Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

The very basic difference between a plant cell and animal cell is – Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, while animal cells lack these but have centrioles and lysosomes. Plant cells are rectangular, store starch, and perform photosynthesis, unlike irregular-shaped animal cells.

Here’s a table highlighting the difference between plant cells and animal cells:

Structural and Functional Properties of Cells	Plant Cells	Animal Cells
Cell Wall	Present (made of cellulose)	Absent
Shape	Generally rectangular or square-shaped	Irregular or round-shaped
Chloroplasts	Present (contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis)	Absent
Vacuole	Large central vacuole (single and prominent)	Small or absent; multiple if present
Plastids	Present	Absent
Centrioles	Absent	Present
Lysosomes	Rarely present	Present and prominent
Energy Storage	Stores energy as starch	Stores energy as glycogen
Cilia and Flagella	Rarely present	Commonly present (for locomotion or sensory functions)
Plasma Membrane	Surrounded by a rigid cell wall and a plasma membrane	Only plasma membrane present
Nucleus Position	Usually pushed to the side due to a large vacuole	Centrally located

Detailed Explanation of Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Here is a detailed explanation between plant cell and animal cell:

• Cell Wall vs. Cell Membrane: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support and protection. In contrast, animal cells only have a flexible cell membrane.
• Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis: Chloroplasts are present in plant cells and are essential for photosynthesis. Animal cells lack chloroplasts as they do not perform photosynthesis.
• Vacuoles: Plant cells contain a large central vacuole that occupies most of the cell’s volume, helping in storage and maintaining turgidity. Animal cells have smaller, temporary vacuoles if present.
• Shape and Structure: The rigid cell wall gives plant cells a defined rectangular shape. Animal cells, without a cell wall, exhibit a more irregular, flexible shape.
• Cell Division: While both types of cells divide, centrioles are involved in the division of animal cells, whereas plant cells use other structures like the cell plate to divide.

Bonus- Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell Worksheet