Cells are the basic units of life, and they come in two primary types: Animal and plant cell. While they share many similarities as eukaryotic cells, there are significant differences that reflect their unique functions. Here, we explore the key distinctions between these two cell types.
Animal cells are those found in animals and plant cells are those found in plants and algae.
. They also have a plasma membrane, membranous organelles such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, cytoplasm and cytoskeleton.
The main difference between animal and plant cells is the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts</strong> in the plant cell.
| Animal cell | Plant cell | |
|---|---|---|
| Cell wall | Absent. | Present. |
| Nutrition | Heterotrophic. | Autotrophic. |
| Vacuoles | Small: they have one or more. | A large central vacuole. |
| Centrioles | Presents. | Absent. |
| Chloroplasts | Missing. | Presents. |
| Plasma membrane | Present. Contains cholesterol. | Present. Does not contain cholesterol. |
| Energy storage | Glycogen. | Starch. |
| Plasmodesmata | Absent. | Present. |
| Glyoxysomes | Absent. | Present. |
What is an animal cell?
The animal cell is a eukaryotic cell characterized by the presence of a nucleus, plasma membrane and cytoplasm. It differs from the plant cell by the absence of a cell wall and chloroplasts. In addition, smaller and more abundant vacuoles can be found compared to those of a plant cell.
Animal cells can take on a variety of shapes . They are also capable of capturing and digesting other structures.
Some of the most notable animal cells are the neurons of the nervous system, the leukocytes of the immune system, and the eggs and sperm of the reproductive system.
Characteristics of the animal cell
Nutrition
The nutrition of animal cells is heterotrophic , which means that they need to obtain nutrients and energy from the organic material of other living beings.
Energy
Mitochondria are responsible for generating energy in animal cells through the process of cellular respiration. In this process , ATP is produced from glucose.
Mitochondria are equivalent to chloroplasts present in plant cells, since both are responsible for producing energy.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles resemble water sacs. In animal cells they are usually very numerous and small . Their function is to store water, ions and intracellular waste.
- Animal Cells: Animal cells may have small vacuoles, but they are usually much smaller than those in plant cells. These vacuoles are often involved in storage and transport.
Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis is the division of the cytoplasm during cell division (mitosis or meiosis). In animal cells, it occurs through a ring of actin filaments, which squeezes the plasma membrane in half, separating two new cells.
Lysosomes and centrosomes
Animal cells possess lysosomes, membranous organelles responsible for intracellular digestion. Animal Cells: Animal cells contain lysosomes, which are involved in digestion and waste removal. They also have centrioles that play a key role in cell division.
What is a plant cell?
Plant cells typically have a large central vacuole that can take up to 90% of the cell’s volume. This vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products, playing a crucial role in maintaining cell turgor.
Like the animal cell, it has a differentiated nucleus, membrane and cytoplasm.
However, the plant cell contains unique parts that are responsible for the process of photosynthesis , which is essential because it allows plants to release the oxygen that living beings need to exist.
Characteristics of the plant cell
Nutrition
The nutrition of plant cells is autotrophic , so they are able to synthesize all the nutrients they need from inorganic material. That is, they are independent of other living beings to obtain their nutrients.
Energy
Plant Cells: Plant cells generally lack lysosomes and centrioles.. This is possible with the help of chlorophyll, a substance present inside chloroplasts that absorbs sunlight.
These chloroplasts are located next to the membrane and measure approximately five micrometers.
Cell wall
The most striking feature of plant cells is a cell wall that surrounds the plasma membrane. This wall is composed primarily of cellulose and can measure between 0.1 and 10 microns.
The cell wall provides protection, stability and rigidity to the plant cell.
Vacuoles
Plant cells have a single large vacuole that can cover up to 90% of the cell.
Its function is to store water and maintain cell turgor. When the vacuole is empty, the plant withers and loses rigidity.
Cytokinesis
In plant cells, after the division of the nucleus, an accumulation of vesicles from the Golgi apparatus occurs. These vesicles fuse and give rise to a new cell wall between the two cells.
Plasmodesmata and glyoxysomes
Plasmodesmata are found in plant cells, which are pores in the cell wall that allow the passage of molecules between plant cells.
Glyoxysomes are organelles found only in plant cells. These structures store and degrade lipids, mainly in germinating seeds.
Conclusion: Animal and plant cell
In summary, while both animal and plant cells share fundamental eukaryotic features, they differ in structure and function. Understanding these differences is essential for grasping how organisms adapt to their environments and fulfill their biological roles. Whether it’s the flexibility of animal cells or the rigidity of plant cells, each type has evolved to meet the specific needs of the organism it comprises.
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