What are the differences between animal cells and plant cells. What is a cell? What’s inside a cell? What are the differences between animal cells and plant cells.

What is a cell? A cell is the smallest unit that is capable of performing life functions. The cells theory states the following: All living things are made up of cells. All cells come from preexisting cells through cell division. Red Blood Cells Onion Cells Cheek (Skin) Cells

Examples of Cells Amoeba Proteus Plant Stem Bacteria Red Blood Cell Nerve Cell

What is inside a cell? Cells are made up of parts called organelles or “little organs”. The parts of a cell that we are going to discuss include: Cell Membrane Cell Wall Nucleus Cytoplasm Chloroplasts Vacuoles Mitochondria Some organelles are only found in plant cells. These include cell walls and chloroplasts. The vacuoles found in plant cells are larger.

Cell Membrane Surrounds a cell, allows certain materials to enter the cell and waste products to exit Outer membrane of cell that controls movement in and out of the cell Double layer http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html

Cell Wall Tough material surrounding the cell membrane in plant cells. Most commonly found in plant cells & bacteria Supports & protects cells http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html

Nucleus Directs cell activities Separated from cytoplasm by nuclear membrane Contains genetic material - DNA

Cytoplasm All the material of the cell between the cell membrane and the nucleus Gel-like mixture Surrounded by cell membrane Contains hereditary material

Mitochondria The cell’s power producers. Mitochondria combine oxygen and food to produce energy in the process of cellular respiration. Controls level of water and other materials in cell http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html

Vacuoles Membrane-bound sacs for storage, digestion, and waste removal Contains water solution Larger in plant cells Help plants maintain shape by storing water http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html

Chloroplast Uses the energy in sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen (a process called photosynthesis) Usually found in plant cells Contains green chlorophyll http://library.thinkquest.org/12413/structures.html

What are the differences between plant and animal cells? Plant cells are much like animal cells, except for 3 important differences. Plant cells have cell walls, which make them appear rectangular-shaped.  These structures are composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and a variety of other materials. Plant cells have chlorophyll, the light-absorbing pigment required for photosynthesis.  This pigment is contained in structures called chloroplasts, which makes plants appear green. Plants cells have a large, central vacuole.  While animal cells may have one or more small vacuoles, they do not take up the volume that the central vacuole does (up to 90% of the entire cell volume!).  The vacuole stores water and ions, and may be used for storage of toxins.

Plant Cell vs Animal Cell

What am I, plant or animal?

Plant Cell Animal Cell

Cancer cell being attacked by the immune system Pictures of cells Cancer cell being attacked by the immune system

Nerve Cells Cheek (Skin) Cells Liver Cells

A plant cell from the leaf of a poplar tree Seaweed under a microscope Plant cell with nucleus very visible

Stomach Cells Cardiac Muscle (Heart) Cells Muscle Cells Bone Cells

Very thin slice of plant skin Orchid (flower) cells Leaf Cells of Moss Cells in a plant root