Difference Between Plant And Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. However, there are some key differences between them.

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose and other polysaccharides, as well as chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Animal cells lack these structures, but have lysosomes for digestion and centrioles for cell division.

In terms of size, plant cells are typically larger than animal cells, with diameters ranging from 10 to 100 micrometers. Animal cells, on the other hand, are usually smaller, ranging from 10 to 30 micrometers.

Plant cells also have a large central vacuole, which stores water and other materials. Animal cells lack this structure, but have smaller vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm.

Plant cells also contain plastids, which are organelles that store food and other materials. Animal cells lack these organelles.

Finally, plant cells have a large number of chloroplasts, which are organelles that convert light energy into chemical energy. Animal cells lack this structure.