Although there are some differences between a plant and an animal cell, their basic general organization remains the same. Cell behaves as a single living unit because its organelles perform specific roles in a co-ordinated and unified way.

Plant Cell

1. Plant cells are usually larger than animal cells.

2. The plasma membrane of a plant cell is surrounded by a rigid cell wall made up of cellulose.

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3. Plastids (leucoplast, chloroplast, chromoplast) are present in plant cells.

4. Vacuoles are present in abundance. They are larger in size.

5. Plant cells have many simpler units of Golgi complex, called dictyosomes.

6. Centrosome and centrioles have not been found in plant cells (except in a few lower plants).

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7. Cytokinesis takes place by cell plate formation.

8. Plant cells usually have a regular shape.

Animal Cell

1. Animal cells are generally small in size.

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2. Cell is absent.

3. Plastids are absent.

4. Vacuoles are less in number and smaller in size.

5. Animal cells have a single highly elaborate Golgi complex.

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6. Animal cells possess cenrosome and centrioles.

7. Cytokinesis takes place by constriction during cell division.

8. Animal cells are usually irregular in shape.