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Cells

Plant Cells - Definition, Diagram, Structure & Function

The cell is the basic unit of life in all organisms. Like humans and animals, plants are also
composed of several cells. The plant cell is surrounded by a cell wall which is involved in
providing shape to the plant cell. Apart from the cell wall, there are other organelles that are
associated with different cellular activities.

Let us have a detailed look at the plant cell, its structure, and the functions of different plant cell
organelles.

Plant Cell Definition

“Plant cells are eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus along with specialized structures called
organelles that carry out certain specific functions.”

Table of Contents

What is a Plant Cell?

Plant Cell Diagram
Plant Cell Structure
Plant Cell Types
Plant Cell Functions
What is a Plant Cell?
Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic
organisms. Both plant and animal cells contain a nucleus along with similar organelles. One of
the distinctive aspects of a plant cell is the presence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane.

Read more: Cells

Plant Cell Diagram

The plant cell is rectangular and comparatively larger than the animal cell. Even though plant
and animal cells are eukaryotic and share a few cell organelles, plant cells are quite distinct
when compared to animal cells as they perform different functions. Some of these differences
can be clearly understood when the cells are examined under an electron microscope.

Also Read: Cellulose in Digestion

Plant Cell Structure

Just like different organs within the body, plant cell structure includes various components
known as cell organelles that perform different functions to sustain itself. These organelles
include:

Cell Wall
It is a rigid layer which is composed of polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and hemicellulose. It is
located outside the cell membrane. It also comprises glycoproteins and polymers such as lignin,
cutin, or suberin.

The primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The
plant cell wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and providing form
and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of it.

The formation of the cell wall is guided by microtubules. It consists of three layers, namely,
primary, secondary and the middle lamella. The primary cell wall is formed by cellulose laid
down by enzymes.

Also Read: Cell Wall

Cell membrane

It is the semi-permeable membrane that is present within the cell wall. It is composed of a thin
layer of protein and fat.

The cell membrane plays an important role in regulating the entry and exit of specific
substances within the cell.

For instance, cell membrane keeps toxins from entering inside, while nutrients and essential
minerals are transported across.

Also Read: Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

Nucleus

The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital
function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division,
metabolism and growth.

Nucleolus: It manufactures cells’ protein-producing structures and ribosomes.

Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allow proteins
and nucleic acids to pass through.
Explore more: The Nucleus

Plastids

They are membrane-bound organelles that have their own DNA. They are necessary to store
starch and to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It is also used in the synthesis of many
molecules, which form the building blocks of the cell. Some of the vital types of plastids and
their functions are stated below:
Leucoplasts

They are found in the non-photosynthetic tissue of plants. They are used for the storage of
protein, lipid and starch.

Chloroplasts

It is an elongated organelle enclosed by phospholipid membrane. The chloroplast is shaped like

a disc and the stroma is the fluid within the chloroplast that comprises a circular DNA. Each
chloroplast contains a green coloured pigment called chlorophyll required for the process of
photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform
carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Also Read: Chloroplasts

Chloroplasts
Chromoplasts

They are heterogeneous, coloured plastid which is responsible for pigment synthesis and for
storage in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Chromoplasts have red, orange and yellow
coloured pigments which provide colour to all ripe fruits and flowers.

Central Vacuole

It occupies around 30% of the cell’s volume in a mature plant cell. Tonoplast is a membrane that
surrounds the central vacuole. The vital function of the central vacuole apart from storage is to
sustain turgor pressure against the cell wall. The central vacuole consists of cell sap. It is a
mixture of salts, enzymes and other substances.

Also read: Vacuoles

Golgi Apparatus

They are found in all eukaryotic cells, which are involved in distributing synthesised
macromolecules to various parts of the cell.

Explore more: Golgi Apparatus

Ribosomes

They are the smallest membrane-bound organelles which comprise RNA and protein. They are
the sites for protein synthesis, hence, also referred to as the protein factories of the cell.

Explore more: Ribosomes

Mitochondria

They are the double-membraned organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They
provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate and sugar molecules, hence they are also
referred to as the “Powerhouse of the cell.”

Explore more: Mitochondria

Lysosome
Lysosomes are called suicidal bags as they hold digestive enzymes in an enclosed membrane.
They perform the function of cellular waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food
particles and foreign bodies in the cell. In plants, the role of lysosomes is undertaken by the
vacuoles.

Also read: Lysosomes

Plant Cell Types

Cells of a matured and higher plant become specialised to perform certain vital functions that
are essential for their survival. Few plant cells are involved in the transportation of nutrients and
water, while others for storing food.

The specialised plant cells include parenchyma cells, sclerenchyma cells, collenchyma cells,
xylem cells and phloem cells.

Following are some of the different types of plant cells:

Collenchyma Cells

They are hard or rigid cells, which play a primary role in providing support to the plants when
there is restraining growth in a plant due to lack of hardening agent in primary walls.

Sclerenchyma Cells

These cells are more rigid compared to collenchyma cells and this is because of the presence
of a hardening agent. These cells are usually found in all plant roots and mainly involved in
providing support to the plants.

Parenchyma Cells

Parenchyma cells play a significant role in all plants. They are the living cells of plants, which
are involved in the production of leaves. They are also involved in the exchange of gases,
production of food, storage of organic products and cell metabolism. These cells are typically
more flexible than others because they are thinner.

Xylem Cells

Xylem cells are the transport cells in vascular plants. They help in the transport of water and
minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plants.

Phloem Cells
Phloem cells are other transport cells in vascular plants. They transport food prepared by the
leaves to different parts of the plants.

Refer more: Plant Tissue System

Plant Cell Functions

Plant cells are the building blocks of plants. Photosynthesis is the major function performed by
plant cells.

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of the plant cell. It is the process of preparing food by
the plants, by utilising sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Energy is produced in the form of ATP
in the process.

A few plant cells help in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots and leaves to
different parts of the plants.

To more about a plant cell, its definition, structure, diagram, types and functions, keep visiting
BYJU’S Biology website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1
What is a plant cell?

A plant cell is a eukaryotic cell that contains a true nucleus and certain organelles to perform
specific functions. However, some of the organelles present in plant cells are different from other
eukaryotic cells.
Q2
What are the different types of plant cells?

The different types of plant cells include- collenchyma, sclerenchyma, parenchyma, xylem and
phloem.
Q3
Which organelles are found only in plant cells?

The organelles found only in plant cells include- chloroplast, cell wall, plastids, and a large
central vacuole. The chloroplasts contain a green pigment chlorophyll that is responsible for the
process of photosynthesis.
Q4
What is the composition of a plant cell wall?

The cell wall of a plant is made up of cellulose. Cellulose is a long, linear polymer of several
glucose molecules.
Q5
Where does photosynthesis occur in plant cells?

Photosynthesis occurs inside the chloroplast of the plant cells. Chloroplast consists of a green
pigment called chlorophyll. The light reactions occur within the thylakoids of the chloroplast
where the chlorophyll pigment is found.

Animal Cell
We are aware of the fact that the cell is the structural and fundamental unit of life. It is also the
smallest and the most basic biological unit of living organisms. On the basis of the cellular
organization, cells are further classified as eukaryotic and prokaryotic. Plant cells and animal
cells fall under the eukaryotic category.

Table of Contents

Definition
Explanation
Diagram
Structure
Types
Conclusion
Let us have a detailed overview of the animal cell, its types, diagram and structure.

Animal Cell Definition

Animal Cell Definition

“An animal cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that lacks a cell wall and has a true, membrane-bound
nucleus along with other cellular organelles.”
Explanation
Animal cells range in size from a few microscopic microns to a few millimetres. The largest
known animal cell is the ostrich egg, which can stretch over 5.1 inches across and weighs about
1.4 kilograms. This is in stark contrast to the neuron in the human body, which is just 100
microns across.

The shape of animal cells also varies, with some being flat, others oval or rod-shaped. There
are also more intriguing shapes such as curved, spherical, concave and rectangular. Most of the
cells are microscopic in size and can only be seen under the microscope.
As stated before, animal cells are eukaryotic cells with a membrane-bound nucleus.
Furthermore, these cells exhibit the presence of DNA inside the nucleus. They also comprise
other membrane-bound organelles and cellular structures which carry out specific functions
necessary for a cell to function properly.

Animal Cell Diagram

The diagram given below depicts the structural organization of the animal cell. The various cell
organelles present in an animal cell are clearly marked in the animal cell diagram provided
below.

Animal Cell Structure

organelles
Though this animal cell diagram is not representative of any one particular type of cell, it
provides insight into the primary organelles and the intricate internal structure of most animal
cells. Furthermore, it is easy to distinguish between a plant and animal cell diagram just by
inspecting the presence or absence of a cell wall.

Animal Cell Structure

Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. Another defining characteristic is its irregular
shape. This is due to the absence of a cell wall. But animal cells share other cellular organelles
with plant cells as both have evolved from eukaryotic cells.

A typical animal cell comprises the following cell organelles:

Cell Membrane

A thin semipermeable membrane layer of lipids and proteins surrounding the cell. Its primary
role is to protect the cell from its surrounding. Also, it controls the entry and exit of nutrients and
other microscopic entities into the cell. For this reason, cell membranes are known as
semi-permeable or selectively permeable membranes.

Nucleus

It is an organelle that contains several other sub-organelles such as nucleolus, nucleosomes

and chromatins. It also contains DNA and other genetic materials.

Nuclear Membrane

It is a double-membrane structure that surrounds the nucleus. It is also referred to as the

nuclear envelope.

Centrosome

It is a small organelle found near the nucleus, which has a thick centre with radiating tubules.
The centrosomes are where microtubules are produced.

Lysosome

They are round organelles surrounded by a membrane and comprising digestive enzymes
which help in digestion, excretion and in the cell renewal process.

Cytoplasm

A jelly-like material which contains all the cell organelles, enclosed within the cell membrane.
The substance found within the cell nucleus, contained by the nuclear membrane is called the
nucleoplasm.

Golgi Apparatus
A flat, smooth layered, sac-like organelle which is located near the nucleus and involved in
manufacturing, storing, packing and transporting the particles throughout the cell.

Detailed Reading: Golgi Apparatus

Mitochondrion

They are spherical or rod-shaped organelles with a double membrane. They are the
powerhouse of a cell as they play an important role in releasing energy.

Ribosome

They are small organelles made up of RNA-rich cytoplasmic granules, and they are the sites of
protein synthesis.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

This cellular organelle is composed of a thin, winding network of membranous sacs originating
from the nucleus.

Vacuole

A membrane-bound organelle present inside a cell involved in maintaining shape and storing
water, food, wastes, etc.

Nucleopore

They are tiny holes present in the nuclear membrane which are involved in the movement of
nucleic acids and proteins across the nuclear membrane.

Animal Cell Types

There are numerous types of animal cells, each designed to serve specific functions. The most
common types of animal cells are:

Skin Cells

Melanocytes, keratinocytes, Merkel cells and Langerhans cells

Muscle Cells

Myocyte, Myosatellite cells, Tendon cells, Cardiac muscle cells

Blood Cells
Leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelet

Nerve Cells

Schwann cell, glial cells etc

Fat Cells

Adipocytes

Points to Note About Animal Cell

The cell is the structural and functional unit of life. These cells differ in their shapes, sizes and
their structure as they have to fulfil specific functions. Plant cells and animal cells share some
common features as both are eukaryotic cells.

However, they differ as animals need to adapt to a more active and non-sedentary lifestyle.
Furthermore, animals need to acquire their own food, therefore, they do not possess any of the
specialized cell organelles such as chloroplasts.

Animal Cell is a fundamental topic taught in class 9 and higher. To find more information about
the animal cell structure, its types, functions cell diagrams or other related topics, please explore
BYJU’S Biology.

Further Reading:

Cells
Prokaryotic Cells
Competent Cells
Animal Tissue: Types and Structure
Regeneration
Frequently Asked Questions

Q1
What is an animal cell?

As the name implies, an animal cell is a type of cell that is seen specifically in animal tissues. It
is characterized by the absence of a cell wall, with cell organelles enclosed within the cell
membrane.
Q2
Name the cell organelle that contains the genetic material of the cell.

Nucleus
Q3
Which cell organelle is responsible for the generation of energy for cellular activities?

Mitochondria
Q4
Name the double-layered membrane responsible for enveloping the nucleus.

Nuclear envelope
Q5
What is the role of lysosomes?

Lysosomes help in digestion, excretion and cell renewal process.

Q6
State the various types of animal cells.

Skin Cells
Muscle Cells
Blood Cells
Nerve cells
Fat Cells
Q7
Explain how an animal cell varies from a plant cell.

An animal cell is usually irregular and round in shape. This is primarily due to the absence of the
cell wall, which is a characteristic feature of plant cells. Furthermore, animal cells do not have
plastids as animals are not autotrophs.
Q8
Name the selectively permeable structure that envelopes the entire cell.

Cell membrane
Q9
Which cell organelle is responsible for packing?

Golgi apparatus.

Animal Cell?
Animal Cell

Discover animal cells, the building blocks that make up all animals. Learn about their structure,
how they work, and how they are different from plant cells.
What is an animal cell?
Animal cells are the building blocks that make up all living organisms in the kingdom Animalia.

They give bodies structure, absorb nutrients to convert to energy, and help animals move. They
also contain all the hereditary material of an organism and can make copies of themselves.

These cells are further described as being eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined
nucleus surrounded by a nuclear membrane. The nucleus is where the cell’s DNA is located.
Animals, as well as plants, fungi, and protozoa, are made up of these types of cells.

Animals are composed of multiple cells, termed multicellular, that function together and make up
the tissues and organs that form the body of the animal. In fact, because there can be so many
complex functions required, many of these cells can look and act differently from one another.
For example, there are nerve cells, blood cells, muscle cells, and more!

However, the overall structure of animal cells remains very similar.

What is a Cell

You can share this brief What is a Cell? presentation with your children. It provides a simple
definition of a cell, explores what cells do, and introduces the scientist that discovered these
basic units of life.

Animal Cell Diagram: What makes up an animal cell?

Animal cells are made up of several parts, called organelles, that work together and enable the
cell to function.

This is what an animal cell looks like:

Organelles of Animal Cell Labeled

The organelles of an animal cell include the following:

nucleus
cell membrane
cytoplasm
mitochondria
ribosomes
lysosomes
vacuoles
centrosome
endoplasmic reticulum
Golgi apparatus
Let’s discuss these organelles in more detail below.

Nucleus

The nucleus is the “brain” of the cell because it directs what happens within the cell.

It contains the cell's genetic information called deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The DNA provides
the information required for making the proteins that control the activities of the cell. The DNA
and histone proteins are then put together to form chromosomes.

The nucleus is surrounded by the nuclear membrane, which separates the nucleus from the rest
of the cell. Inside the nucleus (in addition to the cell’s DNA) is the nucleolus. This is where
ribosomal RNA (rRNA) works with proteins to form ribosomes, which are then transported to the
cytoplasm.

Along with storing the cell’s genetic information, the nucleus oversees the cell’s activities. This
includes regulating growth and cell division, or mitosis.

Nucleus of a Cell
Cell Membrane

The cell membrane acts as a fence around a cell.

The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is a selectively permeable
membrane that controls the entry and exit of materials. These materials may include nutrients
that need to be brought into the cell and toxic elements that need to be released from the cell.
The cell membrane also helps to protect the cell and separates the cytoplasm from the
surrounding environment.
All the parts that make up the cell are enclosed within the cell’s plasma membrane.

Cytoplasm

The cytoplasm contains the parts, otherwise known as organelles, within a cell.

The function of the cytoplasm is to maintain the cell’s shape with the help of the cytoskeleton (a
network of actin filaments, intermediate filaments, and microtubules) and cytosol (the gel-like
fluid within the cell).

Mitochondria

The mitochondria act as the energy supplier for the cell.

The mitochondria are structures within the cytoplasm that control aerobic respiration. The
function of mitochondria is to take nutrients and produce the energy needed to power the
biochemical reactions of the cell. This energy takes the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP),
which is a molecule used for storing and transferring energy within a cell.

The ATP functions similarly to a rechargeable battery, which is then used to power several
processes within the cell.

Ribosomes

Ribosomes could be called the “manufacturing department” of the cell.

Ribosomes take and translate information from the rRNA that is needed to create the proteins
for the cell. Proteins are very important in cells because they provide the structure and support
to help cells function.

Ribosomes are found floating around in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum.

Animal Cell Wiki Sign Up

Lysosome

The lysosome is the “waste disposal and recycling center” for the cell because they destroy old
proteins to reuse them.

A lysosome is a membrane-bound organelle that contains enzymes required for digesting and
recycling cell by-products. Lysosomes are also responsible for getting rid of waste through a
process known as autophagocytosis, where old and no longer working cell parts are removed
from the cell.
Vacuole

Vacuoles act like lockers because they store things for the cell.

They are membrane-bound sacs that store food, water, and waste. Its function is very similar to
the lysosome.

Centrosome

The centrosome acts like an event planner.

The centrosome is found only in animal cells and is responsible for organizing cell division. It is
made up of two microtubule rings that are called centrioles. The centrosome organizes the
microtubules into position before duplicating or dividing the cell.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum is the “bakery” of the cell because it makes proteins.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a network of membranes within the cytoplasm. There are two
types of ER within a cell: the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rough ER) and the smooth
endoplasmic reticulum (smooth ER).

The rough ER is made up of tubules, cisternae, and vesicles, and plays an important role in
producing and processing proteins for the cell. The smooth ER is in charge of several processes
including the synthesis of lipids, the production of steroid hormones, and getting rid of toxic
by-products which could negatively impact the cell.

Golgi Apparatus

You can think of the Golgi apparatus as being the “delivery service” or “mailroom” for the cell.

The Golgi apparatus, also known as the Golgi body, takes the proteins and lipid molecules that
are processed by the endoplasmic reticulum and places them into vesicles to be distributed
either within or outside the cell.

Join our FB group - Animal Cell Wiki

How many types of animal cells are there?

There are millions upon millions of cells that make up an animal. Human beings are made up of
over 40 trillion cells. Each animal cell has a critical function that helps the body work as a whole
to survive and thrive. Let’s look at a few of these important cells.
Skin Cells

The main function of skin cells is to protect the animal.

As humans, our skin protects our bodies from the cold, germs, sun rays, and more! It also helps
regulate our body temperature and enables us to feel sensations such as heat or pain, which
protects us again as it gives us warning signals.

There are three layers of skin. The outer layer is called the epidermis, the middle layer is called
the dermis, and the deepest layer is called the hypodermis. The epidermis is made up of several
variations of skin cells, the majority being keratinocytes.

Blood Cells

There are two different types of blood cells: red blood cells and white blood cells. Red blood
cells make up the majority of blood cells in the body.

The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body and to
collect carbon dioxide. Mature red blood cells are the only animal cells that don’t have nuclei.
This is to enable the cells to carry more hemoglobin and more oxygen.

The purpose of white blood cells is to help battle infections. They are an important part of the
immune system!
Nerve Cells

Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are the primary cells of the nervous system. The function of
these cells is to use electric and chemical signals to send and receive messages from your
brain. In vertebrate animals, like humans, these neurons are the main components of the brain,
spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system.

Neurons impact the state of our internal organs (think how our heart beats faster when we are
frightened), help us decide how to act and move, and help us to think and remember what’s
going on.

It’s estimated that we have approximately 86 billion neurons in our brain.

Muscle Cells

A muscle cell, also called a myocyte, has one primary function - contraction. Muscle cells use
motor proteins to shorten their length (or contract) when directed to do so by the neurons. When
there is no signal from the neurons, the muscle cell will be in a relaxed state.

Muscle cells make up the three different types of muscles in our body: skeletal, cardiac, and
smooth. They help us move our limbs and organs.

Muscle Cells
Fat Cells

Fat cells, known as adipose cells, also have a very important role in the human body. These
cells store fats and lipids that then store and provide the body with energy when required. This
energy is in the form of triglycerides.

In addition to storing energy, fat cells help in sensing and responding to changes in energy
levels. They can impact processes such as insulin sensitivity as well as protect against
hypothermia and diabetes.

What are the differences between animal and plant cells?

According to Britannica, a cell (in biology) is described as being “the basic membrane-bound
unit that contains the fundamental molecules of life and of which all living things are composed.”
In summary, cells are the building blocks of all life.

By this definition, both animals and plants are made up of cells. While there are several
similarities, there are also some notable compositional differences. Below you’ll find several key
differences between animal and plant cells.

Animal cells usually have an irregular shape, whereas plant cells are more regular.
Plant cells contain a cell wall, which supports the structure of the cell. Animal cells do not have a
rigid cell wall, which is one of the reasons there are more cell types, organs, and tissues.
Plant cells contain a large central vacuole that is full of water. Its function is to serve as a
reservoir and maintain turgor pressure in the cell. It’s also responsible for maintaining the cell’s
shape.
Plant cells do not have centrosomes.
Plant cells also contain chloroplasts, which produce chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Plants vs Animal Cells

Animal Cell Teaching Resources

There are several resources you can use alongside your life science and biology lessons to
equip students with the knowledge needed to answer the question, "what is an animal cell?".
Simply select which ones you’d like to use, then download and print or share with your students!

What is a Cell? PowerPoint Presentation

Cell Presentation

Provide your students with a comprehensive overview of cells and talk about their structure and
functions. You can also talk about when cells were discovered and the reason behind the name
“cell.”

Animal Cell Labeling Activity

Cell Labeling Worksheet

Help children answer the question, "what is animal cell?" by learning and labeling the organelles
that form animal cells.

Cell Organelle Similes Differentiated Activity

Cell Organelles Worksheet

Encourage your students to remember the function of each cell organelle with this creative and
printable activity. Includes an answer key to help you grade papers quickly. Or, why not share it
with your students to enable them to assess their own work.

Cell Organelles Poster

Cell Organelles Poster

Share or display this colorful poster with your children to show the differences between plant
and animal cells. It’s a handy tool that can be used as a reference when discussing the different
parts of a cell.

For a slightly more in-depth look at how we came to know what we know about cells, check out
the clip below: