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 membranes unlike animal cells which do.
3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst an animal cell has many small vacuoles.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)        

Explanation:

• The cell wall is the outer covering of a cell. It surrounds the plasma membrane of plant cells and provides tensile strength and protection against mechanical and osmotic stress.
• The cell wall is present in plant cells and absent in animal cells. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• The plasma membrane (also called the cell membrane) is the membrane found in all cells that separate the interior of the cell from the outside environment.
• The plasma membrane is present in both plant cells and animal cells. Hence statement 2 is not correct.
• A vacuole is a membrane-bound cell organelle.
  • In animal cells, vacuoles are generally small and help sequester waste products.
  • In-plant cells, vacuoles help maintain water balance.
• Hence statement 3 is correct.