xix.5. Plant Cells and Animal Cell

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xix.5. Plant Cells and Animal Cell

Plants play the role of producers in an ecosystem, whereas animals play the role of consumers. As a result, both their cell structure and everyday tasks and roles are variable. Animals and plants have several cell organelles, which are usually categorized according to their functions. The distinction between plant and animal cells is due to the differences in the cell composition of each.

While certain cell organelles are specific to either plant or animal cells, others are present in both types. The majority of higher species on earth, including all plants and animals, are eukaryotes. Hence, these cells have some characteristics that are usually found in eukaryotes.

Membrane-bound organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, the nucleus, the Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes are present in both plant and animal cells. Moreover, a plant cell may be bigger than an animal cell. Animal cells typically range in size from 10 to 30 micrometers, while plant cells typically range in size from 10 to 100 micrometers.

Plant Cell

The majority of the plant kingdom is made up of multicellular, autotrophic eukaryotes. Moreover. Plant cells can be distinguished from animal cells by their organelles, such as the chloroplast, cell wall, and vacuole.
The size of plant cells typically ranges from 10 to 100 m.
The process of photosynthesis is carried out by plant cells. Green plants are hence referred to as autotrophs. It is carried out as a result of chlorophyll being present in the chloroplast of plant cells. The cell wall, which gives the stability and stiffness of the cell, is made of cellulose.
Plant cells serve as the basic building blocks of plant life and carry out all vital functions. The process of producing food through photosynthesis happens in the chloroplasts of the cell. Some examples of specialized plant cells include the following:
Collenchyma cells: Elongated living cells with asymmetrical, thick primary walls make up collenchyma cells. Like plants, they have the ability to alter their shape and expand. The ability of collenchyma cells to stretch and hence respond to increased organ growth is a crucial characteristic.
Sclerenchyma cells: The sclerenchyma cells are more rigid. They serve as the main sources of support in plant locations that have ceased to grow. Sclerenchyma cells that have reached maturity are frequently dead cells with thicker secondary walls. They also have a high cellulose content (60–80%), which helps plants by providing support structurally.
Parenchyma cells: The majority of plant tissues, including the soft tissue found in leaves, fruit pulp, and other plant organs, are made up of simple permanent ground tissues known as parenchyma cells. They carry out metabolic functions, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis in leaves. Moreover, they help plants repair by storing substances like proteins and carbs.
Xylem cells: This tissue helps move water and chemically dissolved substances throughout the plant. Some xylem components include tracheids, vessels, xylem parenchyma, and xylem fibers. Water and dissolved minerals are transported by the plant’s xylem from the roots to the leaves.
Phloem cells: These cells transport nutrients made by photosynthesis to every part of the plant. Phloem carries amino acids and sugars that have been dissolved in water. Food is moved from the leaves to the roots through the phloem.

Animal Cell

The Kingdom Animalia contains three-fourths of all species on the planet. Animal cells are distinguished from plant cells primarily by the absence of the cell wall and chloroplast. Animal cells cannot make their own food, which is the main difference between them and plant cells. The three main parts of the majority of animal cells are the cytoplasm, cell membrane, and nucleus.

Many kinds of animal cells include:

Skin cells: The dermal and epidermal layers of the skin contain these cells. These cells are efficient in stopping water loss and acting as a barrier to the outside world.

Bone cells: The development of an animal’s skeleton and bones is carried out by bone cells. In order to maintain balance and ultimately regulate the bone structure and function, bone cells communicate with one another. They aid in body movement as well.

Muscle cells: These help to safeguard the body’s sensory organs. When they are grouped together, they can assist in organizing the movement of your limbs and tissues.

Blood cells: These cells transmit hormones and nutrients throughout the body. They use the bloodstream to carry oxygen around the body.

Nerve cells: Nerve cells are specialized cells that have been wired to carry information or impulses. Neurons are brain cells that transmit and receive signals. They are also referred to as nerve cells. Each nerve cell is made up of the cell body, which includes the nucleus, a main branching fiber (axon), and multiple smaller branching fibers (dendrites).