids:
Plastids are present in plant cells in the form of chlorophyll but are absent in animal cells.
- Vacuoles:
In plant cells, there is either a single large vacuole that is centrally present in the cell, whereas in animal cells, they are usually small and numerous.
- Cilia:
Cilia is absent in plant cells but are present in almost all animal cells.
- Mitochondria:
In the plant cell, mitochondria are present but are in fewer in numbers, whereas in animal cells they are numerous in number.
- Mode of nutrition:
The plant cells are normally autotrophic, whereas the animal cells are heterotrophic.
- Plasma/ Cell membrane:
It is present in both cells.
The table of differences between plant and animal cells:
| Feature / Organelle | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
| Cell Wall | Present | Absent |
| Cell Shape | Usually square or rectangular | Irregular or round |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Present | Present |
| Nucleus | Present; usually lies on the side | Present; usually in the center |
| Lysosomes | Present but rare | Present |
| Golgi Apparatus | Present | Present |
| Cytoplasm | Present | Present |
| Ribosomes | Present | Present |
| Plastids | Present (e.g., chloroplasts for photosynthesis) | Absent |
| Vacuoles | One large central vacuole | Many small vacuoles |
| Cilia | Absent | Usually present |
| Mitochondria | Present, but fewer in number | Present, more numerous |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic (make their own food via photosynthesis) | Heterotrophic (depend on other organisms for food) |
| Plasma/Cell Membrane | Present (beneath the cell wall) | Present (outer covering, since no cell wall is present) |
The similarities:
There are a few similarities, too, in the animal and plant cells.
- Both of them are eukaryotic cells, which means that they both have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
- Both of them possess a cell membrane for the purpose of regulating the flow of substances.
- Both have a cytoplasm where other organelles are suspended.
- Both contain ribosomes
- They both contain the endoplasmic reticulum
- Both have a Nucleolus
- Animal and plant cells have mitochondria as well.
- Golgi bodies, or the Golgi apparatus, are also found in both cells.
- Both plant and animal cells have a cytoskeleton, providing structural support and facilitating cell movement.
Functions of plant and animal cells:
The animal and plant cells have distinct functions driven by unique organelles. Different organelles perform different functions in the cells.
Functions of the Plant Cells:
Breakdown of different organelles and their functions:
- Chloroplast:
Chloroplasts are the green organelles in plant cells that contain chlorophyll. They are responsible for photosynthesis, a process that captures sunlight and converts it into glucose. This makes chloroplasts the key source of food and energy for the plant, while also releasing oxygen into the environment.
- Mitochondria:
Mitochondria are called the “powerhouse of the cell” because they break down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP. This energy is essential for all plant cell activities, including growth, repair, and reproduction.
- Cell wall:
The cell wall is a tough, rigid layer made of cellulose. It provides structure and strength to the plant cell, helping it maintain its shape. The wall also protects the cell from mechanical damage and prevents it from bursting when water enters.
- Cell membrane:
Just inside the cell wall lies the cell membrane. It is a semi-permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. This helps the plant cell maintain balance and communicate with its surroundings.
- Plasma:
The plasma is the fluid part of the cytoplasm that surrounds the organelles. It acts as a medium where nutrients, enzymes, and molecules move around, ensuring that essential materials are transported throughout the cell.
- Vacuoles:
Plant cells usually have one large central vacuole. It stores water, minerals, and waste products, while also maintaining turgor pressure that keeps the plant upright and firm. Vacuoles also play a role in detoxifying and recycling materials within the cell.
- Plasmodesmata:
Plasmodesmata are tiny channels that connect one plant cell to another. They allow water, nutrients, and signals to pass between cells, enabling communication and coordination in plant tissues.
- Nucleus:
The nucleus acts as the control center of the plant cell. It holds the genetic material (DNA) and gives instructions for growth, development, and protein production. By controlling these processes, the nucleus ensures the smooth functioning of the cell.
- Ribosomes:
Ribosomes are small structures either floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. Their main role is protein synthesis, providing the enzymes and structural proteins that the plant cell needs to survive and function.
- Cytoplasm:
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the cell. It keeps organelles in place and provides space for important biochemical reactions. It also allows materials to move freely within the cell.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum:
The endoplasmic reticulum works as the transport system of the plant cell. Rough ER, which has ribosomes on its surface, helps make and transport proteins, while smooth ER produces lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.
Functions of the Animal Cells:
Below is the breakdown of the functions of animal cell organelles:
- Cell wall:
Animal cells do not have a cell wall. Instead, they rely on their flexible cell membrane for shape and protection. This allows them to adopt irregular or round shapes, unlike rigid plant cells.
- Cell membrane:
The cell membrane surrounds the animal cell and acts as a protective barrier. It is semi-permeable, meaning it controls what enters and leaves the cell. This helps maintain balance and communication with the external environment.
- Vacuoles:
Animal cells contain numerous small vacuoles. These store water, nutrients, and waste products. Although smaller than those in plant cells, vacuoles still play a crucial role in maintaining internal balance and aiding in digestion and waste removal.
- Mitochondria:
Mitochondria are the energy centers of animal cells. They break down glucose and release energy in the form of ATP. This energy fuels essential processes like movement, growth, repair, and metabolism.
- Golgi body:
The Golgi body (or Golgi apparatus) is responsible for modifying, packaging, and transporting proteins and lipids. It acts like a shipping center, sending proteins to their correct destinations inside or outside the cell.
- Lysosomes:
Lysosomes are small sacs filled with digestive enzymes. They break down waste materials, damaged cell parts, and harmful substances. Because of this, lysosomes are often called the “recycling centers” of the cell.
- Centrosomes:
Centrosomes play an important role in cell division. They help organize the spindle fibers that pull chromosomes apart during mitosis. This ensures that each new cell gets the correct genetic material.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum:
The ER acts as the cell’s transport network. The rough ER, which is covered with ribosomes, helps produce and move proteins, while the smooth ER makes lipids and detoxifies harmful substances.
- Nucleus:
The nucleus is the control center of the animal cell. It contains DNA, which holds the instructions for growth, protein production, and reproduction. The nucleus regulates all the main activities of the cell.
- Plasma:
The plasma is the fluid part of the cytoplasm that surrounds organelles. It allows the movement of nutrients, enzymes, and other materials. Plasma also supports chemical reactions that are necessary for the cell’s survival.
- Cytoplasm:
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the animal cell. It holds organelles in place and provides a medium for important chemical reactions. It also helps transport materials and nutrients across the cell.
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FAQs:
Q1. What are the main differences between plant and animal cells?
Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, while animal cells have centrosomes, lysosomes, and multiple small vacuoles.
Q2. Why are chloroplasts important for plants?
Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis, allowing plants to produce their own food and release oxygen.
Q3. Do animal cells have plastids like plant cells?
No, plastids such as chloroplasts are unique to plant cells and are absent in animal cells.
Q4. Which organelle is called the powerhouse of the cell?
The mitochondria are known as the powerhouse because they produce ATP, the main energy source for the cell.
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At VACE Global, our qualified tutors provide personalized lessons, past paper practice, and exam strategies for both O-level and A-level Biology. You can also benefit from scholarships and expert advice on Cambridge vs Edexcel boards to prepare effectively.