Why are plant and animal cells larger than bacteria?

Plant and animal cells are larger than bacteria primarily due to their complexity and the presence of membrane-bound organelles, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum, which allow for specialized functions. Bacteria, being prokaryotic cells, are simpler and lack these organelles, resulting in a smaller size. Additionally, the larger size of eukaryotic cells enables them to house more genetic material and carry out more intricate biochemical processes necessary for multicellular organisms.