Plant Cell Definition

“Plant cells are eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus along with specialized structures called
organelles that carry out certain specific functions.”

What is a Plant Cell?

Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic
organisms. Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus along with similar organelles. One of
the distinctive aspects of a plant cell is the presence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane.

Plant Cell Diagram

The plant cell is rectangular and comparatively larger than the animal cell. Even though plant and
animal cells are eukaryotic and share a few cell organelles, plant cells are quite distinct when
compared to animal cells as they perform different functions. Some of these differences can be
clearly understood when the cells are examined under an electron microscope.

Plant Cell Structure

Just like different organs within the body, plant cell structure includes various components
known as cell organelles that perform different functions to sustain itself. These organelles
include:

Cell Wall

It is a rigid layer which is composed of polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose. It is

located outside the cell membrane. It also comprises glycoproteins and polymers such as lignin,
cutin, or suberin.

The primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The
plant cell wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and providing form
and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of it.

The formation of the cell wall is guided by microtubules. It consists of three layers, namely,
primary, secondary and the middle lamella. The primary cell wall is formed by cellulose laid down
by enzymes.

Cell membrane

It is the semi-permeable membrane that is present within the cell wall. It is composed of a thin
layer of protein and fat.

The cell membrane plays an important role in regulating the entry and exit of specific substances
within the cell.

For instance, cell membrane keeps toxins from entering inside, while nutrients and essential
minerals are transported across.

Nucleus

The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital
function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division,
metabolism and growth.

1. Nucleolus: It manufactures cells’ protein-producing structures and ribosomes.

2. Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allow
proteins and nucleic acids to pass through.
Plastids

They are membrane-bound organelles that have their own DNA. They are necessary to store
starch and to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It is also used in the synthesis of many
molecules, which form the building blocks of the cell. Some of the vital types of plastids and their
functions are stated below:

Leucoplasts

They are found in the non-photosynthetic tissue of plants. They are used for the storage of
protein, lipid and starch.

Chloroplasts

It is an elongated organelle enclosed by phospholipid membrane. The chloroplast is shaped like

a disc and the stroma is the fluid within the chloroplast that comprises a circular DNA. Each
chloroplast contains a green coloured pigment called chlorophyll required for the process of
photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform
carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Chromoplasts

They are heterogeneous, colored plastid which is responsible for pigment synthesis and for
storage in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Chromoplasts have red, orange and yellow
colored pigments which provide color to all ripe fruits and flowers.
Central Vacuole

It occupies around 30% of the cell’s volume in a mature plant cell. Tonoplast is a membrane that
surrounds the central vacuole. The vital function of the central vacuole apart from storage is to
sustain turgor pressure against the cell wall. The central vacuole consists of cell sap. It is a mixture
of salts, enzymes and other substances.

Golgi Apparatus

They are found in all eukaryotic cells, which are involved in distributing synthesized
macromolecules to various parts of the cell.

Ribosomes

They are the smallest membrane-bound organelles which comprise RNA and protein. They are
the sites for protein synthesis, hence, also referred to as the protein factories of the cell.

Mitochondria

They are the double-membraned organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They
provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate and sugar molecules, hence they are also
referred to as the “Powerhouse of the cell.”

Lysosome

Lysosomes are called suicidal bags as they hold digestive enzymes in an enclosed membrane.
They perform the function of cellular waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food
particles and foreign bodies in the cell. In plants, the role of lysosomes is undertaken by the
vacuoles.

Plant Cell Types

Cells of a matured and higher plant become specialized to perform certain vital functions that
are essential for their survival. Few plant cells are involved in the transportation of nutrients and
water, while others for storing food.

The specialized plant cells include parenchyma cells, sclerenchyma cells, collenchyma cells, xylem
cells and phloem cells.
Following are some of the different types of plant cells:

Collenchyma Cells

They are hard or rigid cells, which play a primary role in providing support to the plants when
there is restraining growth in a plant due to lack of hardening agent in primary walls.

Sclerenchyma Cells

These cells are more rigid compared to collenchyma cells and this is because of the presence of
a hardening agent. These cells are usually found in all plant roots and mainly involved in
providing support to the plants.

Parenchyma Cells

Parenchyma cells play a significant role in all plants. They are the living cells of plants, which are
involved in the production of leaves. They are also involved in the exchange of gases, production
of food, storage of organic products and cell metabolism. These cells are typically more flexible
than others because they are thinner.

Xylem Cells

Xylem cells are the transport cells in vascular plants. They help in the transport of water and
minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plants.

Phloem Cells

Phloem cells are other transport cells in vascular plants. They transport food prepared by the
leaves to different parts of the plants.

Plant Cell Functions

Plant cells are the building blocks of plants. Photosynthesis is the major function performed by
plant cells.

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of the plant cell. It is the process of preparing food by
the plants, by utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Energy is produced in the form of ATP
in the process.
A few plant cells help in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots and leaves to
different parts of the plants.

Animal Cell Definition

“An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that lacks a cell wall and has a true, membrane-
bound nucleus along with other cellular organelles.”

Explanation

Animal cells range in size from a few microscopic microns to a few millimetres. The largest known
animal cell is the ostrich egg, which can stretch over 5.1 inches across and weighs about 1.4
kilograms. This is in stark contrast to the neuron in the human body, which is just 100 microns
across.

The shape of animal cells also varies, with some being flat, others oval or rod-shaped. There are
also more intriguing shapes such as curved, spherical, concave and rectangular. Most of the cells
are microscopic in size and can only be seen under the microscope.

As stated before, animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a membrane-bound nucleus. Furthermore,
these cells exhibit the presence of DNA inside the nucleus. They also comprise other membrane-
bound organelles and cellular structures which carry out specific functions necessary for a cell to
function properly.

Animal Cell Diagram

The diagram given below depicts the structural organization of the animal cell. The various cell
organelles present in an animal cell are clearly marked in the animal cell diagram provided below.
Animal cell diagram detailing the various organelles
Though this animal cell diagram is not representative of any one particular type of cell, it provides
insight into the primary organelles and the intricate internal structure of most animal cells.
Furthermore, it is easy to distinguish between a plant and animal cell diagram just by inspecting
the presence or absence of a cell wall.

Animal Cell Structure

Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. Another defining characteristic is its irregular
shape. This is due to the absence of a cell wall. But animal cells share other cellular organelles
with plant cells as both have evolved from eukaryotic cells.

A typical animal cell comprises the following cell organelles:

Cell Membrane

A thin semipermeable membrane layer of lipids and proteins surrounding the cell. Its primary
role is to protect the cell from its surrounding. Also, it controls the entry and exit of nutrients and
other microscopic entities into the cell. For this reason, cell membranes are known as semi-
permeable or selectively permeable membranes.

Nucleus

It is an organelle that contains several other sub-organelles such as nucleolus, nucleosomes and
chromatins. It also contains DNA and other genetic materials.

Nuclear Membrane

It is a double-membrane structure that surrounds the nucleus. It is also referred to as the nuclear
envelope.

Centrosome

It is a small organelle found near the nucleus, which has a thick center with radiating tubules. The
centrosomes are where microtubules are produced.

Lysosome

They are round organelles surrounded by a membrane and comprising digestive enzymes which
help in digestion, excretion and in the cell renewal process.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like material which contains all the cell organelles, enclosed within the cell membrane.
The substance found within the cell nucleus, contained by the nuclear membrane is called the
nucleoplasm.
Golgi Apparatus

A flat, smooth layered, sac-like organelle which is located near the nucleus and involved in
manufacturing, storing, packing and transporting the particles throughout the cell.

Mitochondrion

They are spherical or rod-shaped organelles with a double membrane. They are the powerhouse
of a cell as they play an important role in releasing energy.

Ribosome

They are small organelles made up of RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules, and they are the sites of
protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

This cellular organelle is composed of a thin, winding network of membranous sacs originating
from the nucleus.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound organelle present inside a cell involved in maintaining shape and storing
water, food, wastes, etc.

Nucleopore

They are tiny holes present in the nuclear membrane which are involved in the movement of
nucleic acids and proteins across the nuclear membrane.

Animal Cell Types

There are numerous types of animal cells, each designed to serve specific functions. The most
common types of animal cells are:

Skin Cells

Melanocytes, keratinocytes, Merkel cells and Langerhans cells

Muscle Cells
Myocyte, Myosatellite cells, Tendon cells, Cardiac muscle cells

Blood Cells

Leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelet

Nerve Cells

Schwann cell, glial cells etc

Fat Cells

Adipocytes

Points to Note About Animal Cell

The cell is the structural and functional unit of life. These cells differ in their shapes, sizes and
their structure as they have to fulfil specific functions. Plant cells and animal cells share some
common features as both are eukaryotic cells.

However, they differ as animals need to adapt to a more active and non-sedentary lifestyle.
Furthermore, animals need to acquire their own food, therefore, they do not possess any of the
specialized cell organelles such as chloroplasts.

Plant and animal cells have many similarities, but they also have key differences that reflect their
distinct functions and lifestyles. Here's a comparison of plant cells and animal cells:

Similarities

1. Cell Membrane: Both plant and animal cells have a plasma membrane that regulates the
movement of substances in and out of the cell.
2. Nucleus: Both types of cells have a nucleus that contains genetic material (DNA) and is
the site of transcription.
3. Cytoplasm: The jelly-like fluid inside both plant and animal cells where organelles are
suspended.
4. Mitochondria: Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria, which are involved in
energy production through cellular respiration.
5. Ribosomes: Both types of cells have ribosomes that synthesize proteins.
 6. Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER): Both plant and animal cells have rough and smooth ER,
involved in protein and lipid synthesis, respectively.
7. Golgi Apparatus: In both cell types, the Golgi apparatus modifies, sorts, and packages
proteins and lipids for transport.

Differences

1. Cell Wall:
o Plant Cells: Have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support
and protection.
o Animal Cells: Lack a cell wall; instead, they have a flexible plasma membrane.
2. Chloroplasts:
o Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts that carry out photosynthesis to produce energy
from sunlight.
o Animal Cells: Do not have chloroplasts and therefore cannot perform
photosynthesis.
3. Vacuoles:
o Plant Cells: Typically have a large central vacuole that stores nutrients, waste
products, and helps maintain turgor pressure.
o Animal Cells: Have smaller, more numerous vacuoles (if any), and they are
involved in processes like digestion and excretion.
4. Lysosomes:
o Plant Cells: Generally lack lysosomes, as their functions are often handled by the
vacuole.
o Animal Cells: Contain lysosomes that digest and break down macromolecules, old
cell parts, and pathogens.
5. Centrioles:
o Plant Cells: Typically lack centrioles, though some have alternative structures for
organizing microtubules.
o Animal Cells: Have centrioles that play a crucial role in organizing microtubules
during cell division.
6. Shape:
o Plant Cells: Typically have a fixed, rectangular shape due to the cell wall.
o Animal Cells: Usually have a more irregular or rounded shape due to the flexible
plasma membrane.
7. Plastids:
o Plant Cells: Contain various types of plastids (e.g., chloroplasts, chromoplasts,
leucoplasts) involved in photosynthesis, pigment synthesis, and storage.
o Animal Cells: Do not have plastids.