Animal Cells vs. Plant Cells – The Difference Between

Every individual knows that cells are the basic unit of life whether it comprises flora or fauna. Though…

Every individual knows that cells are the basic unit of life whether it comprises flora or fauna. Though there are many dissimilarities when it comes to the parts and purposes, animal and plant cells do have the same roots and it shows with a few of their characteristics. The fist is that both have nucleus which is why they are called eukaryotes. This along with the fact that animal and plant cells serve as the basic building block of hierarchy of organisms makes the processes within the cells a lot more intricate than those of single-celled organisms such as bacteria to be able to sustain life. However, almost all types of cells are too minute to be detected without the use of a microscope at all. As far as affinities are concerned, these are the major ones. You will now find out what really distinguishes plant and animals cells.

Composition–Which Contains What?

It was mentioned earlier that both types of cells have a nucleus. To be more specific, they have true nucleuses which have a nuclear envelopes. In addition to that, ribosomes are abundant in both cells which are the source of protein for animals and plants and a relevant structure to this is Endoplasmic Reticulum. However, their true source of energy or technically termed as Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) are mitochondria. This is why it is also called “The Powerhouse” Both also have Golgi apparatus present intracellular along with other cytoplasmic bodies. Finally, one of the outermost feature common in both cells is cell membrane that decides which substances to enter or exit.

The Trifecta Of Animal And Plant Cells

Though you might think that animal and plant cells already have a lot going on there, both have three unique features that set them apart. The first is cilia that surround animal cells. There are some instances that plant cells have cilia scattered but it is a general structure for animal cells. Another aspect is that of vacuoles. Though it can occur in both, there are huge differences with each. Animal cells will rarely exhibit these features but once they do, it will be in the form of numerous and miniscule vacuoles whereas it is frequently seen within plant cells and as significantly voluminous bodies. As for the covering, plant cells require more protection due to harsher conditions and immobility. That is why they have both cell walls and cell membranes while animal cells only have cell membranes. That is not the only difference in this part as chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for photosynthetic activity, are present only in plant cells. There you have it; the major differences between these two types of cells. There are other distinctions such as centrioles, lysosomes and Golgi apparatus but are not as significant as these three organelles.

The Variations Of Plant And Animal Cells

Because cells can further differentiate from the two major classifications in topic, the branch for types of plant cells further divides into three. These are called parenchyma, collenchymas or sclerenchyma cells and the variations are according to their unique operations. The first kind of plant cell aims mainly on photosynthetic production of “food” that it will then store. The second cell will then take its part as a means of protection after it is fully developed. As the final type of cell is created, plants are then reinforced which allows them to withstand strong gush of wind. Discussing animal cells variations could take a whole book as there are discoveries for up to 210 and more from recent research.

How They Are The Same And How They Are Different

  • As humans regularly experience, our cells or animal cells have a tendency to divide out of control causing neoplasm or tumors. Scientists have yet to discover this phenomenon within plants
  • Unlike animal cells, plant cells have an edge as it is able to produce its own food and energy through photosynthesis causing sunlight and carbon dioxide to turn into ATP.

Animal and plant cells are not really being put on a furious battle here. In fact, these are probably the differences that matter greatly in order for balance in nature to prevail.

 

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