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The Cell - Differences between Plant and Animal Cells

Grade 6ICSE

Review the key concepts, formulae, and examples before starting your quiz.

🔑Concepts

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The Cell is the basic structural and functional unit of all living organisms.

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Plant cells possess a rigid outer layer called the Cell Wall, primarily composed of cellulose, represented by the formula (C6H10O5)n(C_{6}H_{10}O_{5})_{n}, which provides mechanical support and shape.

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Animal cells lack a cell wall and are enclosed only by a thin, delicate, and flexible cell membrane (plasma membrane).

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Plant cells contain specialized organelles called Plastids. The most important are Chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis: 6CO2+6H2O→lightC6H12O6+6O26CO_{2} + 6H_{2}O \xrightarrow{light} C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2}.

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Vacuoles in plant cells are usually large, permanent, and occupy the central part of the cell, maintaining turgor pressure. In animal cells, vacuoles are small, temporary, and used for storage or excretion.

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Centrosomes containing centrioles are present in animal cells and play a crucial role in cell division, whereas they are absent in higher plant cells.

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Storage material: Plant cells store food in the form of Starch, while animal cells store food as Glycogen.

📐Formulae

6CO2+6H2O→ChlorophyllSunlightC6H12O6+6O26CO_{2} + 6H_{2}O \xrightarrow[Chlorophyll]{Sunlight} C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2}

(C6H10O5)n (Cellulose)(C_{6}H_{10}O_{5})_{n} \text{ (Cellulose)}

C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATP (Energy)C_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2} \rightarrow 6CO_{2} + 6H_{2}O + \text{ATP (Energy)}

💡Examples

Problem 1:

A student observes a cell under a microscope and notices a large central empty-looking space and a thick outer boundary. Identify the cell type and the specific structures.

Solution:

The cell is a Plant Cell. The thick outer boundary is the Cell Wall and the large central space is the Vacuole.

Explanation:

In plant cells, the large central vacuole pushes the nucleus to the periphery, and the cell wall provides a distinct, rigid shape, unlike the irregular shape of animal cells.

Problem 2:

Which organelle is responsible for the release of energy from glucose (C6H12O6C_{6}H_{12}O_{6}) in both plant and animal cells?

Solution:

The Mitochondria.

Explanation:

Mitochondria are known as the 'Powerhouse of the cell' where aerobic respiration occurs: C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+EnergyC_{6}H_{12}O_{6} + 6O_{2} \rightarrow 6CO_{2} + 6H_{2}O + Energy.

Problem 3:

Explain why animal cells can change their shape more easily than plant cells.

Solution:

Animal cells lack a Cell Wall.

Explanation:

Plant cells are encased in a rigid wall made of (C6H10O5)n(C_{6}H_{10}O_{5})_{n}, which prevents them from changing shape. Animal cells only have a flexible cell membrane, allowing for greater fluidity and movement.

Differences between Plant and Animal Cells Revision - Class 6 Science ICSE