Animal Cell vs Plant Cell Diagram - FREE Printable Worksheets

Plants and animals cells have many similarities such as a cellular membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus and organelles. However, there are also some major differences. Plant cells contain structures called chloroplasts which are used for photosynthesis, while animal cells do not. Also, plant cells have rigid cell walls that provide support and structure, whereas animal cells typically do not. Additionally, plant cells usually have central vacuoles that regulate the cell’s volume by storing water and other substances; animal cells usually don’t have them.

Plant cells and animal cells are the two main types of cells found in living organisms. Both plant cells and animal cells have many similarities, but they also have some significant differences. One of the best ways to understand these differences is by looking at a plant cell and animal cell diagram side by side. In this article, we will discuss the differences between plant cells and animal cells and examine the diagrams of both cells.

The plant cell diagram and animal cell diagram have a lot in common. Both cells have a cell membrane that surrounds the cell and separates it from its environment. They also have a nucleus, which is the control center of the cell that contains genetic material. Additionally, both cells have organelles that perform specific functions, such as mitochondria, which produce energy for the cell, and ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis.

However, there are some significant differences between plant cells and animal cells. One of the most significant differences is the presence of a cell wall in plant cells. The cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane and provides additional support and protection. Animal cells do not have a cell wall. Instead, they have a cytoskeleton, which is a network of protein fibers that provide support and shape to the cell.

Another major difference between plant cells and animal cells is the presence of chloroplasts in plant cells. Chloroplasts are organelles that are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts, as they do not perform photosynthesis.

One other difference between plant cells and animal cells is the shape of the cells. Plant cells tend to be rectangular or box-like in shape, while animal cells are more irregular in shape. This is due to the presence of the cell wall in plant cells, which provides additional structure and support.

In conclusion, the plant cell and animal cell diagrams show the similarities and differences between these two types of cells. Both cells have a lot in common, such as a cell membrane, a nucleus, and organelles. However, there are some significant differences, such as the presence of a cell wall in plant cells and chloroplasts that are responsible for photosynthesis. Understanding the differences between these two types of cells is crucial to understanding the complexity of living organisms.

Questions on plant cells and animals cells

1. What is the main difference between a plant cell and an animal cell?

Plant cells have cell walls made of cellulose, while animal cells do not. Additionally, plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, while animal cells do not.

2. What is the function of the cell wall in a plant cell?

The cell wall provides support and protection for the cell, and also helps to maintain the cell's shape.

3. What is the function of the mitochondria in an animal cell?

The mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP through cellular respiration.

4. How do plant cells obtain energy?

Plant cells obtain energy through photosynthesis, where they use energy from sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

5. What is the function of the ribosomes in both plant and animal cells?

Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, translating the genetic information from the cell's DNA into proteins.

6. What is the function of the vacuole in a plant cell?

The vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products, and helps to maintain the cell's turgor pressure.

7. What is the function of the lysosomes in an animal cell?

The lysosomes contain digestive enzymes that break down and recycle cellular waste materials.

8. What is the function of the golgi apparatus in both plant and animal cells?

The golgi apparatus is responsible for processing, packaging, and distributing proteins and lipids throughout the cell and to the cell membrane.

9. What is the function of the chloroplasts in a plant cell?

The chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, where they convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose and oxygen.

10. What is the function of the cytoskeleton in both plant and animal cells?

The cytoskeleton provides structural support for the cell and helps to maintain its shape, as well as aiding in cell division and movement.

FAQs

1. What is a plant cell? A plant cell is the basic unit of life in a plant, which contains a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, cell wall, and organelles such as chloroplasts, mitochondria, and vacuoles. The cell wall and chloroplasts are unique features of plant cells.

   
   

2. What is an animal cell? An animal cell is the basic unit of life in an animal, which contains a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, and organelles such as mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, and centrosomes. Animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts.

   
   

3. What is the main difference between plant cells and animal cells? The main difference between plant cells and animal cells is that plant cells have a cell wall and chloroplasts, while animal cells do not. The cell wall provides rigidity to the cell and protects it, while chloroplasts help in photosynthesis.

   
   

4. What are some of the organelles found in plant cells? Some of the organelles found in plant cells include chloroplasts, mitochondria, vacuoles, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and ribosomes.

   
   

5. What are some of the organelles found in animal cells? Some of the organelles found in animal cells include mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and centrosomes.

   
   

6. What is the function of chloroplasts in plant cells? Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis in plant cells. They contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

   
   

7. What is the function of mitochondria in plant and animal cells? Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for cellular respiration in both plant and animal cells. They convert glucose into ATP, the main source of energy for the cell.

   
   

8. What is the function of lysosomes in animal cells? Lysosomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down and digesting cellular waste and foreign materials in animal cells.

   
   

9. What is the function of vacuoles in plant cells? Vacuoles are the organelles responsible for storing water, nutrients, and waste products in plant cells. They also help maintain turgor pressure in the cell, which is important for maintaining the rigidity of the cell.

   
   

10. How do plant and animal cells differ in terms of their shape and size? Plant cells tend to be more uniform in shape and are generally larger than animal cells. Animal cells tend to have irregular shapes and are smaller than plant cells.