How do plant and animal cell structures differ?

Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts and a large central vacuole, which are not present in animal cells.

In more detail, the primary difference between plant and animal cells lies in a few key structures that are unique to each. Plant cells are characterised by their rigid cell wall, which provides structural support and protection. This cell wall is made up of cellulose, a complex carbohydrate. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not have a cell wall, but rather a flexible cell membrane which allows for a variety of shapes.

Another significant difference is the presence of chloroplasts in plant cells. These organelles are the site of photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chloroplasts contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which gives plants their green colour. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts as they do not perform photosynthesis.

Plant cells also contain a large central vacuole, which is much larger than the small vacuoles found in animal cells. This central vacuole is filled with cell sap and helps to maintain the cell's turgor pressure, which keeps the plant rigid and upright. In contrast, animal cells have smaller vacuoles that are used for storage and transport.

Furthermore, plant cells are generally larger than animal cells. The size of a typical plant cell ranges from 10 to 100 micrometres, while animal cells are usually between 10 and 30 micrometres.

Lastly, centrioles, structures involved in cell division, are typically present in animal cells but are absent in most plant cells. This is another key difference in their cellular structure.

In summary, while plant and animal cells share many common features, they also have distinct differences, particularly in the presence or absence of the cell wall, chloroplasts, a large central vacuole, and centrioles. These differences reflect their unique roles and functions in the organism.