In 5-6 sentences explain why animal cells do not require a cell wall and a central vacuole.
Animal cells do not require a cell wall because they have a flexible plasma membrane which provides them with shape and support. Unlike plant cells, animal cells do not need the rigidity that a cell wall provides as they rely on other structures like the cytoskeleton for stability. Additionally, animal cells do not engage in processes like photosynthesis that require a cell wall to maintain turgor pressure.
Similarly, animal cells do not require a central vacuole because they do not undergo processes like storage of nutrients or waste products that necessitate a large central vacuole. Instead, animal cells rely on a network of smaller vacuoles and lysosomes to carry out specific functions like storage of molecules and breakdown of waste materials. These smaller vesicles are sufficient to meet the needs of an animal cell without the need for a large central vacuole.