1. Cell Wall:
- Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, while animal cells do not have a cell wall.
2. Chloroplast:
- Plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are organelles responsible for photosynthesis and contain the green pigment chlorophyll. Animal cells lack chloroplasts.
3. Vacuoles:
- Plant cells usually have a large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell's volume. Animal cells may have multiple smaller vacuoles with various functions.
4. Shape:
- Plant cells are typically rectangular or square in shape, with rigid cell walls providing them with a fixed shape. Animal cells are more diverse in shape, often appearing round or irregular due to the absence of a rigid cell wall.
5. Cell Membrane:
- Both plant and animal cells have a cell membrane that surrounds and protects the cell's contents. However, plant cell membranes may have additional structures, such as plasmodesmata, which facilitate communication and transport between adjacent plant cells.
6. Nucleus:
- Both plant and animal cells have a nucleus, which contains the cell's genetic material. However, plant cell nuclei often have a prominent nucleolus, which is involved in ribosome production, while animal cell nuclei may have less noticeable nucleoli.
Remember that these are general characteristics, and there may be exceptions or variations in certain types of cells. If possible, it's best to consult a biology textbook or consult with an expert in cell biology to accurately identify and distinguish between plant and animal cells.