Describe how animal and plant cells are different.
check out the cell wall/membrane for starters, then the chloroplasts.
Animal and plant cells have several differences, mainly in their structure and function. Here's an explanation of the key differences:
1. Cell Wall: Animal cells do not have a cell wall, whereas plant cells have a rigid cell wall composed of cellulose. The cell wall provides strength and support to the plant cell.
2. Shape: Animal cells are generally round or irregular in shape, while plant cells have a more fixed rectangular or square shape.
3. Vacuoles: Animal cells may have small and temporary vacuoles, but plant cells have a prominent and larger central vacuole. The central vacuole helps store water, nutrients, and waste products, and plays a role in maintaining cell shape and turgidity.
4. Chloroplasts: Animal cells lack chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that captures sunlight energy used to produce carbohydrates.
5. Lysosomes: While animal cells have lysosomes (organelles containing digestive enzymes), plant cells have fewer or no lysosomes.
6. Centrioles: Animal cells contain centrioles, which are involved in cell division, while plant cells lack centrioles.
7. Plasmodesmata: Plant cells have tiny channels called plasmodesmata that connect neighboring cells, allowing for communication and transport of nutrients. Animal cells do not have these channels.
To derive this information, one can study cell biology textbooks or search for reliable online sources that provide detailed diagrams and descriptions of animal and plant cell structures. Comparing the structures and functions of various cell organelles will help in understanding the key differences between animal and plant cells.