No, human cheek cells do not have large vacuoles, as they are animal cells.
According to the provided reference, human cheek cells, which are animal cells, lack a cell wall and a large vacuole. In contrast, plant cells, such as onion cells, have both a cell wall and a prominent vacuole. The primary function of a vacuole, especially a large one in plant cells, is to store water, nutrients, and waste products. Human cheek cells, being animal cells, do not require a large central vacuole for these purposes as they have different cellular structures to manage these functions.
Key Differences Between Human Cheek Cells and Onion Cells
| Feature | Human Cheek Cell | Onion Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Type | Animal Cell | Plant Cell |
| Cell Wall | Absent | Present |
| Large Vacuole | Absent | Present |
| Shape | Rounded | Brick-like |
| Nucleus | Prominent | Prominent |
The comparison between onion cells and human cheek cells highlights the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells. The absence of a large vacuole in human cheek cells is a key feature that distinguishes them from plant cells.
