University:
Texas A&M University
Course:
BIOL 213 | Molecular Cell Biology
Academic year:

2020
Views:

97

Pages:

1
Author:

Kundulu8mbj

Topic: Plant vs. Animal Cells Learning Objective/Outcome: differentiate between structure and function in plant and animal cells. Keywords/Questions Notes Compare and contrast plant and animal cells. Both plant and animal cells have many similar organelles and cellular substructures such as the following: • Nucleus • Cell Membrane • Mitochondria • Cytoplasm • Smooth and Rough ER • Golgi Apparatus • Ribosomes Plant cells have a much larger central vacuole than animal cells, and have a cell wall in addition to the cell membrane. They also contain a special organelle called a chloroplast that produces energy for the cell. What is a cell wall? A tough, rigid outer covering that protects and provide shape to the cell – Plants, algae, fungi, and most bacteria What is the function of chloroplasts? Chloroplasts are energy producing organelles that are found in all plant cells and some bacteria. They contain Chlorophyll which is a green pigment which gives plants their color. Explain the function of chlorophyll. This is the site of photosynthesis which is a process in which energy from sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into food (glucose). What is a vacuole? Vacuoles are storage bubbles within a cell which may contain water, nutrients, or waste products • Plant and animal cells have vacuoles, but they are much larger in plants • May gain and lose water depending on water availability; drooping plants have lost water and the vacuoles are shrinking therefore having a lesser turgor pressure Summary Both cell types share similar function and cellular processes in order to provide energy and maintain the health of the organism; however, plant cells have a few more organelles to perform specialized functions such as autotrophic energy gain and maintenance of structure.