Plant Cell
A plant cell is a type of eukaryotic cell found in plants and some algae. It possesses a cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support. Plant cells contain membrane-bound organelles, including a nucleus, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a large central vacuole for storage and turgor pressure, and other organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. They are responsible for plant growth, development, and photosynthesis.
Animal Cell
An animal cell is a fundamental unit of structure and function in animals. It lacks a cell wall but is enclosed by a cell membrane. It contains various organelles, including a nucleus, mitochondria for energy production, endoplasmic reticulum for protein synthesis, Golgi apparatus for processing and packaging proteins, and lysosomes for digestion. Animal cells come in diverse shapes and sizes and perform specialized functions within different tissues and organs.
Plant cell Vs Animal Cell
| Characteristic | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Wall | Present, made of cellulose | Absent |
| Cell Membrane | Present | Present |
| Nucleus | Present | Present |
| Chloroplasts | Present (site of photosynthesis) | Absent (no photosynthesis) |
| Vacuoles | Large central vacuole present | Small, numerous vacuoles |
| Centrioles | Absent | Present (in most animal cells) |
| Lysosomes | Less common | More common |
| Mitochondria | Present | Present |
| Endoplasmic Reticulum | Present | Present |
| Golgi Apparatus | Present | Present |
| Cilia and Flagella | Rarely found | May be present in some cells |
| Shape and Size | Rectangular or angular shape, rigid cell wall | Round or irregular shape, flexible cell membrane |
| Examples | Leaf cells, root cells, and stem cells in plants | Nerve cells, muscle cells, and blood cells in animals |