Question

ART CONNECTION QUESTIONS Figure 3.7 What structures does a plant cell have that an animal cell does not have? What structures does an animal cell have that a plant cell does not have?

Short answer

Plant cells uniquely have a cell wall, chloroplasts and large vacuoles while animal cells uniquely have centrioles and small vacuoles.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the unique structures of a plant cell

Identify the components that a plant cell has which an animal cell does not have. Plant cells, unlike animal cells, have a cell wall, chloroplasts and large vacuoles.

Identify the unique structures of an animal cell

Identify the components that an animal cell has which a plant cell does not have. Animal cells have centrioles and small vacuoles, which a plant cell does not typically have.

Summarize the Differences

Each cell type has structures suited for their function. Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a cell wall for structure and protection and large vacuoles for storage. Animal cells on the other hand, have centrioles that assist in cell division and small vacuoles.

Key concepts

Plant Cell

Plant cells are the building blocks of plant life. They have distinctive structures that set them apart from animal cells.
The most notable is the **cell wall**. This rigid layer surrounds the cell membrane, providing structural support and protection. It allows the plant to maintain a definite shape.

Another unique feature is the **chloroplasts**. These are crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy.

Additionally, plant cells typically have large **vacuoles**. These storage compartments hold water, nutrients, and waste products. They help in maintaining the cell's turgor pressure, which keeps the plant firm and upright.

• Cell Wall: Rigid structure for support
• Chloroplasts: Responsible for photosynthesis
• Large Vacuoles: Storage and maintenance of cell rigidity

Animal Cell

Animal cells have their own unique structures that distinguish them from plant cells. One of these structures is the **centriole**. Centrioles play a crucial role in cell division. They help in organizing the spindle fibers during mitosis and meiosis, which are vital processes for cellular replication.

Another characteristic feature of animal cells is the presence of **small vacuoles**. Unlike the large vacuoles found in plant cells, animal cells contain smaller ones that store a variety of substances, but do not primarily serve the same pressure maintenance function.

Animal cells lack a rigid cell wall, which allows them greater flexibility and the ability to form various shapes. This structural flexibility is essential for functions such as forming tissues and organs.

• Centrioles: Aid in cell division
• Small Vacuoles: Storage without turgor pressure
• No Cell Wall: Provides flexibility and adaptability

Cell Structures

Cell structures play critical roles in the functionality and lifecycle of both plant and animal cells.

**Cell Membrane**: Present in both plant and animal cells, the cell membrane regulates what enters and leaves the cell. It is a semi-permeable barrier that allows selective movement of substances.

**Nucleus**: Known as the control center, the nucleus is present in both types of cells. It houses the cell’s DNA and is responsible for controlling cellular activities, including growth and reproduction.

**Cytoplasm**: This jelly-like substance fills the cell and is the medium where the cell structures are suspended. It plays a role in maintaining cell shape and buffering the internal structures against damage.

• Cell Membrane: Regulates entry and exit of materials
• Nucleus: Contains genetic material and controls cell activities
• Cytoplasm: Provides a medium for chemical processes