Plant Cells Function, Structure, and Types | Facts and Worksheets ... - Free Printable

Plants vs. Animals – Completed Worksheet

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#### Table: Organelles/Characteristics

| Organelles/Characteristics | Animal Cell | Plant Cell |
|-------------------------------|------------------|-----------------|
| Cell Wall | ✘ | ✔ |
| Cell Membrane | ✔ | ✔ |
| Central Vacuole | ✘ | ✔ |
| Chloroplasts | ✘ | ✔ |
| Nucleus | ✔ | ✔ |
| DNA inside the nucleus | ✔ | ✔ |
| Mitochondria | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ribosomes | ✔ | ✔ |

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How do plant cells differ from animal cells?

Plant cells and animal cells share many similarities, such as having a nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and a cell membrane. However, there are key differences that distinguish them:

1. Cell Wall: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection. Animal cells do not have a cell wall; they only have a flexible cell membrane.

2. Chloroplasts: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis (converting sunlight into energy). Animal cells lack chloroplasts because they obtain energy by consuming food.

3. Central Vacuole: Plant cells have a large central vacuole that stores water, maintains turgor pressure, and helps in waste storage. In contrast, animal cells have smaller vacuoles that are temporary and used for storage or transport.

4. Shape: Due to the cell wall, plant cells are typically rectangular or fixed in shape, while animal cells are more irregular and flexible.

5. Lysosomes: While both may have lysosomes, animal cells often have more prominent ones for breaking down waste. Plant cells use other organelles like vacuoles for this purpose.

6. Storage: Plant cells store energy as starch, while animal cells store it as glycogen.

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✔ Summary:
Plant cells are specialized for photosynthesis and structural rigidity, with features like a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. Animal cells are more flexible and adapted for movement and diverse functions, lacking these plant-specific structures but sharing core components like the nucleus and mitochondria.

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This comparison highlights how each cell type is adapted to its organism’s lifestyle—plants being autotrophs (making their own food) and animals being heterotrophs (consuming food).