What are Mitochondria?
We already know that Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. It is an organelle that is responsible for the production of ATP in the cell. This ATP is used as a sort of “currency” for the cell and is primarily used for aerobic respiration.
Read more: Aerobic Respiration.
What are Plastids?
Plastids are similar to Mitochondria – they help in the production and storage of food (glucose). They are only found in plants and contain different pigments.
The main difference between Mitochondria and Plastids are that mitochondria are found in all eukaryotic cells, but plastids are exclusive to plants and algae.
Also Read: Plastids
Difference Between Mitochondria and Plastids
We are already familiar with the primary difference – Plastids are present only in plant cells but mitochondria are present in all eukaryotic cells.
Let’s discover the other major differences between Mitochondria and plastids:
| Difference Between Mitochondria and Plastids | |
|---|---|
| Mitochondria | Plastids |
| Found in all eukaryotic cells | Found in only plant cells |
| Produces ATP | Produces glucose and stores it as starch |
| The main function is cell respiration | Main organelle for photosynthesis |
| Smaller in size | Comparatively larger in size |
| Pigments are absent | Pigments are present |
Conclusion
Mitochondria and Plastids are very important cell organelles that perform different functions. The main difference between Mitochondria and Plastids are that plastids are present only in plants, mitochondria, on the other hand, are present in all eukaryotic cells.
Explore more: Mitochondria
These were a brief introduction on Mitochondria and Plastids and their differences. For more information related to other cell organelles, their structure, functions and for other related topics, visit us @ Byju’s Biology