Outline the major differences between a plant cell and an animal cell.

1. Cell wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection. Animal cells do not have a cell wall.

2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis and contain chlorophyll. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.

3. Vacuoles: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells have smaller vacuoles or none at all.

4. Shape: Plant cells are typically rectangular or square in shape, while animal cells are more irregular in shape.

5. Lysosomes: Animal cells contain lysosomes, which are responsible for breaking down waste materials and cellular debris. Plant cells have fewer lysosomes.

6. Centrioles: Animal cells have centrioles, which are involved in cell division. Plant cells do not have centrioles.

7. Mitochondria: Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria, but they are more numerous in animal cells. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP.

8. Nucleus: Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material. However, plant cells have a large central vacuole that can push the nucleus to the side, while animal cells have a more centrally located nucleus.

Cell Wall

- Plant cells: Present, made of cellulose
- Animal cells: Absent

Chloroplasts

- Plant cells: Present, contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis
- Animal cells: Absent

Central Vacuole

- Plant cells: Large, filled with water and nutrients
- Animal cells: Typically smaller and more numerous

Lysosomes

- Plant cells: Rarely present
- Animal cells: Present, contain digestive enzymes

Glyoxysomes

- Plant cells: Present, involved in lipid metabolism
- Animal cells: Absent

Vacuoles

- Plant cells: Larger and more numerous
- Animal cells: Smaller and less numerous

Shape

- Plant cells: Fixed, rigid shape due to the cell wall
- Animal cells: Flexible, irregular shape

Centrosomes

- Plant cells: Absent
- Animal cells: Present, involved in cell division

Cilia and Flagella

- Plant cells: Typically absent
- Animal cells: Often present for movement

Cell Junctions

- Plant cells: Plasmodesmata (channels that connect adjacent cells)
- Animal cells: Gap junctions, tight junctions, desmosomes

Additional Differences

Storage:
- Plant cells: Starch granules in chloroplasts
- Animal cells: Glycogen in the cytoplasm

Reproduction:
- Plant cells: Sexual (via spores) and asexual (via mitosis)
- Animal cells: Typically sexual (via meiosis)

Cell Division:
- Plant cells: Cell plate forms during cytokinesis
- Animal cells: Cleavage furrow forms during cytokinesis