How do animal cells generally differ from plant cells?

How do animal cells generally differ from plant cells?

• A. Animal cells have a rigid cell wall
• B. Animal cells contain chloroplasts
• C. Animal cells use photosynthesis
• D. Animal cells have a flexible plasma membrane

Answer: (D)

Animal cells are characterized by having a flexible plasma membrane, which allows for greater diversity in shape and facilitates various cellular processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis. This flexibility is essential for the function of animal cells, accommodating changes in the environment and enabling cellular interactions. In contrast, plant cells have a rigid cell wall that provides structure and support, making option A inaccurate. Additionally, plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, which are not found in animal cells, rendering options B and C incorrect as well. The absence of chloroplasts and the inability to perform photosynthesis are fundamental distinctions between the two types of cells, reinforcing the importance of the plasma membrane's flexibility in animal cells.

Animal cells are characterized by having a flexible plasma membrane, which allows for greater diversity in shape and facilitates various cellular processes such as endocytosis and exocytosis. This flexibility is essential for the function of animal cells, accommodating changes in the environment and enabling cellular interactions.

In contrast, plant cells have a rigid cell wall that provides structure and support, making option A inaccurate. Additionally, plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, which are not found in animal cells, rendering options B and C incorrect as well. The absence of chloroplasts and the inability to perform photosynthesis are fundamental distinctions between the two types of cells, reinforcing the importance of the plasma membrane's flexibility in animal cells.