Plant Cell vs. Bacterial Cell: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Published on November 18, 2023
Plant cells are eukaryotic with defined organelles and a cell wall made of cellulose, while bacterial cells are prokaryotic, smaller, and have a peptidoglycan cell wall.
Key Differences
Plant cells are fundamental units of plant life, belonging to the eukaryotic domain. This means they possess a nucleus enclosed within a nuclear envelope. Moreover, plant cells are distinct with their chloroplasts, which enable photosynthesis, a process converting light energy to chemical energy.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Bacterial cells, conversely, fall under the prokaryotic domain, lacking a true nucleus. Instead of a defined nucleus, their genetic material floats in a region called the nucleoid. Unlike plant cells, bacterial cells don't have membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria or chloroplasts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
The cell wall, a crucial structure providing support and shape, varies between these cell types. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall made primarily of cellulose. This cell wall supports the plant's upright growth and gives it structure. It's also the reason plant cells have a more rectangular shape.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Bacterial cells, on the other hand, have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. This provides them with protection and structural integrity. The absence of certain organelles and a different cell wall composition makes bacterial cells generally smaller and more variable in shape compared to plant cells.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Nucleus
Defined nucleus with nuclear envelope
No true nucleus; has nucleoid region
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Organelles
Contains membrane-bound organelles
Lacks membrane-bound organelles
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
Plant Cell and Bacterial Cell Definitions
Plant Cell
A eukaryotic cell type distinct from animal cells.
The presence of a cell wall differentiates a plant cell from an animal cell.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
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Bacterial Cell
Has a protective cell wall made of peptidoglycan.
Antibiotics target the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Plant Cell
The basic eukaryotic unit of plants containing a nucleus and organelles.
Chloroplasts in the plant cell enable it to perform photosynthesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
Bacterial Cell
Lacks membrane-bound organelles like mitochondria.
The bacterial cell generates energy without the need for mitochondria.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Plant Cell
Contains a cell wall made primarily of cellulose.
The rigidity of the plant cell wall helps plants maintain their structure.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Bacterial Cell
Can have various shapes like cocci, bacilli, or spirals.
The shape of a bacterial cell can help in its identification.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
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Plant Cell
Capable of producing its energy through photosynthesis.
The green color of the plant cell is due to the chlorophyll within chloroplasts.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 31, 2023
Bacterial Cell
Capable of rapid reproduction under suitable conditions.
In optimal conditions, a bacterial cell can divide every 20 minutes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Plant Cell
Contains a large central vacuole for storing nutrients and waste.
The central vacuole in the plant cell helps maintain its turgor pressure.
Harlon Moss
Oct 31, 2023
Bacterial Cell
A prokaryotic cell without a true nucleus.
Genetic material in the bacterial cell is found in the nucleoid region.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 31, 2023
FAQs
Are bacterial cells always harmful?
No, many bacterial cells are beneficial and essential for processes like fermentation.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What provides rigidity to plant cells?
The cellulose cell wall provides rigidity to plant cells.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Are plant cells larger than bacterial cells?
Yes, plant cells are generally larger than bacterial cells.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What's the function of the nucleoid in a bacterial cell?
The nucleoid houses the bacterial cell's genetic material.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Do bacterial cells have chloroplasts?
No, bacterial cells don't have chloroplasts like plant cells.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 18, 2023
Do plant cells have mitochondria?
Yes, plant cells contain mitochondria for energy production.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Can bacterial cells survive extreme conditions?
Some bacterial cells, like extremophiles, can survive in extreme conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 18, 2023
What's the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?
Chloroplasts in plant cells perform photosynthesis.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How do bacterial cells protect their genetic material without a nucleus?
The genetic material in a bacterial cell is clustered in the nucleoid region.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Why do plant cells have a large central vacuole?
The central vacuole stores nutrients, waste, and helps maintain turgor pressure.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can plant cells move like some animal cells?
No, plant cells are stationary due to their rigid cell wall.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Can bacterial cells carry out photosynthesis?
Some bacteria, like cyanobacteria, can perform photosynthesis but not in the same manner as plant cells.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
How do bacterial cells reproduce?
Bacterial cells reproduce through binary fission.
Sara Rehman
Nov 18, 2023
Can plant cells live independently?
While they function as part of a larger organism, some plant cells can survive for a time in specific conditions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Do plant cells have a plasma membrane?
Yes, plant cells have a plasma membrane inside their cell wall.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
What are pili in bacterial cells?
Pili are hair-like structures on bacterial cells used for attachment or DNA transfer.
Harlon Moss
Nov 18, 2023
Are bacterial cells multicellular organisms?
No, bacterial cells are unicellular organisms.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
Do bacterial cells have ribosomes?
Yes, bacterial cells have smaller ribosomes than eukaryotic cells.
Janet White
Nov 18, 2023
What gives plant cells their green color?
Chlorophyll in chloroplasts gives plant cells their green color.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
