 Organelle: Animal Cells? Plant Cells? Nucleus x x Ribosomes x x Endoplasmic Reticulum x x Golgi Apparatus x x Lysosomes x x (rare) Cytoskeleton x x Vacuoles and Vesicles x x Centrioles x Chloroplasts x Mitochondria x x Cell Wall x Cell Membrane x x |
 While, for the most part, plant cells and animal cells are the same. There are some minor differences in their organelles. First off, all animal cells have lysosomes, which break down and recycle macromolecules. Plant cells, on the other hand, do not usually have these. Furthermore, all animal cells contain centrioles, which organize the division of cells. Once again, these are not found in plants. Choloroplasts and cell walls; however, are found only in plants. Chloroplasts convert solar radiation energy into chemical energy which is stored in the plant's food. As animals collect energy from eating foods like plants and other animals this is an organelle not needed in animal cells. Cell walls are used in plant cells to shape, support, and protect the cell. Again, these are found in plant cells, but not in animal cells. |
