Which statement is true for both plant and animals cells?
A) They have cell nuclei and vacuoles.
B) Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells.
C) They have centrioles and cellulose.
D) They have mitochondria and chloroplasts.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A) They have cell nuclei and vacuoles.
Both plant and animal cells share several common structural components, and the nucleus and vacuoles are among them. The nucleus is the control center of the cell, housing the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and regulating activities such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Every eukaryotic cell, including plant and animal cells, contains a nucleus, which is essential for proper cellular function.
Vacuoles, though more prominent in plant cells, are also present in animal cells. In plant cells, vacuoles typically occupy a significant portion of the cell’s volume. These vacuoles help maintain turgor pressure, store nutrients, and manage waste products. In animal cells, vacuoles are smaller and more transient, often involved in the storage of food or waste products, and play a role in cellular digestion and homeostasis.
Now, let’s look at the other options:
B) Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells: This is not necessarily true. While animal cells are typically smaller than plant cells in some cases, this is not a consistent rule. Some plant cells, especially those in large structures like leaves and roots, can be quite large. The size of a cell depends on its function rather than its classification as plant or animal.
C) They have centrioles and cellulose: Centrioles are present in animal cells, but plant cells lack them. Instead, plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose. This statement is only true for animal cells having centrioles and plant cells having cellulose, but not for both.
D) They have mitochondria and chloroplasts: Both plant and animal cells have mitochondria, but only plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis. Thus, this statement is only true for plant cells.
In conclusion, option A is the most accurate for both plant and animal cells.