Table of Contents
Classification of Cells – Plant, Animal and Bacterial Cells:
There are three types of cells: plant cells, animal cells, and bacterial cells.
Plant cells are typically rectangular and have a large central vacuole, which is filled with cell sap. The cell wall is made of cellulose and surrounds the cell membrane. The cytoplasm of a plant cell contains plastids, which are organelles that produce food for the plant.
Animal cells are typically round and have a small central vacuole. The cell wall is made of protein and surrounds the cell membrane. The cytoplasm of an animal cell contains mitochondria, which produce energy for the cell.
Bacterial cells are typically small and have no cell wall or vacuole. The cytoplasm of a bacterial cell contains the DNA and ribosomes.
Brief on Animal Cell
Animal cells are distinguished from other types of cells by several features, including their shape, the presence of a plasma membrane and organelles, and the types of proteins that are present. Animal cells are also capable of movement, a feature that is not found in other types of cells.
An animal cell is typically a eukaryotic type that has a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus. All cells are surrounded by a cell membrane or plasma membrane which separates the inner and outer components of the cell. The cell components are suspended in a fluid called cytoplasm.
Animal cells typically have a cell wall which is a non-living layer that surrounds and supports the cell.
Animal Cell Types
There are many different types of animal cells, but all have some common features. Animal cells are generally round or oval and have a plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and chromosomes. The plasma membrane surrounds the cell and controls what enters and leaves the cell. The cytoplasm is the material inside the plasma membrane and contains organelles such as the nucleus and mitochondria. The nucleus contains the chromosomes, which carry the genetic information for the cell.
Brief on Plant Cell
A plant cell is a eukaryotic cell, typically characterized by a large central vacuole, chloroplasts, and a cell wall. Plant cells are distinguished from other eukaryotic cells by their cell walls, lack of centrioles, and presence of plastids.
Plant Cell Functions
The plant cell has many of the same organelles as the animal cell, but also has some organelles that are unique to plants. The plant cell wall is a tough, non-living outer layer that surrounds the cell and helps to give plants their shape. The cell membrane is a thin layer of lipid that surrounds the cell and controls what enters and leaves the cell. The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance inside the cell that contains the organelles.
The plant cell has a large central vacuole that stores water and other nutrients. The chloroplasts are unique to plants and are used to convert sunlight into energy. The plant cell also has cell walls, which are tough, non-living outer layers that surround the cell and help to give plants their shape.
Plant Cell Types
There are three types of plant cells:
1. Prokaryotic Cells: These cells do not have a defined nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. The genetic material is organized into a single loop of DNA called a chromosome.
2. Eukaryotic Cells: These cells have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The genetic material is organized into multiple chromosomes.
3. Protist Cells: These cells are a hybrid between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. They have a defined nucleus and some membrane-bound organelles, but the genetic material is not organized into chromosomes.
Brief on Bacterial Cellulose
Cellulose is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It is made up of repeating glucose units connected by glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Bacterial cellulose is a type of cellulose produced by bacteria. It is made up of the same repeating glucose units as plant cellulose, but the glycosidic bonds are formed by bacteria instead of plants. Bacterial cellulose is stronger and more elastic than plant cellulose. It is also more resistant to degradation and has a higher thermal stability. Bacterial cellulose has a variety of applications, including food packaging, medical implants, and drug delivery systems.
Functions of a Bacterial Cell
A bacterial cell has a number of essential functions that allow it to survive and thrive. These functions include the ability to:
1. Reproduce
Bacteria can reproduce through a process called binary fission, in which a single cell divides into two daughter cells. This process is quick and efficient, and can result in populations of bacteria growing exponentially.
2. Process Nutrients
Bacteria are able to extract nutrients from their environment and use them to fuel their growth and reproduction. They can do this by breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, a process known as metabolism.
3. Resistant to Damage
Bacteria are able to survive and thrive in a wide range of environments, and are resistant to many types of damage. This allows them to survive and spread in both natural and human-made ecosystems.
4. Produce Antibiotics
Bacteria can produce antibiotics, which are chemicals that can kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria. This allows them to compete for resources and survive in hostile environments.
Types of Bacteria Cells
There are three types of bacterial cells: coccus, bacillus, and spirillum.
Coccus: These are round cells that occur in clumps.
Bacillus: These are rod-shaped cells.
Spirillum: These are spiral-shaped cells.
Difference Between Plant, Animal and Bacterial Cell
The main difference between plant, animal and bacterial cells is that plant cells have cell walls, whereas animal and bacterial cells do not. Plant cells also have plastids, which are organelles that store and produce food. Animal and bacterial cells lack plastids.
A plant cell is distinguished from an animal cell by the presence of a cell wall and chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are organelles unique to plants and algae that contain the green pigment chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are used in the process of photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy that can be used by plants to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
A bacterial cell is distinguished from a plant or animal cell by its shape and the presence of a cell wall. Bacterial cells are typically rod- or sphere-shaped, and lack a cell wall. Bacterial cells are classified as prokaryotes, meaning they lack a membrane-bound nucleus.
