What Do Plant and Animal Cells Have in Common?
Plant and animal cells both have a nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, a Golgi apparatus, vesicles, mitochondria and a cell membrane. Each of these components work together to keep the cell healthy and functioning properly. In addition, plant and animal cells are eukarotic, meaning they are multicellular.
The nucleus is located in the center of a cell and it controls a variety of functions. The endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and ribosomes work together to process and transport materials into and out of the cell. A vesicle is another part of plant and animal cells that transports particles and substances to and from the cell.
Plant and animal cells also have mitochondria, but they function slightly differently in the different cells. The mitochondria in animal cells release energy and facilitate respiration. In plant cells, mitochondria work with chloroplasts to absorb light and energy.
In addition to having similar kinds of components working within the cell, plant and animal cells both are capable of diffusion. This is a process where dissolved substances pass in and out of the cell. Both kinds of cells also have a cell membrane that is controlled by the nucleus and selectively allows particles and substances to enter the cell.
