Q. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
- Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
- Plant cells do not have plasma membranes unlike animal cells which do.
- Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer – (c) 1 and 3 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2020 GS Paper
Explanation:
Differences Between Plant and Animal Cells
Cell Walls
One of the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells is the presence of a rigid cell wall in plant cells. This cell wall is primarily made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection. Animal cells, on the other hand, do not have a cell wall and are instead surrounded by a flexible plasma membrane.
Plasma Membranes
Both plant and animal cells have plasma membranes. The plasma membrane is a crucial component of all living cells, acting as a barrier that controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell. In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall.
Vacuoles
A characteristic feature of mature plant cells is the presence of one large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell’s volume. This vacuole plays a role in maintaining cell pressure, storage of nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells may contain vacuoles, but these are usually smaller and more numerous than the large central vacuole found in plant cells.
Therefore, the correct statements regarding the general differences between plant and animal cells are 1 and 3, making the correct answer (c) 1 and 3 only.
