Animal vs Plant cell

My project is plant vs animal cells and i am figuring out the differences and similairitys between the two also how they function and different parts of them
Clara Stirrett
Grade 6

Presentation

No video provided

Problem

My problem is people are not generally educated on this subject which can lead to limited career options and knowing the difference between plant and animal cells may seem not a priority however knowing the difference between plant and animal cells is crucial for several reasons such as 

Medical and biological reasons  

Knowledge cell differences helps in developing targeted Medical Treatments for example understanding how animal cells function can Aid in cancer research and the development of Therapies

Agraculture and food production

insights into plant cell structures and functions can improve crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases which is vital for food security

envoirmental science

 knowing how plant cells contribute to photosynthesis and oxygen production helps in understanding and mitigating climate change

Education and awareness

educating people about these differences Fosters a deeper appreciation of biodiversity and the complexity of life

Plant and animal cells can also Aid in furthering technology and infrastructure how you ask? the answer is biomeimicry  biomimicry is when we use mother nature and its structures to Aid Us in building and Design

 examples of biomimicry using plant or animal cells

 Leaf inspired solar cells

 scientists have mimic the structure of leaves to create more efficient solar panels the way leaves capture and convert sunlight into energy has inspired signs that improve efficiency of solar cells

Self-cleaning surfaces

the Lotus leaves ability to repel water and dirt has inspired the creation of self-cleaning surfaces and materials this technology is used in from everything from building materials to clothing

 Artificial photosynthesis

 researchers are developing systems that mimic the photosynthetic process of plant cells to create clean energy this could lead to sustainable ways to produce fuel from sunlight and water

  Medical adhesives

 inspired by the way certain animals adhere to surfaces scientists have developed medical adhesives that can be used in surgeries to close wounds without stitches

 

 

 

 

 

Method

My method started out by first researching plant and animal cells and collected this info into one spot. Then I started deciding how I wanted my physical tri-fold to look. Once I decided that I wanted models of plant and animal cells I figured that would be the base of my presentation. So first I built the models using non adhesive foam sheets stuck on to a cardboard base. Once I had those finished i printed out small labels, numbers 1-13 for plant cell and letters a-m for animal cells i thought to do the labels differently for each so i and others could more easily differentiate between the two. These numbers and letters I decided should correspond to the definition of the particular organelle that the label was attached to. Once i had my definitions printed i then assembled my definitions on to my backings that i cut out of colored paper i then worked extensively to type up the assorted word docs and print them as well as some images i came across to connect to my topic and bring some color to my trifold then i added backings to these as well. Then assembled my tri fold, glued everything down, finished my reports, and completed my Presentation.  

 

Research

As I was doing a research project the main basis i had to achieve is my research. If I wanted to print any articles, bullet points or images connecting to my topic I researched multiple things as cellular biology reaches into many branches. I could only do a select few due to the time limit. i choose multiple varieties and topics such as:

Plant Cells              

- Function

- Adaptations

- Organelles 

This was important because it was the basis for my entire project along with animal cells. it is important because plant cells is the most seen in biomimicry as plant cells are either rectangular or hexagonal they are seen mathematically as some of the strongest known shapes so no wonder even if you take a stroll downtown you will see buildings/structures  inspired by these shapes

Animal Cells

- Function

- Adaptations

- Organelles

This was important and it was the basis for my whole project. Unlike with plant cells, although it is not seen nearly as much in biomimicry, animal cells are studied extensively by scientists, biologists and doctors alike. Learning about animal cells can help with curing skin diseases,helps in a variety of therapies and can even help in curing skin cancer!

 

Both

- Similarities 

- Differences 

similarities and differences are the key to my projects completion since I thought I needed a little more than simply explaining plants and animals I thought that comparing them was the perfect touch through a variety of mediums such as a venn diagram and a chart explaining their efficiency in reproduction, disposing of waste and toxins in the cell and how they aid the plant or animal by structure, organelles and their functions.

Biomimicry

- Definition

- Examples

Biomimicry is important because of how well it actually fits into my project at first glance it might seem out of place but it connects at most into plant cells as of the plant cells shape as rectangular and horizontal are mathematically proven to be some of the strongest shapes biomimicry is important because taking ideas from and basing designs of nature is the best possible way to innovate our society why go through the process of trial and error where on a large scale (buildings,bridges etc.) could harm lives and cause large scale damage when the answers provided in nature are right in front of us?



 

 

Data

i have no data beacause i did a reasearch project however i do have a report designated to reasearch                                                                 in reasearch i cover 

- functions/Adaptations 

- organelles 

of plant and animal cell and

- similairitys and differences of plant and animal cells

 

Conclusion

Cell Reproduction:

Plant

Plant pros                          Animal pros

Flexibility

- Plant cells reproduce both sexually (via seeds) and asexually (via cloning, grafting, etc.), which gives them an edge in adapting to different environments or survival strategies. 

Genetic Diversity

- Through reproduction and meiosis, animal cells contribute to genetic variety, which is crucial for evolution and adaptation.





 

Structure:

Plant                         

Plant pros                          Animal pros

Cell Walls

 Plant cells have a strong outer layer called the cell wall that helps keep their shape.

Cytoskeleton

 Animal cells have a skeleton-like structure inside called the cytoskeleton that helps maintain their shape and move things around inside the cell.

Connections

 Plant cells connect with each other through channels called plasmodesmata, allowing communication between cells and creating bonds to support the cell.

Cell Junctions

 They have special junctions that hold cells together and help them communicate with each other.

Fixed Shape

 Because of the cell wall and big vacuole, plant cells usually keep a rectangular or hexagon shape.

Flexible Membrane

 Their cell membrane allows them to take in nutrients and remove waste efficiently.

Static Nature:

 Since plants are stationary, their cells have adapted to withstand various environmental pressures (wind, gravity, etc.). The rigid structure supports the plant in standing upright and enduring external forces.

Extracellular Matrix (ECM)

The ECM is a network outside the cells that provides support and helps cells stick together, adding to the overall stability of tissues.







 

Disposal of Waste/Toxins in the Cell:

Animal 

Plant pros                          Animal pros

Plant cells focus on safety and sustainability

 Their central vacuole isolates waste and toxins, acting like a secure storage locker. While this process is slower, it works well for plants, as they don’t need to be as dynamic as animals. They also have the clever advantage of permanently storing waste in parts (like leaves) that they can later shed.

Animal cells are better for speed and activity

 With their lysosomes breaking down waste quickly and the support of a circulatory system for removing toxins, animal cells are like a "fast cleanup crew." This efficiency is crucial for high-energy organisms that need to stay active and responsive.












 

Aiding Cell with Functions/Adaptations:

Animal

Plant pros                          Animal pros

Plant Cells

 Their rigid structure, energy independence through photosynthesis, and ability to store water and nutrients make them perfectly suited for stability and long-term survival in a stationary environment. They’re masters of efficiency and endurance.

Animal Cells

 Their flexibility, high energy output, and specialization make them fantastic for dynamic environments and rapid responses. They enable advanced systems like muscles and nerves, which give animals the ability to move, sense, and interact with the world.

 

In conclusion we cannot deem one better in the other since they are both perfectly suited to their different environments its like comparing apples to oranges or apples to humans

 

Citations

Biology Insights. Animal Cell Structures and Processes Explained. https://biologyinsights.com/animal-cell-structures-and-processes-explained/

 

Biology Insights. Cell Walls: Structure, Integrity, and Permeability. https://biologyinsights.com/cell-walls-structure-integrity-and-permeability/

 

Byju’s. Plant cells – Definition, Diagrams, Structure & Function. https://byjus.com/biology/plant-cell/

 

Learning Mole. Plant vs. Animal Cells: A Comprehensive Comparison. https://learningmole.com/plant-vs-animal-cells/

 

Live Science. Cellular Garbage Disposals Clean Up. https://www.livescience.com/31966-cells-garbage-disposal-crucial-processes-nigms.html

 

Medium. Animal cell v/s Plant cells – Regeneration biology. https://medium.com/@regenerationbiology/animal-cell-v-s-plant-cells-regeneration-biology-c93b954a277a

 

medlineplus. What is a cell?.

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/basics/cell/

 

National Geographic Education. Plant and Animal Reproduction. https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/plant-and-animal-reproduction/

 

Science Notes. Difference Between Plant and Animal Cells. https://sciencenotes.org/difference-between-plant-and-animal-cells/

 

Sciencing. Animal vs Plant Cells: Similarities and Differences (With Chart). https://www.sciencing.com/animal-vs-plant-cells-similarities-differences-with-chart-13717295/

 

Twinkle. What is an animal cell.

https://www.twinkl.ca/teaching-wiki/animal-cell

 

Web Ecoist. Nature’s Wisdom: 9 Brilliant Examples of Biomimicry in Design. https://webecoist.momtastic.com/2014/12/31/natures-wisdom-9-brilliant-examples-of-biomimicry-in-design/

 

Youmatter. Biomimicry definition: what is it, Examples and areas of application. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-what-is-biomimicry-definition-examples/#:~:text=Biomimicry%20(literally%3A%20imitation%20of%20the,best%20and%20what%20doesn't.

 

 

 

Acknowledgement

I would like to acknoledge the treaty 7 land on which we live on With gratitude, mutual respect, and reciprocity, we acknowledge the ancestral home, culture, and oral teachings of the Treaty 7 signatories which includes the Siksika  Nation, Piikani  Nation, Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation, consisting of the Chiniki , Bearspaw  and Good Stoney Bands, and the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation. The City of Calgary is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6. i would also like to acknoledge my mother, shawna stirrett for her emotianal and physical help during times when i felt stressed i would also like to thank my cat, limbo for always cuddling when i needed it. i would like to acknoledge all my sources and copoilet who helped assist me in getting baser knowledge to all of these i thank.