Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls while animal cells do not.

2. Plant cells do not have a plasma membrane, unlike animal cells which do.

3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is option 3.

Additional Information

• Cell Wall in Plant Cells:
  • Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress.
  • Animal cells lack a cell wall, having only a plasma membrane.
  • Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Plasma Membrane Presence:
  • The plasma membrane (also known as the cell membrane) is present in both plant and animal cells. It separates the interior of the cell from its external environment. In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located inside the cell wall.
  • Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
• Vacuole Size and Number:
  • Mature plant cells typically contain a single, large central vacuole that helps maintain water balance and store nutrients. In contrast, animal cells have multiple small vacuoles that primarily help in waste sequestration.
  • Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Additional Information

• Cell Wall:
  • The cell wall in plant cells is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
  • It provides tensile strength and protection, distinguishing plant cells from animal cells, which only have a flexible plasma membrane.
• Plasma Membrane:
  • The plasma membrane in both plant and animal cells is a semi-permeable structure that regulates the movement of substances in and out of the cell.
• Vacuoles:
  • Plant cell vacuoles play a critical role in maintaining turgor pressure, while animal cell vacuoles are more involved in waste disposal and storage of small molecules.