Difference Between Animal Cell and Plant Cell

In this article we will discuss about difference between animal cell and plant cell

Difference Between Animal Cell and Plant Cell

1. Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall composed of cellulose outside the plasma membrane, providing structural support. Animal cells lack a cell wall.

2. Shape: Animal cells are typically round or irregular in shape, while plant cells have a more fixed rectangular or square shape.

3. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis and contain chlorophyll. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.

4. Vacuoles: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell’s volume. Animal cells may have small vacuoles, but they are not as prominent as those in plant cells.

5. Centrioles: Animal cells have centrioles, which are involved in cell division. Plant cells lack centrioles.

6. Plasmodesmata: Plant cells are interconnected by plasmodesmata, channels that allow for communication and transport of molecules between adjacent cells. Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata.

7. Lysosomes: Animal cells contain numerous lysosomes, which are membrane-bound organelles involved in intracellular digestion. Plant cells have fewer lysosomes or may lack them entirely.

8. Storage of Starch: Plant cells can store starch as a form of energy reserve in plastids called amyloplasts. Animal cells do not store starch.

9. Mitochondrial Shape: Mitochondria in animal cells are typically small and have a more variable shape. In plant cells, mitochondria are larger and often have a more elongated shape.

10. Presence of Gap Junctions: Animal cells can form gap junctions, specialized protein channels that allow for direct cell-to-cell communication. Plant cells do not have gap junctions.

Summary: Difference Between Animal Cell and Plant Cell

• Plant cells have a cell wall, while animal cells lack a cell wall.
• Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, which animal cells lack.
• Plant cells have a large central vacuole, while animal cells have smaller vacuoles.
• Animal cells have centrioles involved in cell division, while plant cells lack centrioles.
• Plant cells are interconnected by plasmodesmata, while animal cells are not.
• Animal cells contain numerous lysosomes, while plant cells have fewer or may lack them.
• Plant cells can store starch, while animal cells do not.
• Mitochondria in animal cells are smaller and more variable in shape, while plant cells have larger and often elongated mitochondria.
• Animal cells can form gap junctions for direct cell-to-cell communication, while plant cells do not have gap junctions.

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Cell Biology Notes