Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and Animal Cells

Despite the diversity of organisms, cells share more similarities than differences. Plant and animal cells have many structures in common.

It's easier to determine a cell's function and location within an organism than to identify the specific plant or animal it came from using a light microscope.

Animal Cell Structures

Most animal cells contain the following structures:

Control: The Nucleus

  • The nucleus is the control center of the cell, directing all activities.

Control: Chromosomes

  • Chromosomes are located inside the nucleus.

  • They contain genetic information that provides the "construction plans" for the cell's components.

Materials: The Cell Membrane

  • The cell membrane acts as a gatekeeper.

  • It controls the movement of materials, such as nutrients and waste, in and out of the cell.

Materials: The Cytoplasm

  • The cytoplasm is a watery fluid that fills most of the cell.

  • It facilitates the rapid transport of materials between cell structures.

  • It also stores waste products until they can be eliminated.

Materials Storage: The Vacuole

  • Each vacuole is filled with fluid, and is used to store water, nutrients (e.g., sugar), and minerals.

Plant Cell Structures

Plant cells share features with animal cells but also possess unique structures.

Note: The cell membrane in plant cells can be difficult to see.

Materials Storage: The Vacuole

  • Similar to animal cells, the vacuole in plant cells is filled with nutrients.

  • However, it occupies a significantly larger portion of the plant cell's cytoplasm.

Protection: The Cell Wall

  • The cell wall provides protection and support to the plant cell.

  • Gases, water, and some minerals can pass through small pores (openings) in the cell wall.

Food Production: Chloroplasts

  • Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a green pigment.

  • Chlorophyll enables plant cells to produce their own food using sunlight.

  • Animal cells lack this ability.

Structures for Movement

Some cells have special structures that enable them to move.

Movement: The Flagellum

  • The flagellum is a whiplike tail that assists certain cells in movement.

  • Not all cells possess flagella.

Movement: Cilia

  • Cilia are small hairs.

  • They work collectively to move a cell or to move the environment surrounding the cell.

  • Not all cells possess cilia.