This lesson is a set of 10 slides demonstrating the cell membrane of an animal cell and the cell wall of a plant cell. It includes cheek lining cells, onion skin cells, spirogyra cell, amoeba, green leaf cells, wood cells, bone cells, brain cells. Teacher's guide included.
Microslide: Viewer is not included..order separately
Plant cells and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, but there are some key differences between the two. Here's a comparison of plant and animal cells:
Cell Wall:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells have a rigid cell wall composed primarily of cellulose. The cell wall provides structural support and protection.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells lack a cell wall. Instead, they are surrounded by a flexible plasma membrane.
- Chloroplasts:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis, the process of converting sunlight into energy.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts. They are incapable of photosynthesis.
- Vacuole:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells typically have a large central vacuole that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. It also plays a role in maintaining turgor pressure.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells have smaller and sometimes multiple vacuoles, which are primarily involved in storage and transport of substances.
- Lysosomes:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells may have lysosomes, but they are less common. Lysosomes contain enzymes for digestion and waste removal.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells commonly contain lysosomes, which are essential for intracellular digestion and recycling.
- Centrioles:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells lack centrioles, which are involved in cell division (mitosis and meiosis) and the organization of microtubules during cell division.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells have centrioles, which are essential for the formation of the spindle fibers during cell division.
- Shape:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells often have a more regular and rectangular shape due to the rigid cell wall.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells have a more varied and irregular shape.
- Mobility:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells are generally stationary and do not exhibit mobility.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells are often mobile, and they can move and change shape.
- Energy Storage:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells store excess energy in the form of starch.
- Animal Cell: Animal cells store excess energy in the form of glycogen.
- Cilia and Flagella:
- Plant Cell: Plant cells do not have cilia or flagella.
- Animal Cell: Some animal cells, such as those in the respiratory tract, may have cilia for movement, and sperm cells have flagella for propulsion.