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 :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Why the answer is (c)
• Statement 1 is correct: plant cells have a rigid cellulose cell wall outside the membrane; animal cells have no cell wall.
• Statement 3 is correct: a mature plant cell has one large central vacuole (up to 90% of volume) for turgor and storage, while animal cells have several small vacuoles, if any.
• Statement 2 is wrong: all cells, plant and animal, have a plasma membrane; the plant's cell wall lies outside it.
• Other differences: plants have chloroplasts and plastids; animal cells have centrioles.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (c).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 2 is wrong: plant cells do have a plasma membrane.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is wrong; statement 1 is correct.
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
- Statement 2 is wrong.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2020, held on 4 October 2020. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.