Question

Fungal cells differ from animal cells in that fungal cells a. lack ribosomes, though these are present in animal cells. b. lack mitochondria, though these occur in animal cells. c. have chitin-rich cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls. d. lack cell walls, whereas animal cells possess cell walls. e. None of the above is true.

Short answer

The correct answer is (c). Fungal cells have chitin-rich cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluating each statement

The first step is to carefully evaluate each statement one by one checking whether it's true or false. To do this, look up the characteristics of fungal and animal cells.

Comparing with the characteristics of fungal and animal cells

After understanding the characteristics of both cells, compare the information given in each option with the actual facts. In this case, for example, all cells from animals, plants and fungi have ribosomes and mitochondria, which excludes options A and B.

Selecting the correct statement

After comparing each statement with the known characteristics of fungal and animal cells, select the statement that accurately sums up their differences. In this case, option C that states 'fungal cells have chitin-rich cell walls, whereas animal cells lack cell walls' is the correct answer, as it correctly identifies a unique feature of fungal cells compared to animal cells.

Key concepts

Fungal Cells

Fungal cells are fascinating components of the biological world with distinct features that set them apart from animal cells. One of the key characteristics of fungal cells is that they possess a rigid cell wall. This cell wall is primarily made up of chitin, a strong, protective polysaccharide. Chitin is the same material found in the exoskeletons of arthropods like insects and crustaceans.

In addition to having cell walls, fungal cells are eukaryotic. This means they have a nucleus that houses their genetic material, similar to animal cells. They also share other cellular components like the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. However, their unique cell wall structure plays a critical role in protecting them and giving them shape. This protection is crucial as fungi are often subjected to various environmental stresses.

Fungal cells can be unicellular, like yeasts, or multicellular, like molds and mushrooms. They reproduce through both sexual and asexual means, allowing them adaptability and survival in diverse environments.

Animal Cells

Animal cells are complex structures found in all animals. Unlike fungi, animal cells do not have a cell wall; instead, they possess a flexible plasma membrane. This absence of a cell wall provides animal cells with a unique advantage: the ability to move and take on various shapes, which is crucial for functions like muscle contraction and nerve transmission.

An animal cell is eukaryotic, with a defined nucleus that stores its DNA. Inside the cell, you'll find many important organelles. The mitochondria, often termed the "powerhouses of the cell," convert nutrients into energy. Each organelle within the animal cell has specialized functions which contribute to the cell’s overall role in the organism's body.

Animal cells also have a cytoskeleton, providing structural support and aiding in cellular movement. This complex internal scaffolding helps cells maintain their shape and organize the organelles within. Overall, without a chitin-rich cell wall, animal cells rely on other structures for strength and support.

Chitin-rich Cell Walls

The chitin-rich cell walls are a signature characteristic of fungal cells. This tough and flexible structure differentiates fungal cells from animal cells, which lack cell walls entirely. Chitin is a long-chain polymer, known for its strength and resistance to various chemicals, making it an ideal protective barrier for fungi.

The presence of chitin-rich cell walls helps fungi withstand environmental stresses like dehydration, high temperatures, and fungi-pathogenic attacks. This resilience allows fungi to thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deep ocean floors.

Chitin also plays a role in the growth and development of fungal cells. It provides scaffolding necessary for the cell to expand and divide. This growth process is crucial as fungi often need to quickly colonize and exploit new environments. The importance of these cell walls cannot be understated, given their role in the survival and prosperity of fungi.

Cellular Organelles

Cellular organelles are the tiny structures within cells that perform specific functions necessary for the cell's survival and operation. Both fungal and animal cells contain organelles, although their functions can vary slightly based on the needs of the organism.

Key organelles in fungal cells include:

• Nucleus: Contains the cell's genetic material.
• Endoplasmic Reticulum: Assists in protein and lipid synthesis.
• Golgi Apparatus: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for transport.

Similarly, animal cells contain:

• Nucleus: Controls cell activities and contains DNA.
• Mitochondria: Where energy production occurs.
• Ribosomes: Sites of protein synthesis.

These organelles are crucial for carrying out processes that keep cells alive and functional. For instance, the mitochondria in animal cells generate ATP, the energy currency of the cell, vital for activities like muscle contractions. Understanding the function of each organelle helps in grasping how cells contribute to the organism's overall physiology.