Plant and animal cells have a lot in common. compare and contrast the two cells. select the features that you find in both types of cells

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plant and animal cells have a lot in common. compare and contrast the two cells. select the features that you find in both types of cells.

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Plant and Animal Cells: A Comparison

Both plant and animal cells are the most basic units of life, which carry out the fundamental processes needed to sustain life. Although they share some similarities, they also have some notable structural and functional differences that set them apart. Here is a comparison of the two kinds of cells, highlighting their similarities and differences.

1. Similarities

Plant cells and animal cells share some basic features:

  • Both are eukaryotic cells, which means that they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
  • Both have a plasma membrane, which separates the cell from its environment, controls the movement of materials in and out of the cell, and provides support and protection.
  • Both have ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis.
  • Both have cytoplasm, which is the gel-like fluid that fills the cell and contains the organelles.
  • Both use mitochondria to generate energy for the cell.
  • Both have a cytoskeleton that provides structural support and helps the cell maintain its shape.

2. Differences

There are also some significant differences between plant and animal cells:

  • Plant cells have a cell wall made up of cellulose, which is outside the plasma membrane. A cell wall provides additional structural support and protection to the cell, and it also helps prevent excessive water uptake that may cause the cell to burst. Animal cells do not have a cell wall.
  • Plant cells have chloroplasts, which are organelles that carry out photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts because they do not carry out photosynthesis.
  • Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, ions, nutrients, and waste products. The vacuole also helps maintain the shape and rigidity of the cell. Animal cells have small, sometimes multiple vacuoles but they do not have a large central vacuole.
  • Plant cells have plasmodesmata, which are channels that connect adjacent cells and allow the movement of water, small solutes, proteins and RNA. Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata.
  • Lastly, plant and animal cells have different shapes. While animal cells are generally round or irregular in shape, plant cells are more rectangular or square in shape.

In summary, there are many similarities between plant and animal cells, including their basic structures and organelles. However, they have some notable differences, including the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, plasmodesmata, and different shapes. These differences are adaptations that allow each type of cell to carry out specific functions within the organisms they make up.