2.4 Compare the structures of plant and animal cells

Part of structure          Present in plant c.         Present in animal c.
Nucleus                                   Yes                                   Yes
Cytoplasm                               Yes                                   Yes
C. membrane                          Yes                                   Yes
Vacuole                                   Yes (permanent)              Yes (but not permanent)
C. wall                                     Yes                                    No
Chloroplast(s)                          Yes                                   No

Further comparison

• In plant cells, the vacuole is large and permanent, while in animal cells, it tends to be small and is not permanent.
• Animal cells will burst if they are filled with too much water (turgid) but plant cells will not (due to the cell wall)