The main differences between plant and animal cells are:
- Cell Wall : Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose surrounding the plasma membrane, providing structural support and protection. Animal cells lack a cell wall and only have a flexible plasma membrane
- Shape and Size : Plant cells are generally larger (10-100 µm) and have a fixed, rectangular or cube-like shape due to the cell wall. Animal cells are smaller (10-30 µm) and have varied, mostly round or irregular shapes
- Chloroplasts : Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which have chlorophyll to capture light energy for photosynthesis, enabling plants to produce their own food (autotrophic). Animal cells do not have chloroplasts and must ingest food (heterotrophic)
- Vacuoles : Plant cells have a large central vacuole that can occupy up to 90% of the cell volume, used for storage and maintaining cell rigidity. Animal cells have smaller, multiple vacuoles if present
- Lysosomes : Animal cells contain lysosomes with digestive enzymes to break down macromolecules. Plant cells rarely have lysosomes because the vacuole and Golgi apparatus perform similar functions
- Centrioles and Centrosomes : Animal cells have centrioles within a centrosome that assist in cell division. Plant cells lack centrioles but can still divide without them
- Plastids and Plasmodesmata : Plant cells have plastids (including chloroplasts) for pigmentation and photosynthesis, and plasmodesmata for cell-to-cell communication. These are absent in animal cells
- Cilia and Microvilli : Animal cells may have cilia or microvilli for movement or absorption, which are absent in plant cells
In summary, plant cells have additional structures like the cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole that support their autotrophic lifestyle and structural rigidity, while animal cells have centrioles and lysosomes suited for their heterotrophic and more flexible cellular functions
