- Plant Cells: Have a cell membrane that surrounds the cell and protects its contents. It also contains tiny pores that allow for the movement of materials into and out of the cell.
- Animal Cells: Also have a cell membrane that surrounds the cell, but it does not contain tiny pores. Instead, animal cells use pseudopodia and phagocytosis to move materials into and out of the cell.
Cell Wall
- Plant Cells: Have a cell wall made of cellulose that surrounds the cell membrane and provides support and protection.
- Animal Cells: Do not have a cell wall.
Chloroplasts
- Plant Cells: Contain chloroplasts, which are organelles that contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis.
- Animal Cells: Do not contain chloroplasts.
Vacuoles
- Plant Cells: Have a large, central vacuole that contains water, salts, and other nutrients.
- Animal Cells: Have many small vacuoles that perform a variety of functions, such as storing food, waste, and water.
Mitochondria
- Plant Cells: Have mitochondria that are responsible for producing energy for the cell.
- Animal Cells: Also have mitochondria that are responsible for producing energy for the cell, but they also contain large numbers of mitochondria due to the cell's high energy demands.