Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Introduction

Cell:

The cell is the structural and fundamental unit of life. The cells are composed of many or one cells that perform their individual functions. Some of the cell organelles are present in both the plant and animal cell which help them to do the basic cellular activities. But few organelles are unique to the plant cell as well as the animal cell.

The plant and animal cell structures are very much similar because of the presence of eukaryotic cells in both. Each eukaryotic cell consists of a plasma membrane, the nucleus, cytoplasm, ribosome, mitochondria in general.

Plant Cell:

Plant cells are a type of eukaryotic cell found in the organism within the plant kingdom. The eukaryotic cell does not contain the nucleus. The plant cell differs from other eukaryotic cells as the organelles present are different. Organelles are the major parts of the cell.

The major difference in the plant cell is that the plant cell contains the rigid cell wall around its cell wall. Other organisms contain the cell wall around their cells, but the plant cell contains the proteins and cellulose. The cell wall provides the cell with the protection and gives the plant its shape and structure.

The plant cell contains the chlorophyll also. The chlorophyll gives the plants their green colour and allows them to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process the plants use to make their own food by using carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.

The plant cells contain large central vacuoles. Vacuoles are larger structures in plant cells as in some other eukaryotes.

Functions of Plant Cell:

Plant cells are the basic building block of plant life, and they carry out all the functions necessary for survival. Photosynthesis is the process of making food from light energy, carbon dioxide, and water. It occurs in the chloroplasts of the cell.

The cells of a matured plant become specialized to perform certain vital functions that are essential for survival. Following are some of the specialized plant cells:

1. Collenchyma Cells:

They are elongated, have thick cell walls, and can change shape and grow as a plant grows.

2. Sclerenchyma Cells:

The cells of sclerenchyma cells are more rigid. They are the main supporting cells in the areas of a plant that have ceased growing. These cells are dead and have very thick cell walls.

3. Parenchyma Cells:

Most of the cells in plants are Parenchyma They are found in leaves and carry out photosynthesis and cellular respiration, along with the metabolic process. They also store substances like starch and proteins and have a role in plant repair.

4. Xylem Cells:

It transports mostly water and a few nutrients throughout the plant, from roots to the stem and leaves.

5.  Phloem Cells:

It transports nutrients made during photosynthesis to all parts of a plant. They also transport sap, which is a watery solution high in sugars.

Animal Cell:

Animal cell is a typical eukaryotic cell with a membrane bound nucleus with the presence of DNA inside the nucleus. Unlike the eukaryotic cells of plants and, animal cells do not have a cell wall. They comprise of other organelles and cellular structures which carry out specific functions necessary for the cell to function properly.

The main difference between the animal and plant cell is that the animal cell is not able to make their own food. There are trillions of cells in the animal body and each one is different depending on the function and type.

Most animal cells have at least three main parts: nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm.

The nucleus of the cell gives direction to the cell. It directs all the activity to the cell. The nucleus can make their cell organelles as needed. The Nucleus is the brain of the cell. The nucleus of the animal cell is bound by membrane.

The cell membrane protects animal cells. They keep the harmful objects out of the cell and allow only helpful objects to enter. It is the guard of the cell.

Cytoplasm fills most of the animal cell. It helps to give the cell shape and keep the organelles in the correct place. When organelles need to transport materials around the cell, this cytoplasm allows the process to occur smoothly. It also helps to break down the cell waste.

Functions of an Animal Cell:

The cells are highly specialized to carry out the specific tasks. All the cells function together in coordination with each other and help the organism to sustain.

Multiple cells will form the tissues into a group of cells which will help in carrying out the various functions. The group of similar tissues will form the various organs of the body like heart, lungs, etc. and these organs work together to form the organ system like the nervous system, digestive system, circulatory system etc. Depending upon the organism the organ system will vary accordingly.

Some Common Types of Animal Cells:

1. Skin Cells:

These cells are found in the dermal and epidermal layer, it works in the protection of internal parts, prevents the excess loss of water through dehydration, perception and in the transmission of sensation.

2. Bone Cells:

Bone cells are responsible for making skeleton and bones of animals. The primary function of the cell is to provide structural support and helps in the movement of the body.

3. Muscle Cells:

It functions for the movement of the body. It also helps in the protection of the delicate organs of the body.

4. Blood Cells:

These cells work as the transporter in the body which carry hormones and nutrients. Mainly the blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body and helps in taking back the carbon dioxide. It is also known as hematopoietic cells.

5. Nerve Cells:

These are specialized cells, regulated to send impulses or information. These are the signals or messages help the body to connect and perform the function in a manner according to the environment. These signals are sent from the central nervous system and the sensory receptors.

Difference between the Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Both the plant and animal cell contain the membrane-bound organelles like the endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, Lysosomes etc. Likewise, the plant and animal also have similar membranes such as cytosol, and cytoskeletal elements. The functions of these organelles are extremely similar between the two subjects of cells.

The major difference between the structure of plant and animal cells are tabulated below:

Size:

Shape:

Energy:

Cell Wall:

Plasma Membrane:

Nucleus:

Endoplasmic Reticulum:

Lysosomes:

Centrosomes:

Golgi Apparatus:

Cytoplasm:

Ribosome:

Plastids:

Essential Nutrients:

Vacuoles:

Cilia:

Mitochondria:

Growth:

Chloroplast:

Plant cell and animal cell share many similarities because they both are eukaryotic cells. The similarities between the animal cell and plant cell have maintained themselves throughout the process of evolution and history. Because the circumstances each cell type faced were similar and needed similar tools.

Plant cells have certain distinguishing features, including chloroplasts, cell walls, and vacuoles. Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, cell wall allows plants to have strong, upright structures, and vacuoles help regulate how cells handle water and storage of other molecules.

Animal cell and plant cell differ significantly. The structure of a plant and animal cell depends on how it maintains its constant internal environment. Plants and animals evolved different ways of obtaining energy and therefore their cells also differ.

All eukaryotic cells whether it is a plant cell or animal cell contain the nucleus and few organelles in common along with the similarities in their function except the few. The reason for the difference is that the plants are said to be autotrophs and animals are said as heterotrophs.