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 3 (1 and 3 only) based on the fundamental structural differences between plant and animal cells:
- Statement 1 is correct: Plant cells possess a rigid outer layer called the cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support. Animal cells lack a cell wall entirely, possessing only a flexible cell membrane.
- Statement 2 is incorrect: Both plant and animal cells have a plasma membrane (cell membrane). It is a universal feature of all living cells that acts as a selective barrier. In plants, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall.
- Statement 3 is correct: Mature plant cells typically contain a single, large central vacuole that can occupy up to 90% of the cell volume, maintaining turgor pressure. Animal cells may have vacuoles, but they are small, temporary, and numerous.
Since statements 1 and 3 are scientifically accurate and statement 2 is false, Option 3 is the right choice.
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Guest previewThis is a classic 'Back to Basics' confidence check. While the provenance analysis flagged parts as web-based, this is pure NCERT Class VIII & IX General Science. The strategy here is simple: do not neglect school-level science textbooks in favor of high-tech Current Affairs. If you missed this, your foundation is shaky.
This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.
- Statement 1: In the general differences between plant and animal cells: do plant cells have cellulose cell walls while animal cells do not?
- Statement 2: In the general differences between plant and animal cells: do plant cells lack a plasma membrane while animal cells have a plasma membrane?
- Statement 3: In the general differences between plant and animal cells: do mature plant cells typically contain one large central vacuole while animal cells contain many small vacuoles?
- Explicitly states plant cells have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose.
- Links the cellulose cell wall to structural support, distinguishing plant cells from animal cells.
- Identifies cellulose as the major organic molecule in the plant cell wall.
- Contrasts plant cell walls with other types (prokaryotic peptidoglycan), supporting that plant walls are cellulose-based while animal cells lack such walls.
- States that plant cells have a cell wall while animal cells do not, directly supporting the contrast in the statement.
- Lists the cell wall among features present in plant cells but absent in animal cells.
Explicitly states some cells (e.g., onion peel cells) have an extra outer layer called the cell wall.
A student could combine this with the common basic fact that plant tissues (like onion) are composed of cells with walls and therefore suspect plant cells generally have cell walls (often composed of cellulose).
Describes microscopic observation of onion peel cells as closely arranged rectangular structures — a pattern characteristic of cells with rigid outer layers (cell walls).
A student could use this morphological clue plus knowledge that rigid, rectangular plant cell shapes arise from cell walls to test the claim.
Notes that fungi additionally have a cell wall, distinguishing types of organisms by presence/absence of walls.
A student can infer that cell walls occur in multiple kingdoms (not only plants), so they should check composition (e.g., cellulose in plants vs other polymers in fungi) rather than assuming walls are unique to plants.
States plant and animal cells differ in shape and structure, indicating systematic structural differences between the two groups.
A student could use this general rule to look for specific structural features (like cell walls) that are present in plants but absent in animals.
Gives examples of specialised plant cell forms (e.g., long tubes) implying plant cells have organization and structural features tied to rigid cell walls.
A student could relate specialized plant cell functions and shapes to the presence of cell walls and then check whether animal cells show comparable rigid outer layers.
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.