#animalcell

Plant and Animal cells both alike play a major role in the evolution of respective species, and thus it will be important for the students to understand the differences between Plant cells and Animal cells, and their various functions, features as well as their components.

A Plant cell is defined as a eukaryotic cell, which consists of various components such as a nucleus and multiple organelles, each performing different types of functions. This is why these cells are stated as fundamental blocks of plant life, as they perform important functions, such as Photosynthesis, which involves the conversion of carbon dioxide into food or starch. There are different types of plant cells, which we are going to explain briefly in the below section. 

Collenchyma Cells – This cell is made up of elongated living cells, with irregular thick walls, which perform various functions, such as providing support, mechanical strength, and flexibility to the plants.  

Xylem Cells – These types of cells play an important role in the transfer of water as well as dissolved chemicals and minerals through various parts of the plant. Examples of Xylem Cells are Tracheids, Xylem Parenchyma, Xylem Fibers, etc. 

Sclerenchyma Cells – The cells which do not see any development, even though they are primary sustaining cells, these types of cells are called Sclerenchyma cells. Moreover, these cells are stiffer in nature and are generally dead cells as they mature.

Phloem Cells – In order to transfer carbohydrates, sugar, amino acids, and nutrients, which are dissolved in water, the Phloem cells play an important role. 

Parenchlyma Cells – Most plants are made up of these cells, such as plant tissues, leaves, plant organs, and many more. The main function of these cells is to safely store proteins and carbohydrates, and also help the plants heal. 

What is an Animal Cell?

This is a type of eukaryotic cell that does not contain a cell wall, instead has a true membrane-bound nucleus that has multiple cellular organelles. However, unlike plant cells, these types of cells do not have the ability to produce their own nutrition. Besides this, there are three main components of the Animal Cells such as cytoplasm, nucleus, and cell membrane. Similar to Plant Cells, there are multiple types of animal cells, like,  

Skin Cells – As the name itself suggests, these cells are commonly found in epidermal and dermal layers of skin, which play an active role in acting as a barrier, and also preventing water loss. 

Nerve Cells – As you know already, these are one of the most important cells in an animal body, as their function is to transmit information or impulses. And through these impulses, send and receive messages.  

Bone Cells – For the improvement or formation of an animal’s skeleton and bones, these cells communicate with each other in order to maintain the structure and density of bones throughout the animal skeleton.  

Muscle Cells – In order to organize the movement of limbs and various organs, muscles are required. Furthermore, it also helps in protecting the delicate organs of the animal body. 

Blood Cells – The main function of these cells is to transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones throughout the body, through the bloodstream. 

There are many differences between Plant Cell and Animal Cell, such as,  

Plant Cell 

Type of Nucleus: True Nucleus 

Size & Shape: Fixed Size type of plant cell, that is larger in size

Cell Wall: It consists of cell walls made up of cellulose and membrane

Plastids: Plastids are present in this type of cell

Lysosomes: Present, but are generally rare

Size of Vacuole: Vacuoles are large in size

Chloroplast: Present

Location of Nucleus: On one side of a cell

Animal Cell 

Type of Nucleus: Membrane Bound-Nucleus

Size & Shape: Irregular type cell, that is very small in size

Cell Wall: It does not have any cell walls

Plastids: Plastids are generally absent

Lysosomes: Present, but are abundant

Size of Vacuole: Vacuoles are very small in size

Chloroplast: Not Absent

Location of Nucleus: Lies in the center of the cell