Both animals and plants, all living things have cells. This smallest part of the body is where life begins. As the cell develops, the individual or a new plant is formed.
However, there are difference between animal and plant cells. The difference can be seen from the form to the usability. Here is the full description.
What are Cells?
Reported National Geographic, Cells are a group of membrane-bound organelles. Like a “building block”, they work together to function and give life.
Some of the major organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. In plants, the cells also include chloroplasts which are responsible for running photosynthesis.
The cell was first discovered by Robert Hooke in 1665. Its function, in general, is to provide the physical structure of living things that supports mitosis, energy production, and reproduction.
The difference between animal and plant cells
Both living beings, both animals and plants have cells. Both have a plasma membrane, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, nucleus and cytoplasm.
Although there are similarities, the two are different because they regulate each other’s vital functions. This is what causes both of them to have different characteristics. What are the comparisons?
1. Cell size
illustration of animal cells (commons.wikimedia.org/OpenStax)Starting with its physical form, plant cells generally have a larger size, which is 10-100 micrometers. Meanwhile, the animals are only about 10-30 micrometres. Reported By Ju’sthis size is influenced by three important factors, namely the cytoskeleton, the amount of water in the cell and the state of the cell membrane.
Furthermore, the time of division and the balance between cell growth also determine their size. Not only that, cell size can also grow over time because volume internal increases.
2. The shape of the vacuole
Both plant and animal cells have vacuoles. Well, a vacuole is a space or cavity within a cell that is covered by a membrane and is usually filled with fluid.
Just like their physical form, plant vacuoles are much larger than those of animals. If the animal vacuoles are many and they are small, the vegetable vacuoles are only one, but their dimensions can reach 90 percent of the cellular form.
3. Position the core
plant cell illustration (commons.wikimedia.org/LadyofHats)The next difference between animal and plant cells is in the location of the nucleus. The nucleus is an important part of the cell that contains information genetic and regulate cell division. Both plants and animals have a nucleus in the cell.
However, the animal nucleus is located quite centrally, i.e. in the middle. On the other hand, the core of the plant is inclined cover or near one side of the cell. Because? Because the vacuoles in plants are bigger. The liquid contained in the vacuoles also tends to push the nucleus to a certain side.
4. Energy saved
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Editor’s picks
As mentioned above, one of the functions of a cell is to store energy. Both plants and animals rely on glucose as an energy source.
The difference is in the form of stored glucose. Animal cells will store it in the form of glycogen. Meanwhile, plant cells contain it in the form of starch.
Read also: 7 benefits of plants for humans, animals and the environment
5. Chloroplasts
illustration of chloroplasts (commons.wikimedia.org/Miguelsierra- Sentausa)Have you heard of chloroplasts before? You will only find this structure in plant cells. Chloroplasts work to convert energy from sunlight into energy that can be used for photosynthesis.
Animals do not perform photosynthesis, so their cells do not contain chloroplasts. This factor is one of the key differences between animal and plant cells.
6. Plasmodesmata
Plasmodesma is the term used to refer to the tiny channels between the walls of plant cells. The presence of plasmodesma enables communication between cells, i.e. the movement of molecules, nutrients and water moving from one cell to another.
Interestingly, plasmodesmata are found only in plant cells and algae. As far as animal cells are concerned, the same structure is not found. Plasmodesmata also prevent the aspiration of excess water installations.
7. Lysosomes
illustration of animal cells (commons.wikimedia.org)Inside the cell, you will find membrane-bound organelles called lysosomes. The role of lysosomes is to break down proteins, acids, large molecules and unwanted materials. Lysosomes are common in animal cells and are rarely found in plant cells.
The reason is that plant cells have a tough cell wall which is quite strong. These features allow cells to retain unwanted substances. In animals, these substances will be released and broken down by lysosomes.
8. Centrioles
Centrioles are cylindrical organelles found in the cytoplasm of animal cells. This structure is located near the nucleus and is made up of nine microtubules arranged in a circular shape.
The main role of centrioles is to organize microtubules during cell division. Centrioles are found in animal cells, but are not usually found in plant cells. However, plant cells still have microtubules.
9. Protein
Reported ThoughtCo, Animal cells are only capable of making 10 types of proteins called essential amino acids. Even though there are 20 types of proteins needed by living things.
Instead of making it, animals need to get protein from food. On the other hand, plants are capable of producing these 20 types of proteins themselves.
The difference between animal and plant cells is what distinguishes the function and form of the two. However, both animal and plant cells perform an important supportive function in early life.
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