Differences between Animal Cell and Plant Cell
Contents
Differences between Animal Cell and Plant Cell[edit]
Animal and plant cells are both eukaryotic cells and share several organelles, such as a nucleus, mitochondria, and a cell membrane.[1][2] However, they possess distinct structural differences related to their functions. Plants, being stationary autotrophs, have cellular structures for support and photosynthesis, while animals, as mobile heterotrophs, have cells that facilitate movement and consumption.[3]
Comparison Table[edit]
[1]| Energy Storage || Stores energy as glycogen. || Stores energy as starch. [5]| Chloroplasts || Absent. || Present.[4] Site of photosynthesis. [4][5]| Vacuole || If present, they are small and numerous. || One large, central vacuole that can take up to 80% of cell volume. [1][2]| Lysosomes || Present. Contain digestive enzymes. || Generally[2] absent; their function is carried out by the central vacuole.| Feature | Animal Cell | Plant Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Wall | Absent. Only a flexible cell membrane is present.[4][1] | Present. A rigid cell wall made of cellulose surrounds the cell membrane.[1][5] |
| Shape | Irregular or round shape.[1] | Fixed, typically rectangular or cubical shape.[1] |
| Size | [1]| Generally larger (10–100 micrometers). | |
| Centrioles | Present. Involved in cell division. | Absent[1][2] in most plant cells. |
| Plasmodesmata | Absent. | Present. Channels that connect adjacent cells. |
Cell Wall[edit]
The most notable difference is the presence of a rigid cell wall in plants, which surrounds the cell membrane. This[4] structure is primarily composed of cellulose and provides mechanical strength, protection, and a fixed shape to the cell. The cell wall allows plant cells to withstand high internal turgor pressure, which is essential for maintaining the plant's structural integrity. Animal cells lack a cell wall, giving them more flexibility and a variety of shapes but less structural rigidity.
[1]= Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis =[edit]
Plant cells possess organelles called chloroplasts, which are absent in animal cells. Chloroplasts[4][5] contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures light energy from the sun. This energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose through the process of photosynthesis, making plants autotrophs. As heterotrophs,[3] animals must obtain energy by consuming other organisms and therefore do not have chloroplasts.
[3]= Vacuoles =[edit]
A mature plant cell typically contains a large central vacuole, which serves multiple functions. It stores water, nutrients, and waste products and plays a critical role in maintaining turgor pressure against the cell wall. This pressure keeps the cell firm and supports the plant. In contrast, animal cells may have several small vacuoles, but they lack a large central vacuole.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 "thoughtco.com". Retrieved November 09, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "libretexts.org". Retrieved November 09, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "lumenlearning.com". Retrieved November 09, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "khanacademy.org". Retrieved November 09, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "studymind.co.uk". Retrieved November 09, 2025.
