PLANT CELL

Cell membrane: It is the outer lining of the cell which encloses all other cell organelles. The cell
membrane also known as the plasma membrane is semipermeable. It allows only specific molecules to
pass through and blocking others.
Cell wall: The cell wall is a rigid layer that surrounds the plant cells. Plant cell walls are primarily made up
of cellulose. It is located outside the cell membrane whose main function is to provide rigidity, strength,
protection against mechanical stress and infection.
Cytoplasm: It is the fluid substance that fills the cell. All the cell organelles are suspended in the
cytoplasm. The cytoplasm maintains the osmotic concentration of the cells and prevents them from
bursting or shrinking.
Nucleus: It is a membrane bound organelle, spherical in shape. Most of the activities of the cell is
directed by the nucleus.
All the cells in an animal has one complete set of genes in its nucleus. The genetic material DNA help in
protein formation.
Nucleolus: It is darkly stained are in the nucleus, it aids in protein formation and RNA synthesis.
Nuclear membrane: It is the porous double membrane layer surrounding the nucleus. It allows passage
of substances and is a distinctive characteristic of the eukaryotic cell.

Nucleoplasm: It is the semi-fluid substance inside the nucleus, contains the genetic material and the
nucleolus.
Mitochondria: Mitochondria is one of the largest organ of the cell and is known as the 'power house of
the cell'. It is a spherical or rod shaped organelles and is enveloped by a double membrane. The
mitochondria aids in conversion of glucose to high energy molecules (ATP) for the cell.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are found on the endoplasmic reticulum. Together they help in manufacturing
proteins for the cell following instructions of the nucleus.
Lysosomes: Lysosomes are membrane bound organelles, they contain digestive enzymes. They break
down the waste products and detoxify the cell.
Centrosome: It is a small body located near the nucleus. Centrioles are made in the centrosomes.
During cell division the centromere organizes the assembly of the micro-tubules.
Endoplasmic reticulum: It is a large network of interconnecting membrane tunnels. It is composed of
both rough endoplasmic reticulum and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The rough endoplasmic reticulum
is covered with ribosomes hence appears rough. They follow the instructions from the nucleus and make
proteins the cell needs. The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is continuous with the outer nuclear
membrane. It transports material through the cell and produces and digests lipids and membrane
proteins.
Golgi apparatus: They are flattened stacks of membrane bound sacs. They function as the packaging
unit, the proteins formed by the endoplasmic reticulum are packed into small membrane sacs called
vesicles.
Vacuoles: They are organelles for storage. Small membrane bound vacuoles filled with fluids and water
are present in animals. In plant cells the vacuoles perform functions of secretion, excretion and storage.
Chloroplasts: It is an elongated or disc-shaped organelle containing chlorophyll. It is the site for
photosynthesis in a plant cell. The green pigment chlorophyll absorbs energy from sunlight.
Cytoskeleton: It is a network of fibers made up of micro-tubule and micro-filament. They maintain the
shape and gives support to the cell.
Plasmodesmata: They are microscopic channels which traverse the cell walls of plant cells and enables
transport and communication between them.
Plastids: Plastids are storage organelles. They store products like starch for synthesis of fatty acids and
terpenes.

ANIMAL CELL

Cell membrane: All cells are covered by cell membrane. It supports and protects the cell. It also controls
the movement of materials in/out of cell.
It forms a barrier between cell and its environment. Also helps maintain homeostasis.
Cell Wall: Cell wall is seen only in plant cell. It is made of cellulose. The function of the cell wall is to
support,protect and allow diffusion of gases in and out of the cell. The strength of the cell walls help the
tree to stand tall and grow against gravity.
Nucleus: It is a membrane bound organelle, spherical in shape. Most of the activities of the cell is
directed by the nucleus. It also contains the hereditary material of the cell and also helps in protein
synthesis. It is surrounded by a porous membrane the nuclear membrane which enables movement of
materials in/out of the cell.
Nucleolus: It is darkly stained are in the nucleus, it aids in protein formation and RNA synthesis.
Endoplasmic reticulum: ER is a membrane bound organelle which makes lipids and other materials. It
helps carrying materials through the cell and it aids in proteins synthesis.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are the smallest cell organelles and are most abundant. They are found in all
cells, as they synthesize proteins that are required for the survival of the cell.

Mitochondria: mitochondria is a double membrane bound organelle and has numerous folds. It is the site
of aerobic cellular respiration and breaks down sugar molecule to release energy. Most of the ATP is
made here.
Chloroplast: Chloroplasts are bound by two membranes. They are flattened structures and look like
stack of coins. It is found in plant cells and is absent in animal cells. It is the site of photosynthesis in
plants to prepare food(glucose) for the plant with the use of energy. Also helps in release of oxygen.
Golgi apparatus: The Golgi complex looks like the ER, and are located near the nucleus. Its function is
to modify proteins made by the cell and pack and export proteins to the cell parts.
Vacuole: Plant cells have large membrane bound chamber called vacuole. Its main function is storage. It
stores food, water, metabolic and toxic wastes. Also stores large amounts of food or sugars in plants.
Lysosome: These are special vesicles in animal cells, they contain enzymes. It digests old cell parts and
breaks down larger food molecules.

Plant Cell

Animal Cell

Cell Wall
Plastids
Chloroplasts

Cell wall made of cellulose is present in

almost all cells.
Plastids like leucoplasts, chloroplast and
chromoplasts are present.
Plants cells have chloroplasts to prepare
their own food.

Vacuoles

Cell sap containing vacuoles are present.

Lysosomes

Lysosomes not evident.

Nucleus

centre of the cell, nucleus may be located at

Cell wall is absent.

No plastids found.
Chloroplasts completely absent.
Vacuoles are usually absent or one
or more small vacuoles are seen.
Lysosomes occur in cytoplasm.

Due to the presence of the vacoule at the

Nucleus is usually located centrally.

the edge of the cell.

Plant cells have many simpler units of golgi

Animal cells have a single highly

complex, called dictyosomes.

elaborate golgi complex.

Present

Present

Ribosomes

Present

Present

Mitochondria

Present

Present

Centrioles

Present only in lower plant forms.

Present

Present

Present

Flagella

May be found in some cells.

May be found in some cells.

Cilia

Very rare

Present

Golgi bodies
Endoplasmic
reticulum

Microtubules/
microfilaments

Nutrition

Can prepare own food through

photosynthesis.

Cannot make their own food. They

depend directly or indirectly on
plants for their food.

Locomotion

Most plants do not exhibit movement.

Most animals exhibit locomotion

Growth and

Keep growing throughout their life and are

Growth stops after maturation, but

development

localized in the apical meristem.

body cells are replaced periodically .

Cell shape and

structure
Starch grains

Rigid, fixes rectangular shape.

Present

Lack rigidity, are round and irregular

shape.
Are not present.