Overview
This presentation compares animal and plant cell structures, highlighting their similarities and unique features, as well as the function of different cell parts.
Animal Cell Structure
- Animal cells have a flexible plasma membrane without a cell wall.
- Key structures include the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus.
- Lysosomes help break down waste in animal cells.
- Animal cells store energy mostly as glycogen.
Plant Cell Structure
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose outside the plasma membrane.
- Chloroplasts in plant cells enable photosynthesis.
- Plant cells contain a large central vacuole for water storage and support.
- Plant cells mainly store energy as starch.
Similarities Between Animal and Plant Cells
- Both have a nucleus that contains genetic material (DNA).
- Cytoplasm surrounds organelles in both cell types.
- Both have mitochondria to produce energy.
- The plasma membrane controls entry and exit of substances.
- Ribosomes are present in both, producing proteins.
Differences Between Animal and Plant Cells
- Animal cells lack a cell wall and chloroplasts; plant cells have both.
- Plant cells have one large central vacuole; animal cells have small or no vacuoles.
- Only animal cells have lysosomes in abundance.
- Plant cells can perform photosynthesis, animal cells cannot.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Plasma membrane — outer flexible boundary that controls what enters and leaves the cell.
- Cell wall — rigid layer in plant cells for protection and structural support.
- Nucleus — organelle containing cell’s genetic material.
- Mitochondria — “powerhouse” of the cell, generating energy.
- Chloroplast — organelle in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.
- Vacuole — storage organelle, large and central in plant cells.
- Lysosome — organelle that digests waste, common in animal cells.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study diagrams of animal and plant cells, labeling key organelles.
- Prepare for quiz on organelle functions and differences between plant and animal cells.