Animal and plant cells are both essential to the survival of millions of species, and without them, life would not exist.Even though they have some similarities, they also have quite a few differences, and even the smallest difference can drastically affect their ability to do their jobs.How are they alike and what makes them different?
Well, they are different sizes, shapes, and can store different types of energy.Nuclei are present in both, however one of the nuclei is located centrally in the other.Cell membranes are common to both of them, but the latter does not have a cell wall.
Comparing Animal Cells vs Plant Cells
.As a result, they are considered the basic building blocks of all living things on earth, both plants and animals.Despite the fact that most cells are so small that they can only be seen under a microscope, there are some differences between them.
To learn more about some of the main differences, take a look at the chart below.
| Animal Cells | Plant Cells | |
| Size | 10 – 30 micrometers | 10 – 100 micrometers |
| Shape | Irregular shape | Fixed, rigid shape – often rectangular |
| Cell Wall | No | Yes |
| Chloroplasts | No | Yes |
| Nucleus location | Central | Off center, towards one side |
| Vacuole | Many small vacuoles | Large central vacuole |
| Stored energy | Glycogen | Starch |
| Plasmodesma | No | Yes |
| Lysosomes | Yes | Rarely |
| Centrioles | Yes | Rarely |
The 10 Key Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells
Plant vs Animal Cells: Lysosomes
These organelles are found inside the cell membrane and are membrane-bound.Proteins, acids, large molecules, and unwanted materials are broken down by their action.They are mostly found in animal cells, but not often in plant cells.Cell walls are tough enough on plants to keep out any unwanted substances that a lysosome would usually destroy.
Plant vs Animal Cells: Centriole
Centroids are cylindrical organelles found in the cytoplasm of animal cells.The microtubules form a circle in the nucleus.The role of microtubles is to arrange themselves during cell division.Animal cells contain centrioles, but plant cells do not usually have them.Still, plants do have microtubules.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which parts of cells are the same in plants and animals?
In both plants and animals, there is a cell membrane, nucleus, cytoplasm, and mitochondria.
Is every cell in a plant the same?
A plant's cells can differ by their location, function, and type, as well as their species.
Cells of both plant and animal origin are eukaryotic. What does that mean?
Animal and plant cells are both eukaryotic.The eukaryotic cell contains a nucleus and other organelles bound to the membrane.
Cells can they heal themselves?
Both animal and plant cells can repair themselves.
How do cells produce food for themselves?
Animal cells are not able to produce their own food. .Neither plant nor animal cells contain chloroplasts, so animals cannot make their own food. Instead, they must get it from other sources.It is for this reason that plants are considered producers and animals as consumers.
Can you describe the different types of animal cells?