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The Difference Between Plant Tissue and Animal Tissue

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Last updated date: 28th Apr 2024
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An Introduction to Characteristics of Plant Tissue and Animal Tissue

We all know that not all species have the same cell structure, even yet cells are the basic structural and functional unit of all living things. Animals and plants show a higher level of cellular organisation than primitive cells like bacteria, which have a basic cell structure. Therefore,  they would differ as cells make up all tissue systems in an animal or plant body.  We will briefly explain plant tissue and animal tissue structure, purposes, and key differences between them.

Plant and Animal Tissues; Definition and Explanation

Plant Tissue

Plant tissue primarily consists of cellulose. It is a solid material with a fibrous structure that is insoluble. Cellulose is crucial to both plant and animal life since it is a component of the genetic code of plants. Cellulolytic hydrolysis is an enzymatic procedure that breaks down the cellulose in animal cells. As a result of the cellulose being broken down into smaller molecules that may be absorbed by digestive enzymes, this process substantially speeds up the breakdown of proteins.


  • Permanent Simple Plant Tissue

Simple plant tissue comes in a variety of types. The epidermis is the first layer. These cells are tightly packed in thin tissue. Some plants have waxy coverings on their epidermis to help them withstand stressful situations like high temperatures.


The stroma operates by guard cells found in the epidermis. The stroma controls how air and water circulate through leaves and enables plants to transfer water and nutrients up their bodies from the soil.


The parenchyma is yet another important tissue in a plant's anatomy. Its cells have thin walls and big vacuoles. It is found in all parts of the plant, but mainly the leaves, stems, and roots. In leaves, the parenchyma tissue is highly performed in the process of photosynthesis.


  • Permanent Complex Plant Tissue

Complex plant tissue is found in two different forms, the phloem, and the xylem tissues. While the phloem tissue system delivers sugar down the roots and stems, the xylem tissue system is specifically intended to transfer water and nutrients.


Animal Tissue :

Cells that contain protein molecules in their membrane or cytoplasm make up animal tissues. Cells that contain protein molecules in their cytoplasm or membrane make comprise the tissues of animals. Enzymes that break down proteins are found in animal cells. Proteolytic hydrolysis is the name given to this process. The main distinction between plant and animal tissue is the presence of cellulose as the primary component of plant tissue compared to the predominance of protein molecules in animal tissue.


Types of Animal Tissues

Animals have a wide range of tissues, each of which is responsible for carrying out certain functions for the organism. The distinctness and specialization of animal tissues are one of the elements influencing the enormous diversity of creatures. Because their nerve and muscle structures have evolved, animals, for example, have a unique ability to notice changes in their environment and respond to them. This enables animals to survive when they are forced to contend with members of other species for food sources. Similar to how plants' bodies are made up of several tissue kinds, so are animals' bodies. Typically, four different categories are observed:


  • Epithelial Tissue

  • Muscle Tissue

  • Connective Tissue

  • Nervous Tissue


The Difference Between Plant and Animal Tissues

Sl. No.

Plant Tissues

Animal Tissues


Cellulose, a strong material that has a particular place in plant tissue and is essential to plant survival, is present in large amounts.

Protein, which is an essential part of animal life, is a specialised part of animal tissue.



The energy requirement is less for maintenance. 

The energy requirement is more for maintenance. 


In plant tissues, the differentiation between meristematic tissues is observed.

The differentiation between meristematic tissues is not observed in animal tissues.


Plant tissues are categorized into two types: permanent tissues and meristematic tissues.

While animal tissues are categorized into four categories names as:

Muscular, epithelial, connective, and nerve tissues.


Simple tissue organisation. 

Complex tissue organisation. 


Tissue organisation in plants is for plants’ stationary habits.

The mobility of animals is the targeted reason for tissue organisation.


Conclusion 

The distinction between plant and animal tissue has been discussed in this article. We now know that the principal distinction between plant and animal tissue lies mostly in the structure of their cell walls. Everything is clear by understanding the characteristics of plant tissue and animal tissue. This is so because plant photosynthetic cells have a membrane made of cellulose, but animal tissues have a membrane made of protein. We also know that cellulose makes up the majority of the chemical structure of plant tissue, whereas proteins make up the chemical structure of animal tissue. Mucilage, which helps shield plant genetic material from being damaged by bacteria and germs, is present in plant cells, protecting animal cells from infection. The significance of cellulose is emphasized in plant biology because it contributes to plant genetic protection by supporting robust cell walls.

FAQs on The Difference Between Plant Tissue and Animal Tissue

1. What is Plant Tissue and Animal Tissue Different in Movement?

Cells in plants and animals move differently. Animal cells can actively move and change their location through features like cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia. Animal cells can move objects or move through fluids due to their cellular extensions. Plant cells, on the other hand, lack specialized structures that allow for cell mobility and are hence static. Rather than actively moving, plant cells generally rely on external influences, such as growth and expansion, to change their shape and position.

2. What are the Similarities Between Plant and Animal Cells?

Animal and plant cells have many similarities in their fundamental organelles and architecture. Both kinds of cells feature a cell membrane that acts as the cell's outer wall. Similar organelles including the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, which are crucial for carrying out cellular processes, are present in both of them. Additionally, both types of cells contain DNA, which serves as genetic material and regulates cellular functions. The basic cellular functions, such as protein synthesis and energy production, are carried out by systems that are identical in both plant and animal cells.

3. Do Plant and Animal Cells Differ in Terms of Organelles?

Yes, the organelles in plant and animal cells are different. Animal cells do not include any additional organelles like chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis, or a huge central vacuole, which is used to store water. Animal cells often contain fewer or no vacuoles and no chloroplasts. The nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus are common organelles found in both plant and animal cells that carry out similar tasks such as protein synthesis and cellular metabolism.