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:
- A1 and 2 only
- B2 and 3 only
- C1 and 3 onlyCorrect
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Let's examine the general differences between plant and animal cells:
-
Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not. This statement is correct. Plant cells are characterized by the presence of a rigid cell wall, primarily composed of cellulose, located outside the plasma membrane. This cell wall provides structural support and protection. Animal cells, on the other hand, lack a cell wall.
-
Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do. This statement is incorrect. Both plant cells and animal cells possess a plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is a fundamental component of all living cells, regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall.
-
Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles. This statement is correct. Mature plant cells typically have a single, large central vacuole that can occupy a significant portion (up to 80-90%) of the cell volume. This large vacuole is crucial for maintaining turgor pressure, storing water, nutrients, and waste products. Animal cells, if they have vacuoles at all, usually have multiple small, temporary vacuoles.
Therefore, statements 1 and 3 are correct.

Related questions
More UPSC Prelims practice from the same subject and topic.
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
Consider the following activities : 1. Spraying pesticides on a crop field 2. Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes 3. Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis At the prese…
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
What is the importance of using Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines in India? 1. These vaccines are effective against pneumonia as well as meningitis and sepsis. 2. Dependence on antibiotics that are not …
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements : 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running cent…
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, "Pronuclear Transfer" is used for
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? 1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 2. Create meaningful short stories a…
- Prelims 2020GS1science-and-technology
With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct? 1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm. 2. VLC is known as long-r…