Question

Name any one feature of this plant cell in the given diagram which is not present in an animal cell.

Guidelines 1 to 5 indicate the following
Cell wall, 2. Strong sugar solution, 3. Protoplasm, 4. Large vacuole, 5. Nucleus

Answer 1

Hint: The diagram given in the question represents a plant cell that is plasmolysed. Plasmolysis is defined as the shrinkage of the protoplasm when it is placed in a hypertonic solution such as a sugar solution. The plant cell has an extra-rigid layer that prevents the cell from osmotic shock.

Complete answer:
Osmosis is the process of movement of water molecules from their region of higher concentration to lower through a semipermeable membrane. In the case of cells, the semipermeable membrane is the plasma membrane.

The figure given in the question represents a plasmolysed plant cell where exosmosis or outward movement of water has taken place. This happens when the cell is placed in a hypertonic solution like sugar or salt solution. The water is at a higher concentration in the protoplasm moves to the outside.

This movement of water takes place till the concentration of the solvent is equal. Hence the strong sugar solution has entered the cell which is evident from the figure given. The presence of a cell wall holds the cell membrane and keeps it in a distended position.

In the case of animal cells when placed in a hypertonic solution, the protoplasm along with the plasma membrane shrinks as there is no cell wall to hold the cell membrane. Other than the cell wall the protoplasm, vacuole( although not large) and the nucleus is common to both plant and animal cells.

From the above discussion, it is evident that animal cells do not have cell walls.

Note:
- The other important structure that is absent in animal cells is the chloroplast. They are important centres of photosynthesis.
- The animal cells possess centrioles which are absent in the plant cell.
- The hypertonic solution is the solution where the concentration of solute is greater than the solvent.