A2.2.8 Differences in eukaryotic cell structure between animals, fungi, and plants

What is the main component of the plant cell wall?

Cellulose.

What is the main component of the fungal cell wall?

Chitin

Do animal cells have a cell wall?

No, animal cells lack a cell wall.

What is the function of the large central vacuole in plant cells?

It stores water, nutrients, and waste, and maintains turgor pressure.

How do vacuoles in animal cells differ from those in plant cells?

Animal cell vacuoles are small and temporary, while plant cells have a large central vacuole.

What role do plastids play in plant cells?

Plastids, such as chloroplasts, perform photosynthesis.

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the pigment that allows plants to convert sunlight into glucose and oxygen.

Do fungal and animal cells have plastids?

No, plastids are absent in fungal and animal cells.

What is the function of centrioles in animal cells?

Centrioles organize spindle fibers during cell division and form basal bodies for cilia and flagella.

Are centrioles present in plant and fungal cells?

Centrioles are generally absent in plant and fungal cells, except in species with motile gametes.

What is the difference in the presence of cilia/flagella between animal cells and plant/fungal cells?

Cilia/flagella are often present in animal cells and rare in plant/fungal cells.

Why do plants need chloroplasts?

Plants need chloroplasts for energy as autotrophs.

What is the role of fungi in ecosystems?

Fungi are decomposers.

What advantage does a flexible plasma membrane provide to animal cells?

It enables diverse shapes and movements.

How do structural differences in eukaryotic cells reflect their roles in ecosystems?

Structural variations, like the presence of cell walls or plastids, are adapted to their functions as autotrophs, decomposers, or heterotrophs.

Why do plant cells have large central vacuoles?

To store water, nutrients, and waste, and to maintain turgor pressure.

What advantages do cell walls provide to plants and fungi?

Cell walls provide structural support and protection against stress and bursting.

What is turgor pressure?

Turgor pressure is the pressure of the central vacuole against the cell wall, maintaining cell rigidity.

Can vacuoles in plant cells store pigments?

Yes, the central vacuole can store pigments that give flowers their color.

What is the difference between the plant cell wall and the plasma membrane?

The plant cell wall is rigid and provides structure, while the plasma membrane is flexible and allows for cell movement.