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This is an interactive for plant and animal cells.

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Plant and Animal Cell Organelles

Eukaryotes (protozoa, plants and animals) have highly-structured cells. These cells tend to be larger than the cells of bacteria, and have developed specialized packaging and transport mechanisms that may be necessary to support their larger size. Use the following interactive animation of plant and animal cells to learn about their respective organelles.

Nucleus: The nucleus is the most obvious organelle in any eukaryotic cell. It is enclosed in a double membrane and communicates with the surrounding cytosol via numerous nuclear pores. Within each nucleus is nuclear chromatin that contains the organism's genome. The chromatin is efficiently packaged within the small nuclear space. Genes within the chromatin are made of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA stores the organism's entire encoded genetic information. The DNA is similar in every cell of the body, but depending on the specific cell type, some genes may be turned on or off - that's why a liver cell is different from a muscle cell, and a muscle cell is different from a fat cell. When a cell is dividing, the nuclear chromatin (DNA and surrounding protein) condenses into chromosomes that are easily seen by microscopy. For a deeper understanding of genetics, visit our companion site, GeneTiCs Alive!

Nucleolus: The prominent structure in the nucleus is the nucleolus. The nucleolus produces ribosomes, which move out of the nucleus and take positions on the rough endoplasmic reticulum where they are critical in protein synthesis.

Cytosol: The cytosol is the "soup" within which all the other cell organelles reside and where most of the cellular metabolism occurs. Though mostly water, the cytosol is full of proteins that control cell metabolism including signal transduction pathways, glycolysis, intracellular receptors, and transcription factors.

Cytoplasm: This is a collective term for the cytosol plus the organelles suspended within the cytosol.

Centrosome: The centrosome, or MICROTUBULE ORGANIZING CENTER (MTOC), is an area in the cell where microtubules are produced. Plant and animal cell centrosomes play similar roles in cell division, and both include collections of microtubules, but the plant cell centrosome is simpler and does not have centrioles.

During animal cell division, the centrioles replicate (make new copies) and the centrosome divides. The result is two centrosomes, each with its own pair of centrioles. The two centrosomes move to opposite ends of the nucleus, and from each centrosome, microtubules grow into a "spindle" which is responsible for separating replicated chromosomes into the two daughter cells.

Centriole (animal cells only): Each centriole is a ring of nine groups of fused microtubules. There are three microtubules in each group. Microtubules (and centrioles) are part of the cytoskeleton. In the complete animal cell centrosome, the two centrioles are arranged such that one is perpendicular to the other.

Golgi: The Golgi apparatus is a membrane-bound structure with a single membrane. It is actually a stack of membrane-bound vesicles that are important in packaging macromolecules for transport elsewhere in the cell. The stack of larger vesicles is surrounded by numerous smaller vesicles containing those packaged macromolecules. The enzymatic or hormonal contents of lysosomes, peroxisomes and secretory vesicles are packaged in membrane-bound vesicles at the periphery of the Golgi apparatus.

Lysosome: Lysosomes contain hydrolytic enzymes necessary for intracellular digestion. They are common in animal cells, but rare in plant cells. Hydrolytic enzymes of plant cells are more often found in the vacuole.

Peroxisome: Peroxisomes are membrane-bound packets of oxidative enzymes. In plant cells, peroxisomes play a variety of roles including converting fatty acids to sugar and assisting chloroplasts in photorespiration. In animal cells, peroxisomes protect the cell from its own production of toxic hydrogen peroxide. As an example, white blood cells produce hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria. The oxidative enzymes in peroxisomes break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Secretory Vesicle: Cell secretions - e.g. hormones, neurotransmitters - are packaged in secretory vesicles at the Golgi apparatus. The secretory vesicles are then transported to the cell surface for release.

Cell Membrane: Every cell is enclosed in a membrane, a double layer of phospholipids (lipid bilayer). The exposed heads of the bilayer are "hydrophilic" (water loving), meaning that they are compatible with water both within the cytosol and outside of the cell. However, the hidden tails of the phosopholipids are "hydrophobic" (water fearing), so the cell membrane acts as a protective barrier to the uncontrolled flow of water. The membrane is made more complex by the presence of numerous proteins that are crucial to cell activity. These proteins include receptors for odors, tastes and hormones, as well as pores responsible for the controlled entry and exit of ions like sodium (Na+) potassium (K+), calcium (Ca++) and chloride (Cl-).

Mitochondria: Mitochondria provide the energy a cell needs to move, divide, produce secretory products, contract - in short, they are the power centers of the cell. They are about the size of bacteria but may have different shapes depending on the cell type. Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles, and like the nucleus have a double membrane. The outer membrane is fairly smooth. But the inner membrane is highly convoluted, forming folds (cristae) when viewed in cross-section. The cristae greatly increase the inner membrane's surface area. It is on these cristae that food (sugar) is combined with oxygen to produce ATP - the primary energy source for the cell.

Vacuole: A vacuole is a membrane-bound sac that plays roles in intracellular digestion and the release of cellular waste products. In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small. Vacuoles tend to be large in plant cells and play several roles: storing nutrients and waste products, helping increase cell size during growth, and even acting much like lysosomes of animal cells. The plant cell vacuole also regulates turgor pressure in the cell. Water collects in cell vacuoles, pressing outward against the cell wall and producing rigidity in the plant. Without sufficient water, turgor pressure drops and the plant wilts.

Cell Wall (plant cells only): Plant cells have a rigid, protective cell wall made up of polysaccharides. In higher plant cells, that polysaccharide is usually cellulose. The cell wall provides and maintains the shape of these cells and serves as a protective barrier. Fluid collects in the plant cell vacuole and pushes out against the cell wall. This turgor pressure is responsible for the crispness of fresh vegetables.

Chloroplast (plant cells only): Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in all higher plant cells. These organelles contain the plant cell's chlorophyll responsible for the plant's green color and the ability to absorb energy from sunlight. This energy is used to convert water plus atmospheric carbon dioxide into metabolizable sugars by the biochemical process of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts have a double outer membrane. Within the stroma are other membrane structures - the thylakoids. Thylakoids appear in stacks called "grana" (singular = granum). Estrella Moumtain Community College provides a good source of information on photosynthesis.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum: Throughout the eukaryotic cell, especially those responsible for the production of hormones and other secretory products, is a vast network of membrane-bound vesicles and tubules called the endoplasmic reticulum, or ER for short. The ER is a continuation of the outer nuclear membrane and its varied functions suggest the complexity of the eukaryotic cell.
The smooth endoplasmic reticulum is so named because it appears smooth by electron microscopy. Smooth ER plays different functions depending on the specific cell type including lipid and steroid hormone synthesis, breakdown of lipid-soluble toxins in liver cells, and control of calcium release in muscle cell contraction.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum: Rough endoplasmic reticulum appears "pebbled" by electron microscopy due to the presence of numerous ribosomes on its surface. Proteins synthesized on these ribosomes collect in the endoplasmic reticulum for transport throughout the cell.

Ribosomes: Ribosomes are packets of RNA and protein that play a crucial role in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They are the site of protein synthesis. Each ribosome comprises two parts, a large subunit and a small subunit. Messenger RNA from the cell nucleus is moved systematically along the ribosome where transfer RNA adds individual amino acid molecules to the lengthening protein chain.

Cytoskeleton: As its name implies, the cytoskeleton helps to maintain cell shape. But the primary importance of the cytoskeleton is in cell motility. The internal movement of cell organelles, as well as cell locomotion and muscle fiber contraction could not take place without the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is an organized network of three primary protein filaments:

microtubules

actin filaments (microfilaments)

intermediate fibers

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This exploration of plant and animal cell organelles and cell structure is presented in a mobile-friendly interactive model with detailed descriptive text.

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Overview of animal and plant cells (video) | Khan Academy

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Learn for free about math, art, computer programming, economics, physics, chemistry, biology, medicine, finance, history, and more. Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.

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This diagram is of plant and animal cells.

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLANT AND ANIMAL CELL

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This is a video explaining plant and animal cells with their parts and functions.

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5th Grade - GA Science - Plant and Animal Cells - Topic Overview

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This is a diagram of a plant cell and the parts broken down by function.

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Eukaryotic cells found in plants differ significantly from those seen in other eukaryotic organisms in a number of significant ways. Animal and plant cells both have a nucleus and comparable organelles. The existence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a plant cell. Comparatively larger and rectangular than the animal cell is the plant cell. Despite the fact that both plant and animal cells are eukaryotic and share several cell organelles, plant cells are very different from animal cells in that they serve diverse purposes. When the cells are analyzed using an electron microscope, some of these variations may be clearly understood.

Structure

The structure of a plant cell is made up of several parts known as cell organelles that serve the cell's various needs for survival. Among these organelles are:

Cell Wall

The polysaccharides cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose make up this hard layer. Outside the cell membrane is where it is found. Additionally, it contains polymers like lignin, cutin, and suberin as well as glycoproteins. The protection and support of the cell are the main purposes of the cell wall. The plant cell wall also helps provide the cell form and structure while defending it from mechanical stress. Additionally, it filters molecules that enter and exit the system. Microtubules direct the cell wall's development. It has three layers: a middle lamella, a secondary lamella, and a primary lamella. Enzymes lay down cellulose to create the main cell wall.

Cell Membrane

The cell wall contains a membrane that is semi-permeable. A thin coating of protein and fat makes up its structure. The cell membrane is crucial in controlling how certain molecules enter and leave the cell. For instance, the cell membrane transports nutrition and vital minerals while preventing the entry of contaminants.

Nucleus

Only eukaryotic cells have a nucleus, a structure that is membrane-bound. A nucleus's essential job is to store the DNA or genetic material needed for cell division, metabolism, and growth.

1. Nucleolus: It creates the ribosomes and protein-producing components of cells.

2. Nucleopore: Nucleopores, which are gaps in the nuclear membrane that allow proteins and nucleic acids to flow through, are present.

Plastids

Plastids are DNA-containing membrane-bound organelles. In order to perform photosynthesis and store starch, they are required. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of several compounds, which serve as cellular building blocks. Following is a list of some important plastid kinds and their roles:

1. Leucoplasts: They are located in plants' non-photosynthetic tissue. They are employed for carbohydrate, fat, and protein storage.

2. Chloroplasts: It is an extended organelle with a phospholipid membrane surrounding it. The fluid contained within the disc-shaped chloroplast, known as the stroma, contains circular DNA. Chlorophyll, a pigment with a green hue needed for photosynthesis, is found in every chloroplast. The sun's light energy is captured by chlorophyll, which is then used to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose.

3. Chromoplasts: They are a type of colored, heterogeneous plastid that produces and stores pigment in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Red, orange, and yellow pigments found in chromoplasts give all ripe fruits and flowers their color.

Central Vacuole

In an adult plant cell, it takes up around 30% of the total volume. A membrane called the tonoplast encircles the core vacuole. Aside from storage, the central vacuole's essential job is to maintain turgor pressure on the cell wall. Cell sap fills the central vacuole of the body. Salts, enzymes, and other compounds are mixed in with it.

Golgi Apparatus

They are present in all eukaryotic cells and are responsible for dispersing synthesized macromolecules to different cell regions. The Golgi body is made up of five to eight cisternae, or cup-shaped series of compartments. The Golgi apparatus is made up of layered pouches that are flattened and disk-shaped. Typically, a Golgi stack has between 4 and 8 cisternae. However, some protists have up to 60 cisterns. There are 40 to 100 stacks of cisternae in a mammalian cell.

Ribosomes

They are the tiniest membrane-bound organelles that contain both protein and RNA. They are also known as the cell's protein factories since they serve as the locations for protein synthesis. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, which are specialized cell organelles. Ribosomes are essential for the creation of proteins in every live cell. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that this cell organelle binds to carries information that is decoded by the mRNA's nucleotide sequence. They enter the ribosome at the acceptor site and transfer RNAs (tRNAs) that contain amino acids. Once it is attached, it continues to add amino acids to the tRNA's expanding protein chain.

Mitochondria

All eukaryotic cells have these double-membraned organelles in their cytoplasm. Because they produce energy by dissolving sugar and carbohydrate molecules, mitochondria are also known as the "Powerhouse of the Cell." They are crucial in the breakdown of nutrients and the production of molecules that are high in energy for the cell. The mitochondria are the sites of many metabolic processes involved in cellular respiration.

Lysosome

Because they contain digestive enzymes in a membrane-enclosed structure, lysosomes are often known as "suicidal bags." By breaking down stale food, foreign objects, and worn-out organelles inside the cell, they carry out the task of disposing of cellular waste. The vacuoles play the lysosomes' function in plants.

Plant Cell Types

A mature and higher plant develops specialized cells that carry out specific crucial tasks that are necessary for their existence. A small number of plant cells are responsible for transporting nutrients and water, while others are responsible for storing food. Included among the specialized plant cells are parenchyma, sclerenchyma, collenchyma, xylem, and phloem cells. Here are a few examples of the various plant cell types:

1. Collenchyma Cells: When a plant's growth is constrained due to a lack of a hardening agent in the major walls, these hard or rigid cells perform a crucial role in supporting the plant.

2. Sclerenchyma Cells: Due to the presence of a hardening chemical, these cells are more rigid than collenchyma cells. These cells are typically present in all plant roots and serve mostly to support the plants.

3. Parenchyma Cells: In all plants, parenchyma cells perform a crucial role. They are the plant's live cells, and they play a role in the development of leaves. Additionally, they have a role in the metabolism of cells, food generation, storage of organic materials, and gas exchange. Because they are thinner than other cells, these cells are usually more flexible.

4. Xylem Cells: In vascular plants, the transport cells are called xylem cells. They aid in moving minerals and water from the roots of the plant to the leaves and other regions.

5. Phloem Cells: Other transport cells in vascular plants are called phloem cells. They move the food that the leaves have prepared to other plant components.

FAQs on Plant Cells
Question 1: What are the different types of plant cells? Answer:

Plant cells can be classified as collenchyma, sclerenchyma, parenchyma, xylem, or phloem.

Question 2: Which organelles are found only in plant cells? Answer:

The chloroplast, cell wall, plastids, and a sizable central vacuole are the organelles that are exclusive to plant cells. The green pigment chlorophyll, which is found in the chloroplasts, is what causes photosynthesis to occur.

Question 3: What is the composition of a plant cell wall? Answer:

A plant's cell wall is composed of cellulose. A long, linear polymer of many glucose molecules is called cellulose.

Question 4: Where does photosynthesis occur in plant cells? Answer:

Inside the chloroplast of the plant cells, photosynthesis takes place. Chlorophyll, a green pigment, makes up chloroplast. The thylakoids of the chloroplast, which contain the pigment chlorophyll, are where the light reactions take place.

Question 5: Why are plant cells generally larger in size compared to animal cells? Answer:

A sizable central vacuole makes up the majority of the volume of plant cells, making them larger overall. Animal cells typically lack this vacuole.

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Plant Cells - Overview, Structure, Functions And Types

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Eukaryotic cells found in plants differ significantly from those seen in other eukaryotic organisms in a number of significant ways. Animal and plant cells both have a nucleus and comparable organelles. The existence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a plant cell.

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This is a diagram of an animal Cell, and its parts and functions.

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A form of eukaryotic cell known as an animal cell lacks a cell wall and has a genuine nucleus that is membrane-bound in addition to other cellular organelles. Animal cells can be as little as a few microns or as large as a few millimeters. The ostrich egg, which can measure more than 5.1 inches across and weighs over 1.4 kilos, is the largest known animal cell. The average neuron in the human body is only 100 microns across, which is a stark contrast to this.

Animal cells can also vary in shape; some are flat, while others are oval or rod-shaped. Intriguing shapes including curved, spherical, concave, and rectangular are also available. Only a microscope can view the majority of the cells because of their minuscule size. Animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a membrane-bound nucleus, as was previously mentioned. Additionally, the nucleus of these cells shows evidence of DNA. They also include other cellular structures and membrane-bound organelles that perform specialized tasks required for a cell to operate effectively.

Animal Cell Structure

In general, animal cells are smaller than plant cells. Its uneven form is another distinguishing feature. This results from the lack of a cell wall. However, because both plant and animal cells descended from eukaryotic cells, they share some cellular organelles. The following cell organelles make up a normal animal cell:

1. Nuclear Membrane: Around the nucleus lies a double-membrane structure. The nuclear envelope is another name for it.

2. Centrosome: It is a tiny organelle that can be found close to the nucleus. Its dense center is surrounded by radiating tubules. Microtubules are created at the centrosomes.

3. Endoplasmic Reticulum: This cellular organelle is made up of a nucleus-derived thin, spiraling network of membranous sacs.

4. Vacuole: A cell's internal organelle with a membrane that helps the cell keep its shape and store things like food, water, waste, and other things.

5. Nucleopore: The passage of nucleic acids and proteins through the nuclear membrane is facilitated by these microscopic perforations in the membrane.

Animal Cell Types

Animal cells come in many different varieties, each with a purpose-specific function. The most typical animal cell types are:

1. Skin Cells: Any of the four major cell types that make up the epidermis may be referred to as "skin cells." These are the Langerhans cells, Merkel cells, keratinocytes, and melanocytes. The general structure and function of the skin are influenced by the specific functions played by each type of skin cell.

2. Muscle Cells: Since cardiac muscle cells and smooth muscle cells are both tiny cells, a muscle cell is also referred to as a myocyte.

3. Fat Cells: Adipose tissue is mostly made up of fat cells, which are adept at storing energy as fat.

FAQs on Animal Cells
Question 1: What is an animal cell?
Answer:

Animal tissues only contain a certain sort of cell known as an animal cell. It is distinguished by having cell organelles that are encapsulated inside the cell membrane but without a cell wall.

Question 2: Identify the cell organelle that houses the cell's genetic makeup. Answer:

Nucleus- contain all the genetic information of the cell

Question 3: Which cellular organelle produces the energy needed for cellular activities? Answer:

Mitochondria-it produce ATP which is the energy currency of the cell, due to this mitochondria are also known as the Powerhouse of the cell

Question 4: Identify the two-layered membrane that encases the nucleus. Answer:

Nuclear envelope

Question 5: What are fat cells? Answer:

Adipose tissue is mostly made up of fat cells, which are adept at storing energy as fat.

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Animal Cell - Structure, Types, Functions, Examples and FAQs

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A form of eukaryotic cell known as an animal cell lacks a cell wall and has a genuine nucleus that is membrane-bound in addition to other cellular organelles. Animal cells can be as little as a few microns or as large as a few millimeters.