Differences between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells that share many similarities in their structure and function. However, there are also some key differences between the two. Let's explore them in detail.


A plant cell has a rigid cell wall made up of cellulose that surrounds the cell membrane. It provides support and protection to the cell. On the other hand, an animal cell lacks a cell wall, and only has a cell membrane that protects the cell.


Chloroplasts are organelles that are found only in plant cells. They are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants make their food. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that gives plants their green color. Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts.


Plant cells have a large central vacuole that occupies most of the cell's volume. The vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste products and provides turgor pressure to support the cell. Animal cells have smaller vacuoles that store waste and other materials.


Plant cells are generally rectangular or square in shape, while animal cells are more irregular in shape. Plant cells are larger than animal cells.


Mitochondria are organelles responsible for energy production in cells. Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria, but they are more numerous in animal cells.


Lysosomes are organelles that contain digestive enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. They are more numerous in animal cells than in plant cells.


Cilia and flagella are hair-like structures that are used for movement. Animal cells have cilia and flagella, while plant cells do not.

In summary, while plant and animal cells share many similarities, there are some key differences between the two. These differences are related to the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, vacuoles, shape and size, mitochondria, lysosomes, and cilia and flagella.

Plant cell is surrounded by rigid cell wall whereas animal cells do not have cell wall. Presence of large vacoule in plant cell, which is small in animal cell. Plant cells are larger than animal cell. Plant cells have plastids whereas animal cells do not have plastids.