How can you identify the difference between an plant and animal cell. What structures (you should have at least 2) should you look for in each in order to tell the difference?
http://www.diffen.com/difference/Animal_Cell_vs_Plant_Cell
Thank DrBob22! Really Helpful!
To identify the difference between a plant and animal cell, there are several structures you can look for in each. Here are two key structures to consider:
Plant Cell:
1. Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose outside the cell membrane. This structure provides support and protection for the cell.
2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. These structures contain chlorophyll and enable plants to convert sunlight into energy.
Animal Cell:
1. Centrioles: Animal cells have centrioles, which are structures involved in cell division. They play a role in organizing the spindle fibers during mitosis.
2. Lysosomes: Animal cells contain lysosomes, which are small sacs filled with digestive enzymes. They aid in the breakdown of waste materials and cellular debris.
By observing these structures, you can distinguish between plant and animal cells.
To identify the difference between a plant and animal cell, there are several structures you can look for in each. Here are two key structures to observe:
1. Cell Wall: One distinguishing feature of a plant cell is the presence of a rigid cell wall. The cell wall acts as a protective barrier surrounding the cell membrane. It provides structural support and gives the cell its shape. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not possess a cell wall. They have a flexible cell membrane, which allows for easier movement and shape change.
2. Chloroplasts: Another key feature of plant cells is the presence of chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gives plants their green color. Animals cells lack chloroplasts since they don't undergo photosynthesis.
By observing the presence or absence of these structures, you can easily differentiate between plant and animal cells. However, it's important to note that there are other differences as well, such as the presence of a large central vacuole in plant cells and multiple smaller vacuoles in animal cells. Additionally, animal cells may contain lysosomes (organelles involved in the digestion of waste materials) while plant cells generally do not. These additional structures further contribute to the distinction between the two cell types.