Similarities Between Plant and Animal Cells

Science is fascinating and fun! Science is a great way of discovering what the universe is made of and how things work around us. Science allows us to understand stuffs that are beyond our level of understanding, like for example, cells. Every living organism on Earth is made up of cells. Plants and animals are all made of cells. You need a microscope to view the cells.

No doubt you can tell the difference between a plant and an animal simply by looking at them. But, can you tell the difference between plant and animals cells? Structurally, they are very similar and there are many common features that make it impossible to tell them apart. Let’s talk about the similarities between plant and animals cells.

Plant Cells

Plant cells are the basic unit of all plants, like the structural and functional unit of plants. Plant cells are basically eukaryotic cells and they are enclosed by a plasma membrane and other membrane-bound organelles. The organelles are small, organ-like parts that carry out the vital functions necessary for the survival of plants. 

The four main types of plant cells are –

1. Parenchyma – It is one of three kinds of ground tissue that is used by plants for storage and photosynthesis.
2. Collenchyma – It is a supporting tissue that protects the plant against mechanical injury and acts as a sheath to regulate water flow.
3. Chlorenchyma – It is a specialized parenchyma cells type that is responsible for storing chlorophyll, which is later used in photosynthesis.
4. Sclerenchyma – It is composed of dead cells when matured and serves as a structural support in plants. It provides strength to the plants.

Animal Cells

Like plant cells, animal cells are eukaryotic cells that lack a cell wall and have a true membrane-bound nucleus. Each animal cell works 24 hours and 7 days a week. They are responsible for all the life processes that keep the animals alive and healthy. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts. The nucleus is present and lies in the center of the cell. Animal cells are divided into sections, each of which contains a variety of specialized organelles that aid in the performance of various bodily functions.

Similarities between Plant and Animal Cells

Plant and animal cells share numerous fundamental characteristics that include:

1. Plasma Membrane – Plant and animal cells both are eukaryotic cells and share several features, such as the presence of a cell membrane, also called the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane surrounds the cells and aids in the movement of molecules in and out of the cell.
2. Cytoplasm – Both plant and animal cells have a gel-like substance called cytoplasm, which is composed of water, salts, and other organic molecules. It carries out functions like cell expansion, growth, and replication.
3. Nucleus – It is an important component of the living cell that contains the genetic material of the cell in the form of DNA. Its main function is to store the DNA of the cell and provide instructions for how to make proteins for the cell.
4. Mitochondria – These are membrane-bound cell organelles that produce energy for the cell via cellular respiration and serves as power generators in animal cells. Mitochondria are found in both animal and plant cells.
5. Endoplasmic Reticulum – It is a network of membranes that aids in the production and secretion of steroid hormones, and is responsible for the synthesis of essential lipids such as phospholipids and cholesterol. It basically produces proteins for the rest of the cell to function.
6. Golgi Apparatus – It is an organelle found in most eukaryotic cells and its main function is to modify, sort, and package proteins and lipids for transport to other parts of the cell or outside of the cell. It is found in both plant and animal cells.
7. Cytoskeleton – It is a dynamic network of proteins inside cells that helps the cell maintain its shape and supports cellular processes like cell division and movement. It enables movement of cytoplasm and vesicles within the cell. Animal and plant cells both have a cytoskeleton.

Summary

Structurally, plant and animal cells are very similar and there are many common features that make it impossible to tell them apart. While plant and animal cells differ in many ways, they share many fundamental characteristics. For one, they both contain the nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and cytoskeleton. Animal cells, however, lack a cell wall and chloroplasts, things which are unique to plant cells.

FAQs

What are the 6 differences between plant cell and animal cell?

How do plant and animal cells compare in terms of similarities?

Plant and animal cells both are eukaryotic cells that contain the nucleus, mitochondria, cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and cytoskeleton. Both have DNA as their genetic material.

What are 5 similarities between eukaryotes and prokaryotes?

1. Both have DNA that serves as the genetic material.
2. Cell membranes enclose the cytoplasm in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes.
3. Both have ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis.
4. Both perform basic cellular processes such as metabolism and respiration.
5. Both can reproduce, but the mechanisms are different. Prokaryotes use binary fission, whereas eukaryotes use mitosis.

What do plant and animal cells have in common?

1. Both have a plasma membrane that controls what goes in and out of the cell.
2. Both have cytoplasm, which houses various organelles and serves as the site of cellular processes.
3. Both have mitochondria, which aids in cellular respiration and energy production.
4. Both have ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis.

What is the best explanation about plant and animal cells?

Like plant cells, animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a true membrane-bound nucleus, but the former has a rigid cell wall whereas a cell wall is absent in animal cells. Additionally, plant cells have chloroplasts, which are organelles that contain chlorophyll, while chloroplast is absent in animal cells.

What are 10 similarities between plant and animal cells?

1. Plant and animal cells both are eukaryotic cells.
2. Both have a plasma membrane.
3. Both have cytoplasm.
4. Both have mitochondria.
5. Both have endoplasmic reticulum.
6. Both have Golgi apparatus.
7. Both contain DNA.
8. Lysosomes are present in both.
9.   Both have ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis.
10. Both can go through mitosis and produce daughter cells with the same genetic information.

Do plant cells have DNA?

Yes. Plant cells, like animal cells and all other types of cells, have DNA as their genetic material.