Final answer:
Plant cells contain chloroplasts, a cellulose cell wall, and a large central vacuole, which are not found in animal cells. Animal cells have centrioles, which are absent in plant cells. Both cell types share common structures like mitochondria, plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unique and Shared Structures in Plant and Animal Cells
Understanding the differences and similarities between plant cells and animal cells is crucial for grasping how eukaryotic organisms function. Here is a breakdown of which structures are found in plant cells, animal cells, or both:
Chloroplast: Plant cell
Cellulose cell wall: Plant cell
Central vacuole: Plant cell
Centriole: Animal cell
Mitochondrion: Both
Plasma membrane: Both
Cytoskeleton: Both
Nucleus: Both
Endoplasmic reticulum: Both
Golgi apparatus: Both
Plant cells are unique in having chloroplasts for photosynthesis, a cellulose cell wall for structure and protection, and a large central vacuole that helps maintain cell rigidity and stores nutrients. In contrast, only animal cells contain centrioles, which are involved in cell division. Both plant and animal cells share organelles that are essential for basic cell functions, such as the nucleus for genetic material, mitochondria for energy production, and the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus for protein and lipid processing and transport.