The structure of plant and animal cells: similarities and differences

The structure of plant and animal cells is somewhat different. In this article, we will consider the main features of these structural-functional units of the body. Similarities and differences in the plant and animal cells will be disassembled.

How is the smallest unit of the body

The structure of plant and animal cells provides for the presence of three main components: membranes with supramembrane formations, cytoplasm and nucleus.

The membrane separates the contents of the cell from the external environment. It consists of two layers: phospholipid and protein. Above it are additional shells (wall or glycocalyx).

The cytoplasm consists of the hyaloplasm (liquid internal environment), inclusions (temporary formations in the form of drops or crystals of reserve nutrients) and organoids (permanent structures that perform certain functions). The latter will be discussed in more detail.

What are organelles?

The structure of plant and animal cells provides for the presence of three groups of organoids: non-membrane, single-membrane and double-membrane.

Non-membrane and single-membrane organelles are common for both plant and animal cells.

The first group includes such structures as the cellular center, ribosomes, microtubules and microfilaments. All of them fulfill their specific functions. So, the cellular center takes part in the formation of the spindle of division. Ribosomes are responsible for the translation process - the formation of a polypeptide chain from individual amino acids. Microtubules and microfilaments form a cytoskeleton that performs transport and mechanical functions.

Another similarity of plant and animal cells is that both have single-membrane organoids. These are lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complex. Endoplasmic reticulum is responsible for the synthesis of fats and carbohydrates. The Golgi complex takes part in the sorting and modification of proteins. Lysosomes contain enzymes that are essential for cellular digestion.

The structure of plant and animal cells differs, but these two cells have another common group of biocompatible organelles - this is mitochondria. It is responsible for breathing, as a result of which energy is produced.

What is the difference between the structure of plant and animal cells

First of all, these structures are distinguished by the fact that plants have a dense wall above the membrane, in animals it is absent. The cell wall of plants consists of cellulose. In animals, instead of it, a glycocalyx is located on top of the plasma membrane .

Also one of the main differences between plant and animal cells is a reserve substance. Inclusion plants mainly consist of starch, and in animals - from glycogen.

The next difference between these two types of cells is in organoids. Let us consider this point in more detail.

Organoids characteristic only of plants

In addition to those organelles, which were mentioned above, the representatives of the flora also have specific, which animals do not have.

Firstly, it's plastids. They are of three types: leukoplasts, chromoplasts and chloroplasts. In the first, nutrients are stored, mainly starch. The second contain different pigments, which give plants a certain color. For example, a large number of chromoplasts are contained in the cells of the petals. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis - the process of obtaining organic substances from inorganic using solar energy.

Another organoid, characteristic only for plant cells, is the vacuole. It contains cell sap. Vacuol is involved in the process of osmosis.