Animal cells and plant cells similarities:StructureBoth animal and plant cells contain a nucleus, cytoplasm, cell membrane, mitochondria and ribosomes.Both animal and plant cells are eukaryotic (i.e. contain a nucleus).FunctionBoth animal and plant cells can carry out respiration due to the presence of mitochondria. Both animal and plant cells can carry out protein synthesis due to the presence of ribosomes.Animal cells and plant cells differences:StructurePlant cells also contain chloroplasts, a cell wall and a vacuole, these are not present in animal cells. FunctionPlant cells also have the ability to photosynthesise/generate glucose, due to the presence of chloroplasts, which animal cells do not have.