Final answer:
Eukaryotic cells contain complex structures called organelles, with the plasma membrane controlling the movement of substances in and out of the cell. They include key organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and in plant cells, chloroplasts and a large central vacuole. The main difference between plant and animal cells is the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large vacuole in plant cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked to understand the basic structure and functions of eukaryotic plant and animal cells, including the organelles within them. Eukaryotic cells have a more complex structure than prokaryotic cells because they contain organelles that compartmentalize various cellular functions.
The outer boundary of these cells is defined by the plasma membrane, which controls the passage of substances in and out of the cell. The cytoplasm is the fluid environment inside the cell that contains these organelles.
Key organelles include the nucleus, which stores genetic material; mitochondria, the site of ATP (energy) production; endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus for protein and lipid processing; and in plant cells, chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a large central vacuole for storage and structure.
Animal and plant cells have some distinct differences. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, all of which are absent in animal cells.