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The Structure of Cells: Animals and Plants

Introduction

Cells are the basic building blocks of life. All living things, from the smallest bacteria to the largest whale, are made up of cells. There are many different types of cells, but they all share some common features.

Animal Cells

Animal cells are typically smaller than plant cells and have a more irregular shape. They do not have a cell wall or chloroplasts. Animal cells do have lysosomes, which are organelles that contain digestive enzymes.

Plant Cells

Plant cells are typically larger than animal cells and have a more regular shape. They have a cell wall, which is a rigid structure that surrounds the cell membrane. Plant cells also have chloroplasts, which are organelles that contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that absorbs sunlight and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Other Types of Cells

In addition to animal and plant cells, there are also fungi, slime molds, and protozoa. Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that are neither plant nor animal. They have cell walls, but they do not have chloroplasts. Slime molds are also eukaryotic organisms that are neither plant nor animal. They have no cell walls, and they move and feed like animals. Protozoa are eukaryotic organisms that are neither plant nor animal. They have cell walls, but they move and feed like animals.

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