Comparing Animal and Plant Cells by Annie Plant and animal cells are known as Eukaryotic cells which contain a nucleus and other genetic material enclosed within membranes. (Science Daily, n.d.) The primary difference between the two cell types is: plant cells produce their own food through a photosynthetic process and can support their own weight, while animal cells cannot produce their own food and require support from a skeletal structure. Listed below are some similarities and difference found between animal and plant cells: Similarities: Animal and plant cells are eukaryotic and have a defined nucleus. They have membrane-bound sac-like structures called Organelles which aid in the production of lipids and proteins. Each has Mitochondria which help convert food into energy. Animal cells have a larger number of mitochondria as this is their only energy source. These mitochondria also contain DNA in small quantities. Both plant and animal cell have flat sac-like structures called Golgi which assist in receiving, processing and transporting proteins within and outside the cell. Differences: Animal cells do not have a cell wall but they are found in plant cells. In plants the cell wall is rigid, helping it to maintain its shape. Chloroplasts are present in plant cells enabling them to produce their own food through photosynthesis. Animal cells are irregular or spherical in shape while plant cells have a more fixed rectangular like shape. Plant cells have a single large vacuole used to store water and other solutes ; animal cells may contain no or some small vacuoles. (Buzzle, 2010, http://www.buzzle.com/articles/plant-cell-vs-animal-cell.html). Animal cell have centrioles which help chromosome movement during the process of cell division. Animal cells contain lysosomes while plant cells do not. Lysosomes assist in the digestion process of substances in the animal cell. http://www.diffen.com/difference/animal_cell_vs_plant_cell http://www.diffen.com/difference/animal_cell_vs_plant_cell
Video Links: Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwz4ptp_qeu Comparing Plant and Animal Cells Interactive Video http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/science_up_close/510/deploy/interface.html Eucaryotic Cell Interactive Animation http://www.cellsalive.com/cells/cell_model.htm
Comparing Animal and Plant Cells using a Venn Diagram Plant and animal cells are known as eukaryotic cells and have differences and similarities which include: Plant Cell Animal Cells Similarities: Plant Cells http://www.diffen.com/difference/animal Are irregular in shape and do not have a cell wall. There is no chloroplast present There are small impermanent vacuoles or no vacuole present. Animal cells have more lysosomes cells. The nucleus is usually located centrally. Cell membranes. Endoplasmic reticulums are present. Nuclei Cyctoplasm Mitochondria Golgi apparati Have lysosomes (animal cells have more). Ribosomes Has a rectangular/regular shape and has a rigid cell wall. There is chloroplast present There are large vacuoles which are located in the cell s centre. Starch grains are evident. Due to the central location of the vacuole, the nucleus of the cell may be located at the edge of the cell Animal Cell http://www.diffen.com/difference/animal
References: Plant Cell verses Animal Cell, 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/plant-cell-vs-animal-cell.html Science Daily (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/e/eukaryote.htm Wizznotes.com (2011). Differences Between Plan and Animal Cells, Retrieved from: http://wizznotes.com/biology/the-cell/difference-betweenplant-and-animal-cells Worksheets: Retrieved from: http://www.teach-nology.com/worksheets/science/cell/ http://fc.yesnet.yk.ca/~rene.dove/fov1-00063e1c/bio11-plant&animalcomparison.pdf?plugin=loft
Appendix: Worksheets retrieved from: http://fc.yesnet.yk.ca/~rene.dove/fov1-00063e1c/bio11-plant&animalcomparison.pdf?plugin=loft