Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?
1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
2. Plant cells do not have 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:
Explanation
Comparing eukaryotic plant and animal cellular anatomy:
– Statement 1 is correct: Plant cells are enclosed by a rigid external cell wall composed of cellulose and pectin, which provides structural support. Animal cells possess only an outer plasma membrane and lack a cell wall.
– Statement 2 is incorrect: Both plant and animal cells possess a plasma membrane (cell membrane). In plant cells, the plasma membrane lies immediately beneath the outer cellulose wall.
– Statement 3 is correct: A mature plant cell features a prominent, centrally located single large central vacuole enclosed by a tonoplast, occupying 30% to 90% of cellular volume. Animal cells possess multiple, smaller, dispersed vacuoles.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct — Option C.