Organelles
As has already been stated, both plant and animal cells have many functions that help us carry out many of the processes that are needed for them to survive. Many of these processes are carried out with the help of organelles that are located within the cell. Both plants and animals share the majority of these organelles but each also has their own specific organelles that are needed for their particular lifestyle. Here we will be looking deeper into these similarities and differences in plant and animal organelles.
Meet the Organelles: Plants and AnimalsBoth plants and animals vary greatly in appearance and in a number of other areas but there are also a number of things that they have in common with one another. One of these areas is located within the cells in their organelles. Many of the organelles found within cells are found in both plant and animal cells but there are also a number of differences. The organelles in which plant and animal cells share include the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, nucleolus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles, and the Golgi body.
Cell Membrane The cell membrane is like our skin, it holds the cell together and is used for protection and structure. One important aspect of the cell membrane is that it allows information and substances to enter and leave it very easily. Cytoplasm The cytoplasm is where all of the organelles within the cell are contained. It surrounds all of the organelles and is a clear, jelly fluid. In this area is where much of the communication and transportation between cell organelles occurs. |
Nucleus
The nucleus is the brain of the cell, it is where the cell's activities are controlled. This is where the instructions for the cell's activities are kept and where these activities are put into action. Nucleolus The nucleolus is the inside of the nucleus where the ribosomes for the cell are made. This structure is made of chromatin which is condensed DNA. Mitochondria The mitochondria can be compared to the powerhouse of the cell. Within this organelle, energy is stored and converted to a usable form to be used by the other organelles within the cell. Golgi Body The Golgi body is like the packaging center of the cell. It takes the products that are produced from the endoplasmic reticulum and sends them to where they need to be within the cell. |
Ribosomes
Ribosomes are used to create proteins that are used in the cell's structures and functions. Ribosomes are created within the nucleolus and can be found scattered throughout the cell or attached to organelles. Endoplasmic Reticulum There are two types of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), smooth and rough. The smooth ER does not have ribosomes attached to its outer surface. The rough ER, on the other hand, has ribosomes attached to its outer surface. The job of the ER is to assist in protein production and to help in the production of many substances needed by the cell. Vacuoles Vacuoles are found in both plant and animal cell but the size varies between the two. Plant cells have large vacuoles while animal cells have much smaller ones. Even though the size may vary between the two, the function is still the same. Vacuoles are like holding tanks for the cell, holding water, food, waste products, or other essential substances. |
Meet the Organelles: Plant CellsPlant cells have organelles that are made especially for them and the way in which they live. These two organelles that are catered to plant cells are cell walls and chloroplasts.
Cell Wall The cell wall gives the plant cell protection and structure. This is mainly made of cellulose which is a naturally strong material. Even though the cell wall is strong enough to protect the cell from danger, it is still permeable enough to allow essential nutrients into the cell and to keep them within the cell. Chloroplasts Plants obtain their energy through sunlight through a process called photosynthesis, just like we obtain our energy from food. This process is made possible by the chloroplasts of the cell. They obtain the light from the sun and transform it into a form of energy the cell can use. |
Meet the Organelles: Animal CellsAnimal cells, like plant cells, have a few organelles that are specifically made for them to survive. These organelles are known as a lysosomes and the centrioles.
Lysosome The lysosome is a special type of organelle that assists in breaking down things within the cell such as food particles and old cell organelles. The lysosome contains digestive substances that help break these things down into smaller parts so that they can be used again. Centrioles Centrioles are used in cell division. They move to the ends of the cell and have spindle fibers that pull the chromosomes apart. Without these, the cell would not be able to divide its DNA into two different cells. |
Take a closer look...
Now that we have looked at the differences and similarities in the organelles of both plant and animal cells, let's take a closer look into these organelles. By following the links below, you will learn more about each organelles appearance, placement within the cell, and about its importance to the cell.