Difference between Animal and Plant Cells: Animal and plant cells are the two main types of eukaryotic cells found in living organisms.
Both types of cells have several similarities, but they also have some key differences that distinguish them from each other.
Difference Between Animal and Plant Cells
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between animal and plant cells.
Structure (Difference Between Animal and Plant Cells)
One of the most noticeable differences between animal and plant cells is their structure.
Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that gives the cell its shape and provides support to the plant. In contrast, animal cells do not have a cell wall and are more flexible in their shape.
Plant cells also have chloroplasts, which are organelles responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
Size and Shape (Difference Between Animal and Plant cells)
Animal cells are typically smaller in size than plant cells and have a more irregular shape. Plant cells, on the other hand, are often larger and have a more defined, rectangular shape. This is due to the presence of the cell wall, which provides structure to the cell.
Vacuoles
Another key difference between animal and plant cells is the presence of vacuoles. Vacuoles are large, fluid-filled organelles that play a variety of roles in cells, including storage and waste disposal. Plant cells have a single, large vacuole that takes up most of the cell’s volume. In contrast, animal cells have smaller, multiple vacuoles that are distributed throughout the cell.
Chlorophyll
As mentioned earlier, plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy. This is what makes plants green and allows them to produce their own food. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts or chlorophyll, which means they cannot produce their own food and must obtain energy from other sources.
Conclusion
Animal and plant cells are similar in many ways, but their differences are important to note. The presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, and chlorophyll in plant cells sets them apart from animal cells.
Understanding these differences is important for understanding how different types of cells function and for appreciating the unique adaptations of different species.