Which of the following statements marks as a difference between plant...
Plant Cell vs Animal Cell: Difference in Cell Walls
The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that plant cells have cell walls while animal cells do not. Let us explore this difference in detail.
1. Plant Cell:
- Cell Wall: One of the key features of a plant cell is the presence of a rigid cell wall surrounding the cell membrane. The cell wall is made up of cellulose and provides structural support and protection to the cell.
- Cell Membrane: Plant cells also have a cell membrane, which is a selectively permeable barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
- Vacuole: Plant cells typically have a large central vacuole that helps maintain the cell's shape, stores water, nutrients, and waste products, and contributes to cell expansion and growth.
- Plastids: Plant cells contain various types of plastids, including chloroplasts (which carry out photosynthesis), chromoplasts (responsible for pigment synthesis), and leucoplasts (involved in storage of starch, oils, and proteins).
2. Animal Cell:
- Cell Membrane: Similar to plant cells, animal cells also have a cell membrane that regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell.
- No Cell Wall: Unlike plant cells, animal cells lack a cell wall. Instead, they have a flexible and elastic cell membrane that allows them to change shape.
- No Central Vacuole: Animal cells may contain small vacuoles, but they are not as prominent or centrally located as in plant cells.
- Fewer Plastids: Animal cells generally have very few or no plastids. They do not possess chloroplasts and are unable to carry out photosynthesis.
Significance of Cell Walls in Plant Cells:
The presence of a cell wall in plant cells serves several important functions:
- It provides structural support and rigidity to the cell, allowing plants to maintain their shape even in the absence of external support.
- The cell wall acts as a barrier against mechanical stress and protects the cell from damage.
- It helps prevent excessive water uptake and maintains the osmotic balance of the cell.
- The cell wall contributes to the transport of water and nutrients through specialized structures called plasmodesmata.
In conclusion, the key difference between plant cells and animal cells lies in the presence of a cell wall, which is unique to plant cells. This cell wall provides structural support, protection, and several other functions that are essential for the survival and functioning of plants.
Which of the following statements marks as a difference between plant...
- A plant cell also has chloroplast , which afflicts the plant cells colours. An animal's cell DOES not have chloroplast .
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