What are the differences between plant and animal cells?

The differences between plant cells and animal cells are as follows:

1. Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. Animal cells range from 10 to 30 micrometers in length, while plant cells range from 10 to 100 micrometers in length.

2. Animal cells come in various shapes and are round or irregular in form. Plant cells are more uniform in shape and are usually rectangular or cubic in form.

3. Animal cells store energy in the form of the complex carbohydrate glycogen. Plant cells, on the other hand, store energy as starch.

4. Of the 20 amino acids needed for protein production, only 10 can be naturally produced in animal cells. The other so-called essential amino acids must be obtained through diet. Plants are capable of synthesizing all 20 amino acids.

5. In animal cells, only stem cells are capable of transforming into other cell types. Most types of plant cells, on the other hand, are capable of differentiation.

6. During cell division, cytokinesis — the division of the cytoplasm — occurs in animal cells when a cleavage furrow forms, splitting the cell membrane in half. In plant cell cytokinesis, on the other hand, a cell plate forms that divides the cell.

7. Animal cells contain lysosomes, which hold enzymes that digest cellular macromolecules. Plant cells, on the other hand, rarely contain lysosomes because the plant's vacuole handles the breakdown of molecules.

What is the distinguishing feature of a plant cell?

The distinguishing feature of a plant cell is the cell wall.