Are the shapes of cells the same for animal and plant cells?

Question

Generally a plant cell is square, but an animal cell is circular.

Thanks for the question. I hope I can help with your tutoring needs,

Jennifer Collins

Answer 1

Great question!

Quick Answer:

Generally, animal cells are circular and plant cells are rectangular.

Memory trick: Animal Armadillos make circular balls.

In-depth Answer:

Plants and animals are both eukaryotic organisms and their cells share may characteristics. The physical differences between these cell types exists largely due to the lack of a cell wall in certain organisms. The cell wall provides an organism with a degree of rigidity.

In animal biology, there is no need for structural rigidity, thus cells do not need a cell wall and instead utilize cellular membranes. However, plant biology requires stems and leaf rigidity in order to absorb essential nutrients such as sunlight (phototropism) and water. As a result, plant cells contain a cell wall made of cellulose to increase plant rigidity, giving cells a rectangular shape under light microscopy.

I hope this answer helps!

- Greg