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# Plant and Animal Cell Comparison ## Similarities * Both are eukaryotic cells. * Both contain organelles. ## Differences * **Plant cells:** Have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. * **Animal cells:** Do not have a cell wall, chloroplasts, or a large central vacuole; they ha...

# Plant and Animal Cell Comparison ## Similarities * Both are eukaryotic cells. * Both contain organelles. ## Differences * **Plant cells:** Have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. * **Animal cells:** Do not have a cell wall, chloroplasts, or a large central vacuole; they have many mitochondria. ## Organelles * **Cell Membrane:** Controls the transport of substances into and out of the cell. * **Cytoplasm:** The jelly-like substance that fills the cell, containing various organelles. * **Chloroplasts:** Involved in photosynthesis (converting light energy into chemical energy). * **Mitochondria:** The "powerhouse" of the cell; generates energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through cellular respiration. * **Vacuole:** A sac-like structure that stores water, nutrients, and waste products. * **Nucleus:** Contains the cell's genetic material (DNA). * **Ribosomes:** Involved in protein synthesis. * **Cell Wall:** Provides structural support and protection for plant cells. ## Functions * **Photosynthesis:** Converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose) in plant cells. * **Cellular Respiration:** Converts glucose into ATP in both plant and animal cells. # Mitochondria Function * **Definition and Function:** Mitochondria are organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They are known as the "powerhouse" of the cell because they generate most of the cell's ATP (energy). * **Source of Energy:** Mitochondria convert chemical energy from food into ATP, which is the cell's primary energy currency. * **Cell Signaling:** Mitochondria are involved in cell signaling and communication between cells. * **Cell Cycle Regulation:** Mitochondria help regulate processes like cell division and cell death. # Ribosomes Function * **Protein Synthesis:** Ribosomes are responsible for assembling amino acids into proteins, following instructions from the genetic code carried by mRNA. * They are essential for all cellular functions requiring proteins. * They can be found free in the cytoplasm or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum. # Additional Notes * DNA in mitochondria is similar to bacterial DNA. * Number of mitochondria can vary from cell to cell. * Mitochondria are involved in apoptosis, or programmed cell death. * Ribosomes translate genetic information from mRNA into proteins.