what structures do plant cells contain that animal cells do not?
plant cells are surrounded by a cell wall made of cellulose, which is not living. Animal cells do not have cell walls.
Plant cells contain several structures that are not found in animal cells. Some of these structures include:
1. Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that surrounds the cell membrane. This gives the cell support and protection, and it maintains the shape of the plant cell. Animal cells do not have a cell wall.
2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that helps in capturing sunlight and converting it into energy. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts.
3. Large Central Vacuole: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that occupies a significant part of the cell's interior. This vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products, and also helps maintain the cell's turgidity (rigidity). Animal cells may have small vacuoles, but they are not as prominent or large as the central vacuole in plant cells.
4. Plasmodesmata: Plant cells are connected through intercellular connections called plasmodesmata. These channels allow direct communication and transport of substances between neighboring plant cells. In contrast, animal cells do not have such direct channels of communication.
To find this information, one can refer to biology textbooks, educational websites, or scientific resources. These sources provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of plant and animal cell structures, highlighting the differences between them. Additionally, online video tutorials or animated illustrations can be helpful in visualizing these structures.