Introduction

Eukaryotic cells are extremely diverse in structure and function.  In all eukaryotes, the cytoplasm contains a variety of small, membrane-enclosed functional units called ‘organelles’.  Although there are many different types of eukaryotic cells found in nature, the most familiar to us are those found in animals and plants.

The following video explains the three main differences between plant and animal cells.

Summary

Eukaryotic cells are structurally diverse due to the presence of membrane bound subunits called organelles.

Key characteristics:

• Larger, more complex cells
• Found in all animals, plants, fungi and protists.
• Named due to presence of membrane-enclosed nucleus which houses the cell’s genetic information (DNA)
• Nucleus = from Greek terms ‘eu’ (true/well) and ‘karyon’ (nut/kernel)

Plant and animal cells share many characteristics such as:

• Presence of a nucleus that stores DNA/Genetic Information
• Surrounded by protective plasma membrane.
• Presence of membrane-bound units called organelles.

In addition, plant cells are distinct from animal cells in that they contain:

• Cell Walls – strong, structural elements comprised of the polysaccharide cellulose.  Provide structure and protection for the plant cell.
• Central Vacuole – a membrane-enclosed organelle which stores water, nutrients, and waste substances.  The central vacuole regulates the water pressure inside of the cell (turgor pressure).  When dehydrated (think wilted lettuce), this pressure is reduced, and the plant cells lose overall shape and rigidity.
• Chloroplast – membrane-enclosed organelles which perform the complex chemical process called photosynthesis, which involves the capture and transformation of sunlight energy into energy-storing molecules such as glucose.  This ability is referred to as ‘autotropism.’

Sources:

“Plant Cell vs Animal Cell.” YouTube, Uploaded by 2 Minute Classroom, Nov 12, 2018. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/OssfJpkEjLk