Introduction
Cells are the “building blocks of life”. The term “cell” is derived from the Latin word ‘Cellula’ which means ‘small compartments or rooms.’ Every living organism consists of cells that collectively make up tissues in the body. Plant cells and Animal cells are composed of several other organelles and cellular processes and that is why they are called eukaryotic cells. The basic difference between plant cells and animal cells is that plant cells are relatively larger than animal cells in size. Animal cells are usually irregular in shape and they do not have corners but are rounded.
The Basic difference between Plant cells and Animal Cells |
||
| Comparison Index | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
| Cell Wall | The plant cell contains a cell wall. | The animal cell does not contain a cell wall. |
| Size | The plant cell measures roughly up to 10-30 µm | The animal cell measures roughly up to 10 to 100 µm |
| Vacuole | The plant cells contain one large vacuole | The animal cells contain several small vacuoles. |
| Shape | The plant cells are box-like and usually are rectangular in shape. | These are irregular and round in shape |
| Chloroplast | Chloroplast is where photosynthesis takes place in plants. | The animal cells do not contain chloroplast. |
Cell Wall
The cell is also called the plasma membrane. This membrane is known to be ‘selectively permeable,’ meaning, it allows only the inflow and outflow of certain particles. The main function of this layer is to envelop the cell organelles from the surroundings. Plant cells and prokaryotic cells are surrounded by a cell wall, however, the cell wall is absent in animal cells. The cell membrane is made up of two layers of phospholipids that are amphiphilic (meaning they are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic). The cell wall contains a macromolecular structure that is called the porosome.
Cell Skeleton or Cytoskeleton
The Cell skeleton, also known as the Cytoskeleton is a filamentous, complex and dynamic structure that originates from the nucleus to the plasma membrane. This occupies the majority of the cytoplasm in plant cells and animal cells. This structure is made up of protein. The main function of the cytoskeleton is to provide the cell with its shape and stabilisation of the entire tissue by extra-cellular connectivity. It works as a network through which the cell organelles communicate and the movement of organelles throughout the cell. The cytoskeleton creates cell structures like the porosomes, flagella, lamellipodia and cilia.
Genetic material: DNA and RNA
The plant cells and animal cells contain the genetic materials called Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). The main function of DNA is to store biological information. This information is encoded in a DNA sequence. The main function of the RNA is to transfer this biological information. Transfer of RNA molecules is used to add amino acids to the process of protein translation. In the plant and animal cells,this genetic material is contained in the nucleus of the cell. The nuclear genome in humans is segregated into 46 linear DNA particles called chromosomes.
Cell Organelles
Just as the organs of a human body have specific functions, the organelles inside a cell also have specialised functions that are carried out to help the cell function optimally. There are many types of organelles inside a cell.
| Similar Cell Organelles in Plants and Animals | ||
| Comparative
Index |
Plant Cells | Animal Cells |
| 1. Nucleus | The nucleus is present in the plant cells and it is like the central command unit of the cell. | The nucleus in the animal cell is similar to that in the plant cell. |
| 2. Mitochondria and Chloroplasts | The chloroplasts are the organelles that conduct the process of photosynthesis. | The mitochondria are generating energy inside the cell. The process of respiration is carried out by this organ. |
| 3. Endoplasmic Reticulum | The endoplasmic reticulum in the plants is present and is not different from that of animal cells | The endoplasmic reticulum works as a network that transports molecules. They are of two types
● Rough ER ● Smooth ER |
| 4. Golgi Apparatus | The processing and packaging of lipids and proteins in the cell is done by this organelle | The same function is performed in the animal cell also. |
| 5. Lysosomes and Peroxisomes | The lysosomes are enzymes that carry out digestion in the cell. The worn-out cell particles are digested by the lysosomes. The peroxisomes help get rid of toxic peroxides. | The animal cell also has lysosomes and peroxisomes. |
| 6. Centrosome | The centrosomes are not present in the plant cells. | Unicellular centrosomes are present in the animal cells. |
| 7. Vacuoles | Vacuoles in plants help store water and eject waste products. | The vacuoles in animal cells are smaller than the ones present in plants and fungi. |
The plant and animal cells have many functions that they carry out. However, the main functions of reproduction of cells, repair of DNA, general growth and metabolism is done by plant and animal cells. The three main parts of the plant and animal cells are the cell membrane, Cytoskeleton and the DNA and RNA material that perform the main functions in the cell.
Conclusion
The cell is the fundamental functional unit of all living beings. They are the sites where most metabolic activities originate. This is why they have a complex structure that is the subject of study in biology. Given their important status in the makeup of the organic world it makes sense to study them and these studies have revealed a lot of things about how the body functions. This has lead to advancement in a lot of the medical sciences as well as other parts of biology.