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:

The correct option is 1 and 3 only.

Let us analyze each statement step-by-step to understand why this is the correct choice:

Statement 1: Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.
This statement is correct. Plant cells are surrounded by a rigid, outer layer called the cell wall, which is primarily composed of cellulose. This cell wall provides structural support and protection. Animal cells completely lack a cell wall; they only have a flexible outer boundary known as the plasma membrane.

Statement 2: 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 (also known as the cell membrane). In plant cells, the plasma membrane is located just inside the cell wall. It controls the entry and exit of substances in both cell types.

Statement 3: Mature plant cell has one large vacuole whilst animal cell has many small vacuoles.
This statement is correct. Mature plant cells typically contain a single, large central vacuole that takes up a major portion of the cell volume (often up to 90%) and helps maintain turgor pressure. In contrast, animal cells, if they have vacuoles at all, contain multiple, much smaller, and often temporary vacuoles used for storage or transport.

Since statements 1 and 3 are correct, and statement 2 is incorrect, the correct selection is 1 and 3 only.