Final answer:
Plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, large central vacuole, and plasmodesmata, whereas animal cells have centrioles, centrosomes, and lysosomes. These structural differences are essential for their respective functions and survival strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Differences between Animal and Plant Cells
Although animal and plant cells share some common components, there are several striking differences between them. One key difference is that plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose that surrounds the plasma membrane, which is not present in animal cells. Furthermore, plant cells contain chloroplasts, the site of photosynthesis, helping them to convert sunlight into chemical energy, a feature animal cells lack. Plant cells are also characterized by a large central vacuole, which maintains cell pressure and stores nutrients, while animal cells typically have much smaller vacuoles.
When it comes to animal cells, they possess centrioles and centrosomes, which are involved in cell division and the organization of the cytoskeleton. Additionally, animal cells have lysosomes, which contain enzymes that break down waste materials and cellular debris. In contrast, these organelles are generally not found in plant cells, which have their own distinct structures. Plant cells may have plasmodesmata, which are channels between cells that allow for the transport of materials and communication.