Plants and animals differ significantly in their cellular organization and extracellular environments. Plants are composed of eukaryotic cells, while animals are composed of prokaryotic cells. Although both types of cells contain organelles, the structure and function of these organelles are different. Plants also have a much thicker cell wall than animals, which helps to protect them from environmental stresses and dehydration.
Plant Cells
Plant cells have several organelles that are distinct from those found in animal cells. These include the cell wall, plastids, chloroplasts, and vacuoles. The cell wall is a rigid structure made of cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin. It gives the plant cell its shape and helps to protect the cell from environmental damage. Plastids are organelles that are involved in the production and storage of photosynthetic pigments, while chloroplasts are specialized plastids that contain chlorophyll, which is used in photosynthesis.
Plant cells also contain large, fluid-filled vacuoles. These organelles contain enzymes that help to regulate the pH balance within the cell, as well as to store nutrients and other substances. Vacuoles also help to keep the plant cell rigid and help to protect it from environmental changes.
Animal Cells
Animal cells lack a cell wall and plastids. They have specialized organelles such as the mitochondria, nucleus, and endoplasmic reticulum. The mitochondria is an organelle that produces energy for the cell, while the nucleus is the cell’s control center and contains the genetic material. The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of tubes and sacs that are involved in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.
Animal cells also contain lysosomes, which are organelles that contain digestive enzymes. These enzymes help to break down macromolecules that enter the cell, as well as to recycle old cell components. Animal cells do not contain vacuoles, but they do contain membrane-bound vesicles, which are involved in the transport of molecules within the cell.
Extracellular Environments
Plants and animals differ significantly in their extracellular environments. Plants exist in a wet, humid atmosphere that is rich in nutrients and oxygen. This environment is necessary for the survival of the plant, as it provides the necessary nutrients and moisture for the plant’s cellular processes. Animal cells, on the other hand, exist in a dry, air-filled environment that is low in nutrients and oxygen. This environment requires the cell to continually replenish its supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Plants and animals have very different cellular organizations and extracellular environments. The differences in these areas are essential for the survival of both plants and animals, as each organism requires a unique environment in order to survive and thrive.