What is Plant Cell?
Plants, algae, and some protists all contain plant cells because they are eukaryotic organisms. It’s different from animal cells in a number of ways.
- Cells found in plants are eukaryotic, meaning they have a nucleus and other organelles surrounded by a membrane.
- Common forms include rectangles and cubes.
- Cellulose makes up the stiff cell wall that surrounds plant cells and serves to protect and strengthen the cell.
- Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, which are unique to plant cells and absent in animal cells.
- Central vacuoles in plant cells are big and play an important function in cellular water regulation and nutrient storage.
- Plasmodesmata are small tubes between plant cells that facilitate communication and the exchange of substances, and are absent in animal cells.
- Peroxisomes are specialised organelles found within plant cells that play an important role in several metabolic processes, such as the oxidation of fatty acids and the elimination of toxins.
- The nucleus of a plant cell carries the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, exactly like in animal cells.
- Cell division is possible in plants and is controlled by many of the same processes that govern cell division in animals.
- Plant cells have a variety of additional organelles, including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which carry out a wide range of metabolic and cellular functions.
Components of Plant Cell
- Cell wall: The cell wall is a rigid layer surrounding the cell that provides structural support and protection.
- Plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Nucleus: The nucleus is the control center of the cell that contains the genetic material in the form of chromosomes.
- Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled space inside the cell where most of the cellular processes take place.
- Mitochondria: Mitochondria are organelles that generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.
- Chloroplasts: Chloroplasts are specialized organelles that carry out photosynthesis and are responsible for the green color of plant cells.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membrane-bound channels and sacs that are involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle that is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to their final destinations.
- Vacuole: The vacuole is a large organelle that plays a key role in regulating water balance, storing nutrients, and providing structural support.
- Ribosomes: Ribosomes are tiny organelles that are responsible for protein synthesis.
- Peroxisomes: Peroxisomes are small organelles that are involved in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances.
- Plasmodesmata: Plasmodesmata are narrow channels that connect adjacent plant cells and allow for communication and transport of materials between cells.
What is Animal cell?
An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that is found in animals and humans. It has a number of unique features that distinguish it from plant cells.
- Animal cells are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
- They are typically round or irregularly shaped in structure.
- Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a cell wall, but instead have a plasma membrane that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Animal cells have a variety of organelles, including mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and peroxisomes, that carry out a wide range of metabolic and cellular processes.
- The nucleus of an animal cell contains the genetic material in the form of chromosomes, just like in plant cells.
- Animal cells are capable of cell division, and this process is regulated by the same basic mechanisms as in plant cells.
- Animal cells contain specialized organelles called centrosomes, which play a key role in cell division.
- Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have chloroplasts, but instead obtain energy through the process of cellular respiration, which takes place in the mitochondria.
- Animal cells contain a cytoskeleton, a network of protein fibers that provides structural support and helps to maintain cell shape.
- Animal cells communicate with each other through a variety of mechanisms, including chemical signals and gap junctions, which allow for direct communication between adjacent cells.
Components of Plant Cell
- Plasma membrane: The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable barrier that surrounds the cell and regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Nucleus: The nucleus is the control center of the cell that contains the genetic material in the form of chromosomes.
- Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm is the fluid-filled space inside the cell where most of the cellular processes take place.
- Mitochondria: Mitochondria are organelles that generate energy for the cell through cellular respiration.
- Endoplasmic reticulum: The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membrane-bound channels and sacs that are involved in protein and lipid synthesis.
- Golgi apparatus: The Golgi apparatus is an organelle that is responsible for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids for transport to their final destinations.
- Lysosomes: Lysosomes are specialized organelles that contain digestive enzymes and are involved in the breakdown of waste materials and cellular debris.
- Peroxisomes: Peroxisomes are small organelles that are involved in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances.
- Ribosomes: Ribosomes are tiny organelles that are responsible for protein synthesis.
- Cytoskeleton: The cytoskeleton is a network of protein fibers that provides structural support and helps to maintain cell shape.
- Centrosomes: Centrosomes are specialized organelles that are involved in cell division and the organization of microtubules.
- Flagella and Cilia: Some animal cells have flagella or cilia, which are structures that are involved in movement and cellular communication.
Similarities between plants and animals cells
Both plant cells and animal cells share several fundamental characteristics that underscore their commonality as eukaryotic cells. Below is a detailed comparison of their similarities:
- Cytoplasm
- Plant Cells: Contains cytoplasm where cellular processes occur.
- Animal Cells: Also houses cytoplasm, which supports organelles and cellular activities.
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Plant Cells: Features both rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, involved in protein and lipid synthesis, respectively.
- Animal Cells: Similarly, has rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum for synthesizing proteins and lipids.
- Ribosomes
- Plant Cells: Ribosomes are present and crucial for protein synthesis.
- Animal Cells: Ribosomes are also present and perform the same function of protein synthesis.
- Mitochondria
- Plant Cells: Contains mitochondria, which are the sites of cellular respiration and energy production.
- Animal Cells: Mitochondria are present, providing energy through cellular respiration.
- Plastids
- Plant Cells: Contains plastids, including chloroplasts for photosynthesis and other plastids for various functions.
- Animal Cells: Plastids are not typically present; however, the information may be mistakenly included as a shared feature.
- Golgi Apparatus
- Plant Cells: The Golgi apparatus is involved in modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins and lipids.
- Animal Cells: Similarly, the Golgi apparatus processes and packages proteins and lipids for cellular use.
- Flagella
- Plant Cells: Some plant cells, such as certain sperm cells, possess flagella for movement.
- Animal Cells: Some animal cells, including sperm cells, also have flagella for locomotion.
- Nucleus
- Plant Cells: Contains a nucleus that regulates gene expression and controls cellular activities.
- Animal Cells: Also has a nucleus that manages genetic material and controls cell functions.
| Comparison Index | Plant Cells | Animal Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Cytoplasm | Present; supports organelles and cellular processes | Present; supports organelles and cellular activities |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Present; includes rough and smooth types for synthesis | Present; includes rough and smooth types for synthesis |
| Ribosomes | Present; involved in protein synthesis | Present; involved in protein synthesis |
| Mitochondria | Present; sites of cellular respiration and energy production | Present; sites of cellular respiration and energy production |
| Plastids | Present; includes chloroplasts and other plastids | Typically absent; note that plastids are not present in animal cells |
| Golgi Apparatus | Present; modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids | Present; modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids |
| Flagella | Present in some cells, such as certain sperm cells | Present in some cells, including sperm cells |
| Nucleus | Present; regulates gene expression and cellular activities | Present; regulates genetic material and cell functions |
Differences Between Animal Cells and Plant Cells
1. Structural Differences
- Cell Shape and Size
- Animal Cells: Typically round or irregular in shape. Sizes range from 10 to 30 micrometers.
- Plant Cells: Generally rectangular or cube-shaped, with sizes ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers.
- Cell Wall
- Animal Cells: Lacking a cell wall; possess only a plasma membrane that provides support and protection.
- Plant Cells: Contain a rigid cell wall composed of cellulose, providing structural support and protection.
- Centrosomes and Centrioles
- Animal Cells: Have centrosomes and centrioles, essential for organizing microtubules during cell division.
- Plant Cells: Do not have centrioles and lack centrosomes; microtubules are organized differently.
- Cytoskeleton Components
- Animal Cells: Contain microfilaments and microtubules that support the cell structure and assist in intracellular transport and cell division.
- Plant Cells: Also possess microfilaments and microtubules, but they primarily provide structural support and are involved in cytokinesis.
2. Cell Division
- Cytokinesis
- Animal Cells: Cytokinesis is achieved through the formation of a cleavage furrow that pinches the cell membrane.
- Plant Cells: Cytokinesis involves the creation of a cell plate that forms the new cell wall between daughter cells.
- Centrosome Function
- Animal Cells: Centrosomes, containing centrioles, are crucial for organizing the mitotic spindle.
- Plant Cells: Lack centrosomes; the spindle fibers are organized without centrioles.
- Aster Development
- Animal Cells: Develop asters around centrioles during mitosis, with an amphiastral spindle.
- Plant Cells: Do not develop asters; their spindle is anastral.
3. Organelles and Structures
- Vacuoles
- Animal Cells: Typically have many small vacuoles.
- Plant Cells: Contain a large central vacuole that can occupy up to 90% of the cell’s volume, essential for maintaining turgor pressure.
- Lysosomes
- Animal Cells: Possess lysosomes containing enzymes for macromolecule digestion.
- Plant Cells: Rarely contain lysosomes; vacuoles and Golgi bodies handle waste degradation.
- Plastids
- Animal Cells: Do not have plastids.
- Plant Cells: Contain plastids such as chloroplasts, crucial for photosynthesis.
- Glyoxysomes
- Animal Cells: Absent.
- Plant Cells: Present, aiding in lipid degradation during seed germination.
4. Additional Features
- Cilia
- Animal Cells: Often possess cilia for movement and sensing environmental changes.
- Plant Cells: Typically lack cilia.
- Plasmodesmata
- Animal Cells: Do not have plasmodesmata.
- Plant Cells: Feature plasmodesmata, which are channels allowing communication and transport between adjacent plant cells.
- Energy Storage
- Animal Cells: Store energy as glycogen.
- Plant Cells: Store energy as starch.
5. Growth and Differentiation
- Growth
- Animal Cells: Increase in number through cell division.
- Plant Cells: Increase in size by enlarging the central vacuole and absorbing water.
- Differentiation
- Animal Cells: Differentiation is typically restricted to stem cells.
- Plant Cells: Many cell types can differentiate into various specialized forms.
6. Functional Adaptations
- Cytokinesis Mechanisms
- Animal Cells: Uses constriction for dividing the cytoplasm.
- Plant Cells: Utilizes cell plate formation for cytokinesis.
- Response to Osmotic Changes
- Animal Cells: Susceptible to bursting in hypotonic solutions due to the lack of a cell wall.
- Plant Cells: Maintain integrity in hypotonic solutions due to the presence of a cell wall.
Difference Table Between Animal Cells and Plant Cells
| Characteristic | Animal Cells | Plant Cells |
|---|---|---|
| Shape and Size | Generally round or irregular; 10-30 micrometers | Typically rectangular or cube-shaped; 10-100 micrometers |
| Cell Wall | Absent; only plasma membrane present | Present; composed of cellulose |
| Centrosomes and Centrioles | Present; essential for microtubule organization | Absent; microtubules organized differently |
| Cytoskeleton Components | Microfilaments and microtubules present; support structure and transport | Microfilaments and microtubules present; support structure and cytoskeletal organization |
| Cytokinesis | Cleavage furrow forms; pinches cell membrane | Cell plate forms; divides the cell |
| Aster Development | Asters develop around centrioles; amphiastral spindle | No aster development; anastral spindle |
| Vacuoles | Many small vacuoles | Large central vacuole, up to 90% of cell volume |
| Lysosomes | Present; contain digestive enzymes | Rarely present; vacuoles and Golgi bodies handle degradation |
| Plastids | Absent | Present; includes chloroplasts for photosynthesis |
| Glyoxysomes | Absent | Present; aid in lipid degradation during germination |
| Cilia | Often present; assist in movement and sensing | Usually absent |
| Plasmodesmata | Absent | Present; channels for communication between cells |
| Energy Storage | Glycogen | Starch |
| Growth | Increase in cell number through division | Increase in cell size through vacuole expansion |
| Differentiation | Restricted to stem cells | Many cell types capable of differentiation |
| Cytokinesis Mechanism | Constriction of cytoplasm | Cell plate formation |
| Response to Osmotic Changes | May burst in hypotonic solutions | Maintains integrity in hypotonic solutions due to cell wall |
References
- https://pediaa.com/difference-between-plant-and-animal-cell-division/
- https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-plant-and-animal-cells/
- https://www.khanacademy.org/science/high-school-biology/hs-cells/hs-plant-vs-animal-cells/a/hs-plant-vs-animal-cells-review
- https://vajiramandravi.com/quest-upsc-notes/difference-between-plant-cell-and-animal-cell/
- https://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/plant-cells-animal-cells.htm
- https://www.javatpoint.com/plant-cell-vs-animal-cell
- https://www.thoughtco.com/animal-cells-vs-plant-cells-373375
