Comparison between Animal Cell (AC) and Plant Cell (PC)
1. Mitochondrion (pl: Mitochondria): AC and PC
- spherical / rod-shaped organelles
- two membranes: Inner membrane – form cristae & Outer membrane – regular and smooth
- an energy source
- site of cellular aerobic respiration
- produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
- contains the genetic material
- regulates and controls the activities of the cell
- an organelle bounded by double (2) layers of nuclear membrane with pores and selectively permeable
- responsible for all cellular structure, chemical functions, growth and reproduction
- separates the genetic materials (chromatin) from cytoplasm
- spherical structure within the nucleus
- consists of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) and proteins
- visible when the cell is not dividing
- synthesis RNA which is needed to make ribosomes
- fluid contained within the nucleus
- highly viscous solid
- made up of the chromatin and the nucleolus
- thread-like structures (consists of genetic material)
- appears as chromatin spread throughout the nucleus in the form of tiny granules
- chromatin condenses into chromosomes (during cell division)
- carry genetic information in its DNA
- small dot-like organelles
- protein synthesis
- consist of RNA (ribonucleic acids)
- smallest cellular organelles
- attached on the surface of ER and occur freely in cytoplasm
- connected to the nuclear membrane
- synthesises proteins, steroids and lipids
- collects, stores and distributes protein, steroids and lipids
- exists as rough ER and smooth ER
- Rough ER: covered with ribosomes, flat sealed sac which continued from the nuclear membrane, transports protein, and have a large surface area for chemical reactions.
- Smooth ER: does not have ribosomes, transports lipids and presents in large amounts of cells.
- cell membrane
- thin membrane surround the cytoplasm of a cell
- selectively permeable / semi permeable
- a protective and selective outer barrier
- consists of phospholipids and protein molecules
- bound sacs
- processes, packages and transport molecules synthesised in the cell
- forms lysosomes
- transports and stores lipids
- synthesis of carbohydrate from hormone
- changes protein into glycoprotein
- excretes waste products out of the cell
- aqueous solution (except nucleus)
- stores water, enzymes, nutrient, salts and dissolved gases
- provided support, shape and protects the cell organelles
- medium for metabolic reactions
- provides substances
- sac-like organelle with one membrane
- digest proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
- removes undigested materials
- releases enzymes to digest external materials
- are paired cylindrical organelles
- nine tubes with three tubules each
- produces spindle during cell division (mitosis and meiosis)
- migrate to the opposite poles of the cell (during cell division – will be discussed in Chapter 5 Cell Division)
- small cavity in the cytoplasm
- bound by a single membrane
- filled with cell sap
- storage of food (protein, oil and water)
- some vacuoles remove metabolic waste
- functions as cell expansion
- Amoeba: food vacuoles (phagocytosis)
- Paramecium: contractile vacuoles (expel water)
- rigid and tough cellulose layer surrounding the plasma membrane (cell membrane)
- protects and supports the cell
- maintains the shape
- prevents the cell from busting (excessive intake of water)
- allows substances to move freely through the cell wall
- disc / lens-shaped organelle
- have two membranes: inner and outer membrane
- contains chlorophyll in the grana to trap sunlight energy
- carry out photosynthesis in the chlorophyll
- storage of food and pigments
