PLANT VS. ANIMAL CELLS

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have cell membranes that enclose the cell

The cell membrane holds the cell together

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells are filled with cytoplasm, a gel-like substance containing chemicals needed by the cell

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have a nucleus, where DNA is stored. DNA controls many of the characteristics of living things. Inside the nucleus is the nucleoulus.

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have ribosomes, protein builders of the cell

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have mitochondria that use oxygen to break down food and release energy in food’s chemical bonds

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have vacuoles that contain food, water, or waste products. Animal cells usually have more vacuoles than plant cells

Similarities

Both animal and plant cells have endoplasmic reticulum, where a system of tubes transport proteins within the cell

Similarities

The Golgi bodies in both animal and plant cells package proteins for distribution outside the cell

Differences

Plant cells have cell walls that provide structure, but animal cells do not

Differences

A few large animal cells have more than one nucleus, but plant cells always have just one

Differences

Plant cells have chloroplasts for photosynthesis. Animal cells do not.

Differences

Animal cells tend to have many small vacuoles. Mature plant cells tend to only have one vacuole

Differences

Animal cells have lysosomes, but plant cells do not.

Lysosomes contain chemicals that break down material