What Do Plant Cells Have That Animal Cells Don't?

Plant cells and animal cells are two different types of eukaryotic cells with some commonalities and distinct differences. Each cell has distinct structures that allow it to carry out its functions. Although both animal and plant cells have some similarities, plant cells have a few unique structures that animal cells don't have. In this article, we will discuss what those structures are and how they differ from animal cells.

Cell Wall

The cell wall is a rigid layer surrounding the cell membrane that provides structure and support for the cell. Plant cells have a cell wall made of cellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate. Animal cells do not have a cell wall, and their structure is supported by the cytoskeleton.

Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts are organelles in plant cells responsible for photosynthesis. They contain a green pigment called chlorophyll that absorbs light energy to produce glucose. Chloroplasts are not found in animal cells. This is why animals and humans have to consume plants or other animals to obtain glucose.

Vacuoles

Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. The vacuole is surrounded by a membrane called the tonoplast, which regulates what enters and leaves the vacuole. Animal cells have small vacuoles, and they're mainly used for storage of smaller molecules.

Conclusion

In conclusion, plant cells and animal cells have some similarities in their structures, including the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and endoplasmic reticulum. However, plant cells have unique structures that animal cells don't have, including the cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles. These structures allow plants to carry out essential functions such as photosynthesis and maintaining their form and structure. Understanding the differences between these two types of cells can help us understand the biology of living organisms on our planet.