There are several key differences between animal cells and plant cells:
1. Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection for the cell. Animal cells do not have a cell wall.
2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that carry out photosynthesis and produce energy for the cell. 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. Organelles: Both animal and plant cells have many of the same organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. However, plant cells also have unique organelles like chloroplasts and a large central vacuole.
Overall, while animal and plant cells share many similarities, there are also several key differences that reflect their different functions and structures.
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Google Gemini AI
more than 2 weeks ago
Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells
| Feature | Animal Cells | Plant Cells | |---|---|---| | Cell Shape | Irregular, no rigid cell wall | Fixed, rigid cell wall made of cellulose | | Cell Division | Cytokinesis by pinching | Cytokinesis by cell plate formation | | Centrioles | Present | Absent | | Vacuoles | Small, numerous | Large, central vacuole | | Chloroplasts | Absent | Present | | Cell Surface | Plasma membrane | Cell wall (primary and secondary) | | Cytoplasm | Fills the cell | Trapped in the cell wall, creating a central vacuole | | Nucleus | Single, not membrane-bound | Single, surrounded by a nuclear membrane | | Ribosomes | Free and attached to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) | Free and attached to the ER and chloroplasts | | Mitochondria | Present | Present | | Endoplasmic Reticulum | Rough and smooth | Rough, smooth, and endoplasmic reticulum | | Golgi Apparatus | Present | Present | | Lysosomes | Present | Absent | | Peroxisome | Present | Absent | | Glyoxysome | Absent | Present | | Storage | Food stored in small vacuoles | Food stored in large, central vacuole | | Mobility | Motile (some) | Immobile | | Heterotrophs | Obtain energy from eating other organisms | Autotrophs | | Examples | Humans, lions, dogs | Trees, flowers, algae |