Plants vs. Animal Cells Mr. Ellis

Do Now  What do you think is the most important organelle? Why, please explain your answer using science!

All Cells  All cells have three basic components: Cell Membrane, Nucleus, Cytoplasm.  Animal Cells have similarities to plant cells, but are different in a few ways.  Let’s look:

Plant vs. Animal

Plant Cells  Plant cells are different from animal cells.  Plant cells contain many of the same organelles you would find in an animal cell with the exception of a few key players  (1)Cell Walls and (2)Chloroplasts are found in plant cells and not animal cells.

Cell Wall  Cell Walls are only found in plant cells.  Cell walls a rigid structures made of cellulose (basically wood).  Cell Walls perform the following: Protect the Cells Protect the Cells Give the Cells a Strong Shape Give the Cells a Strong Shape They provide support for the Cells They provide support for the Cells

Cell Walls

Chloroplast  Chloroplast is essentially what makes a plant cell a plant cell.  Chloroplasts are filled with chlorophyll.  Chlorophyll creates food from solar energy for the plants, it also give plants their usual green color.

Chloroplasts

Vacuoles  I know, animal cells have vacuoles, but they’re different between the two different cells.

Plant Vacuoles  Plant Cells have one or two LARGE vacuoles. These vacuoles many hold water for the cells.

Animal Vacuoles  Animal cell vacuoles are numerous, small, and contain water, food, and waste.

Conclusion  All cells have a cell membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm.  Plant Cells have: Chloroplasts, Cell Walls  Both Plant and Animal cells have vacuoles, however, Plant cells have VERY LARGE vacuoles, while animal cells have many small vacuoles.