Question map
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells? 1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. 2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. 3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
The correct answer is option C (statements 1 and 3 only).
**Statement 1 is correct:** Only plant cell walls are made from cellulose.[1] This is a key distinguishing feature between plant and animal cells, as animal cells lack cell walls entirely.
**Statement 2 is incorrect:** Both plant and animal cells possess plasma membranes. The cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus are the basic parts of a cell, and like animal[2] and plant[3] cells, the cells of microorganisms are also surrounded by a cell membrane. The claim that plant cells lack plasma membranes is fundamentally wrong.
**Statement 3 is correct:** Plant cells have a large, empty-looking space called a vacuole, while in animal cells, vacuoles are usually not present, if present, they are usually small.[4] This structural difference is significant, as the large central vacuole in mature plant cells helps with storage, waste removal, and maintaining cell shape, whereas animal cells typically have multiple small vacuoles if any at all.
Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are correct, making option C the right answer.
Sources- [1] https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/guides/zg9mk2p/revision/3
- [2] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye > Activity 2.3: Let us investigate > p. 12
- [3] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye > 2.5 Why Is Cell Considered to Be a Basic Unit of Life? > p. 24
- [4] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye > A step further > p. 13
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a foundational 'Sitter' from NCERT Class VIII & IX. It tests basic comparative biology rather than advanced science. The trap lies in Statement 2, checking if you confuse the 'addition' of a cell wall with the 'absence' of a membrane. If you visualize the NCERT diagrams, this is free marks.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do plant cells have cell walls composed primarily of cellulose?
- Statement 2: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do animal cells lack cell walls entirely?
- Statement 3: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do plant cells have a plasma (cell) membrane?
- Statement 4: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do animal cells have a plasma (cell) membrane?
- Statement 5: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do mature plant cells typically contain one large central vacuole?
- Statement 6: For the general difference between plant and animal cells, do animal cells typically contain many small vacuoles?
- Explicitly states that plant cell walls are made from cellulose, directly answering the question.
- Compares plant cell features with other cell types, placing the cellulose cell wall as a distinguishing plant trait.
- Clearly identifies the composition of plant cell walls as cellulose.
- Links the cellulose cell wall to the function of providing structure and protection in plant cells.
- Reiterates that plant cell walls (distinct from animal cells) are made from cellulose.
- Places the cellulose cell wall among other plant-specific structures, supporting the general difference between plant and animal cells.
States that some cells, like onion peel cells, have an extra outer layer called the cell wall — giving an explicit example of plant cells with cell walls.
A student could take this rule (plant cells often have a cell wall) and combine it with outside knowledge about common plant tissues (e.g., onion epidermis) to investigate the chemical nature of that wall (test for polysaccharides typical of cellulose).
Provides a schematic/list distinguishing cell parts and implies 'Cell wall' is an identifiable component associated with plant cells.
Use this list to justify focusing on the cell wall as a defining plant feature, then consult standard biochemical tests or reference texts to check whether that wall is primarily cellulose.
Describes onion peel cells as nearly rectangular and closely arranged — a morphological example supporting that plant cells have rigid outer layers (consistent with presence of a wall).
A student could link rigidity/regular shape to the presence of a polysaccharide-rich wall and then look up which polysaccharide (cellulose) gives rigidity in common plant epidermal cells.
Notes that fungi additionally have a cell wall but lack chloroplasts, showing that having a cell wall is not unique to plants and that different organisms can have cell walls of possibly different composition.
A student could use this pattern to reason that since multiple groups have walls, one should check composition differences (e.g., fungal walls vs plant walls) to test whether plant walls are specifically cellulose-based.
States plant and animal cells differ in shape and structure, underscoring that structural features like walls are key distinguishing traits to investigate.
Use this general rule to prioritize examining structural components (cell wall) and then consult biochemical sources or simple stains to determine if cellulose is the primary constituent.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This statement analysis shows book citations, web sources and indirect clues. The first statement (S1) is open for preview.
Login with Google to unlock all statements.
This tab shows concrete study steps: what to underline in books, how to map current affairs, and how to prepare for similar questions.
Login with Google to unlock study guidance.
Discover the small, exam-centric ideas hidden in this question and where they appear in your books and notes.
Login with Google to unlock micro-concepts.
Access hidden traps, elimination shortcuts, and Mains connections that give you an edge on every question.
Login with Google to unlock The Vault.