S5L3. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to compare and contrast the parts of plant and animal cells.
C. Construct an explanation that differentiates between the structure of plant and animal cells.
Glossary
Organelles: structure that has one or more specific jobs to perform in the cell.
Hue: a color or shade.
DNA: a self-replicating material that is present in nearly all living organisms as the main part of chromosomes. It is the carrier of genetic information. RNA: a nucleic acid present in all living cells. Its principal role is to act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins. Nucleic acid: a complex organic substance present in living cells, especially DNA or RNA, whose molecules consist of many nucleotides linked in a long chain.
Sequester: isolate or hide away. Vesicular: having the form or structure of a vesicle.
The microorganism known as algae can be subcategorized into either being a plant or a bacteria. Likewise, living beings can be subcategorized into animals and plants, possessing animal or plant cells. These cells differ in their function and their composition, specifically concerning the consumption and production of energy. In my last upload, the difference between consumers and producers was introduced and to quickly summarize; producers are any type of organism, usually green plants, that create their own food through a process called photosynthesis and consumers are any type of organisms, usually animals, that cannot create their own food and rely on other organisms for nourishment.
Plant Cells
Plant cells are found within the basic unit of life inside the kingdom Plantae. They are eukaryotic, cells where the nucleus is encased within an envelope substance, and contain many organelles that help to convert energy. A plant’s cell wall and central vacuole helps to provide these organelles with rigidity and along with the chloroplast, is the differentiating factor between plant and animal cells. The chloroplasts carry out the process of photosynthesis, which turns water, carbon dioxide, and light energy into nutrients from which the plant can obtain energy. They are disk shaped organelles surrounded by a double membrane. The center of them is filled with a fluid known as the stoma which within, there are many structures known as thylakoids. Thylakoids have a high concentration of chlorophyll and carotenoids which are simply pigments that capture light from the Sun and are what give the plant a green hue.
Other organelles found within the cell
Nucleus: Contains the plant’s DNA.
Mitochondria: The powerhouse of the cell.
Cytosol: Water-based solution in which organelles, proteins, and other cell structures float.
Cytoskeleton: A structure that helps cells maintain their shape and internal organization. Provides mechanical support that enables cells to carry out essential functions like division and movement.
Endoplasmic reticulum: Produces proteins for the rest of the cell to function.
Peroxisome: Contain enzymes that oxidize certain molecules normally found in the cell, notably fatty acids and amino acids.
Golgi apparatus: Transports and modifies proteins in eukaryotic cells.
Amyloplast: Responsible for the storage of starch granules.
Ribosomes: The sites in a cell in which protein synthesis takes place.
Many of the listed organelles are a part of the process known as protein synthesis. This process is simply the creation of proteins within a cell that consists of two steps; transcription and translation. During transcription within the nucleus, DNA is used as a template/model to make a molecule of messenger RNA (mRNA). RNA is similar to DNA as it is a nucleic acid and once it leaves the nucleus, it goes to the ribosome where translation occurs. During translation, the genetic code, the basis of the mRNA, is read and used to make said protein. This process can be shown in a simple chain model; DNA → RNA → Protein.
Animal Cells
Animal cells are eukaryotic cells that are the basis for life in the kingdom Animalia. Animals are consumers which means they have no need to create their own energy with organelles such as chloroplasts. They also do not possess cell walls or central vacuoles as these organelles provide rigidity to the plant while animals have bones to provide support. The entirety of the cell is within the cytoplasm and binds different membrane bound organelles such as the mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. The appearance of these organelles can differ depending on the different types of cell examined as animals are multicellular beings. The most common types of cells are stem cells, muscle cells, liver cells, intestinal cells, red blood cells, and nerve cells. The function however, stays the same.
Intermediate filament: Provides mechanical support for the plasma membrane where it comes into contact with other cells or with the extracellular matrix.
Nucleolus: A region found within the cell nucleus that is concerned with producing and assembling the cell's ribosomes.
Chromatin: A substance within a chromosome consisting of DNA and protein.
Golgi vesicle: Complex molecule storage for the Golgi apparatus.
Microtubule: Helps to move vesicles, granules, organelles like mitochondria, and chromosomes via special attachment proteins.
Plasma membrane: Provides protection and a fixed environment for a cell.
Centrosome: Is a cellular structure involved in the process of cell division.
Lysosome: Is a membrane-bound cell organelle that contains digestive enzymes.
Microfilament: Assists with cell movement and are made of a protein called actin.
Vacuole: Is a membrane bound cell that helps sequester waste products.
Secretory vesicle: Is a vesicle that mediates the vesicular transport of hormones or neurotransmitters.
Plant and animal cells do share certain fundamental organelles such as the nucleus, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, peroxisome, cytoplasm, and the mitochondria.
Review Questions
Which cells contain a chloroplast, a central vacuole, and a cell wall?
Are the cells discussed in this lesson prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Define nucleus in your own words: __________________________________________
What is the difference between plant and animal cells?
What is chlorophyll?
What is the correct order of the simple model chain that takes place in protein synthesis?
DNA, Protein, RNA
RNA, DNA, Protein
DNA, RNA, Protein
Protein, RNA, DNA
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