A student is comparing plant and animal cells under a microscope.

Question

How does the presence of cellulose in plant cells affect their structure and function compared to animal cells?
A.It allows plant cells to produce their own food.
B.It gives plant cells a rigid shape and extra protection.
C.It enables plant cells to move more freely than animal cells.
D.It helps plant cells divide more rapidly than animal cells.

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. It gives plant cells a rigid shape and extra protection.

Cellulose is a major component of the cell wall found in plant cells. This rigid structure provides support and maintains the shape of the plant cells, allowing plants to stand upright and resist external pressures. In contrast, animal cells lack cell walls and have a more flexible structure. This difference in structure is one of the key distinctions between plant and animal cells.