Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Introduction

• Cells are the fundamental unit of life.
• Life activities are carried out by cells.
• Organisms are classified based on the number of cells:
  • Unicellular organisms: Single-celled, earliest life forms.
  • Multicellular organisms: Evolved from unicellular forms, have specialized cells with complex organelles.

Role in Ecosystem

• Plants: Producers.
• Animals: Consumers.
• Cell structures differ due to different roles in the ecosystem.

Shared Characteristics

• Both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic, sharing several common organelles:
  • Nucleus
  • Plasma membrane
  • Cytoplasm
  • Peroxisomes
  • Mitochondria
  • Ribosomes

Major Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

Cell Shape

• Plant Cell: Square or rectangular.
• Animal Cell: Irregular or round.

Cell Wall

• Plant Cell: Present.
• Animal Cell: Absent.

Plasma/Cell Membrane

• Both: Present.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

• Both: Present.

Nucleus

• Plant Cell: Located on one side.
• Animal Cell: Centrally located.

Lysosomes

• Plant Cell: Present but rare.
• Animal Cell: Present.

Golgi Apparatus

• Both: Present.

Cytoplasm

• Both: Present.

Ribosomes

• Both: Present.

Plastids

• Plant Cell: Present.
• Animal Cell: Absent.

Vacuoles

• Plant Cell: Few large or a single, centrally positioned.
• Animal Cell: Small and numerous.

Cilia

• Plant Cell: Absent.
• Animal Cell: Present in most cells.

Mitochondria

• Plant Cell: Fewer.
• Animal Cell: Numerous.

Mode of Nutrition

• Plant Cell: Autotrophic.
• Animal Cell: Heterotrophic.

Conclusion

• Both types of cells have membrane-bound organelles.
• Plant cells can be larger than animal cells.
• Size range:
  • Animal cells: 10-30 micrometres.
  • Plant cells: 10-100 micrometres.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Unique Organs in Plant Cells
   • Cell wall and plastids are only present in plant cells.
2. Shape Differences
   • Plant cells are square/rectangular; animal cells are round/irregular.
3. Size Differences
   • Plant cells are larger due to a large central vacuole.
4. Vacuole Function in Plant Cells
   • Stores waste, maintains pressure, and provides support.
5. Structural Support in Plant Cells
   • Central vacuole and cell wall.
6. Photosynthesis in Plant Cells
   • Carried out by chloroplasts.

Additional Resources

• Further reading on cells and their functions available at BYJUS.

These notes summarize the key differences and similarities between plant and animal cells, focusing on their structure, function, and role in biology.