Onion cells and cheek cells, representing plant and animal cells respectively, exhibit key structural and functional differences.
Key Differences Between Onion Cells and Cheek Cells
| Feature | Onion Cell | Cheek Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Plant Cell | Animal Cell |
| Cell Wall | Present (rigid) | Absent |
| Shape | Brick-like | Rounded |
| Vacuole | Large, central | Small, scattered |
| Nucleus | Present | Present |
| Chloroplasts | Absent (in bulb cells) | Absent |
Detailed Comparison
Here's a more in-depth look at the distinctions:
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Cell Wall: A defining difference is the presence of a rigid cell wall in onion cells, providing support and structure. Cheek cells lack a cell wall. According to the reference, onion cells have an "outermost rigid cell wall," which gives them their defined shape.
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Shape: Onion cells, due to their cell walls, have a regular, brick-like shape. Cheek cells, lacking a cell wall, are more rounded and flexible.
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Vacuole: Onion cells typically possess a large central vacuole that stores water and maintains turgor pressure. Cheek cells have smaller, scattered vacuoles. The large vacuole in onion cells contributes to their structural integrity.
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Chloroplasts: While onion bulb cells generally lack chloroplasts (as they grow underground), other plant cells would contain them. Cheek cells, being animal cells, never contain chloroplasts.
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Overall Structure: In essence, onion cells are designed for structural support and water storage in a plant, whereas cheek cells are specialized for various functions within an animal's body, such as protection. The reference indicates that "a human cheek cell is an animal cell having a rounded structure but lacking a cell wall."
