What is the difference between Animal and Plant Cell?

Cells are the building blocks of life, and they come in various shapes and sizes. All living organisms are made up of cells and these cells have various similarities and differences. They are classified into two main types: plant cells and animal cells. Although both types of cells share some similarities, they also have significant differences that set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial to comprehend the diverse functions and processes that occur within these cells. In this article, we will explore the differences between plant and animal cells, including their structure, functions, and unique characteristics.

We will examine their similarities and differences in detail to gain a better understanding of the complex world of cells. 

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What is a Cell? 

Basically, cells are the basic fundamental unit of life and are made up of organic molecules like lipids, carbohydrates, nucleotides, etc. All life processes are carried out by cells. 

All organisms are made up of cells and can be categorized based on the number of cells present in them, there are two types of organisms:

1. Unicellular 

2. Multicellular

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Unicellular Organisms

The cells which only have a single cell are called Unicellular organisms.

They are deemed one of the earliest forms of life on earth and the now, more complex multicellular organisms have evolved from these unicellular organisms over the eons. 

Multicellular Organisms 

The cells with a large number of cells or more than one cell are called Multicellular organisms.

These consist of specialized cells with complicated cell organelles, which unicellular organisms don't have.

It is observed that in the ecosystem, plants have the function of producers, while animals have taken the position of consumers. 

Hence, their activities are different and so are their cell structures.

 The Cell structure and organelles differ in plants and animals and are mainly categorized based on their function. 

The variation in cell composition is the reason for the difference between plant and animal cells.

Animal cells are made up of four main parts namely:

• Nucleus,
• Cell membrane
• Cytoplasm
• and Mitochondria

With all these parts from animal cells, Plant cells also have: 

•  Cell wall
• Vacuole
• Chloroplasts.

Difference between Animal and Plant cell

 Similarities between animal and plant cell 

1. Both have a cell membrane or plasma membrane.

2. Both have ribosomes.

3. Both have endoplasmic reticulum.

4. Both possess a well-defined nucleus and cytoplasm. Genetic material DNA is also surrounded by a nuclear membrane. 

ALSO READ: Cell: Structure and Functions

In conclusion, plant cells and animal cells may appear similar, but they have fundamental differences that play a crucial role in their respective functions. Plant cells are characterized by the presence of cell walls, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, which are essential for photosynthesis and providing structural support to the plant. Animal cells, on the other hand, lack cell walls, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles, but they have lysosomes and centrosomes, which play crucial roles in digestion and cell division, respectively.