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Mitochondria vs. Plastids: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 28, 2023
Mitochondria produce energy for cells; plastids are involved in synthesis and storage in plant cells.

Key Differences

Mitochondria are organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells, responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell's main energy currency. Plastids, on the other hand, are found exclusively in plant cells and certain algae, playing roles in synthesis and storage.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023
Mitochondria have a double-membrane structure, with an inner and outer membrane, facilitating various metabolic processes. Plastids come in multiple forms, such as chloroplasts (for photosynthesis), chromoplasts (for pigment synthesis and storage), and leucoplasts (for synthesis and storage of molecules like starch).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023
Both mitochondria and plastids are believed to have originated from ancient symbiotic bacteria through a process called endosymbiosis. However, while mitochondria are prevalent in almost all eukaryotes, plastids remain specific to plants and certain algal species.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Comparison Chart

Function

Produce energy (ATP).
Synthesis and storage in plant cells.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Location

All eukaryotic cells.
Plant cells and certain algae.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023
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Structure

Double-membraned.
Varying structures (e.g., chloroplasts).
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Origin

From ancient symbiotic bacteria.
From ancient cyanobacteria.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Types

One main type.
Multiple types (chloroplasts, chromoplasts, leucoplasts).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

Mitochondria and Plastids Definitions

Mitochondria

Powerhouses of the cell.
Without mitochondria, cells would lack energy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

Plastids

Involved in synthesis and storage.
Starches are stored in certain plastids called amyloplasts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023
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Mitochondria

Organelles that generate energy.
Cells rely on mitochondria for their energy needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023

Plastids

Sites for photosynthesis in plants.
Chloroplasts, a type of plastid, contain chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023

Mitochondria

Sites of cellular respiration.
Oxygen is utilized by mitochondria to produce ATP.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Plastids

Originated from ancient cyanobacteria.
Plastids share similarities with cyanobacteria, indicating a shared ancestry.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

Mitochondria

Originated from ancient bacteria.
The theory of endosymbiosis explains the origin of mitochondria.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023
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Plastids

Have diverse forms and functions.
Chromoplasts are plastids that store pigments in plants.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

Mitochondria

Double-membraned organelles.
The unique structure of mitochondria facilitates its function.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

Plastids

Organelles found in plant cells.
Plastids play vital roles in photosynthesis and storage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023

Mitochondria

A spherical or elongated organelle in the cytoplasm of nearly all eukaryotic cells, conning genetic material and many enzymes important for cell metabolism, including those responsible for the conversion of food to usable energy.
Sumera Saeed
May 15, 2019

Plastids

Any of several cytoplasmic organelles, such as chloroplasts, that contain genetic material, have a double membrane, and are often pigmented. Plastids are found in plants, algae, and certain other eukaryotic organisms and have various physiological functions, such as the synthesis and storage of food.
Sumera Saeed
May 15, 2019

Mitochondria

Plural of mitochondrion
Muscles contain many mitochondria so that they can have large energy supplies.
Sumera Saeed
May 15, 2019

Plastids

Plural of plastid
Sumera Saeed
May 15, 2019

FAQs

What is the primary function of mitochondria?

Mitochondria produce ATP, the main energy currency of cells.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Are plastids present in animal cells?

No, plastids are exclusive to plant cells and some algae.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 28, 2023

Why are mitochondria called the powerhouse of the cell?

Because they generate most of the cell's energy through ATP production.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Are there different types of mitochondria?

Mitochondria are generally uniform in function but can vary in shape and number.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

Do all cells contain mitochondria?

Nearly all eukaryotic cells contain mitochondria, with few exceptions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

How do mitochondria produce energy?

Through a process called cellular respiration, using oxygen to produce ATP.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023

What's the significance of mitochondria in health and disease?

Mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to various diseases, including some neurological disorders.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

What is the role of chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts, a type of plastid, are involved in photosynthesis in plants.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

Are plastids and chloroplasts the same?

Chloroplasts are a type of plastid specifically involved in photosynthesis.
Harlon Moss
Oct 28, 2023

Do mitochondria have their own DNA?

Yes, mitochondria have their own circular DNA, separate from the cell's nucleus.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

What do leucoplasts store?

Leucoplasts, a type of plastid, store molecules like starches and oils.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

How did mitochondria evolve?

They are believed to have originated from ancient symbiotic bacteria via endosymbiosis.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

Where are plastids located in a cell?

Plastids are found in the cytoplasm of plant cells.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 28, 2023

Do plastids have their own DNA?

Yes, plastids also have their own circular DNA.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

What do chromoplasts store?

Chromoplasts, a type of plastid, store pigments in plants.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

What's the significance of the double membrane in mitochondria?

It aids in compartmentalization and efficient energy production.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 28, 2023

How are plastids essential for plant survival?

Plastids play roles in photosynthesis, storage, and pigment synthesis, crucial for growth and reproduction.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

How are mitochondria inherited?

Mitochondria are typically inherited maternally, passed from mother to offspring.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023

How many types of plastids exist?

There are multiple types, including chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 28, 2023

Can plastids change their type?

Yes, plastids can differentiate into other types based on the cell's needs.
Janet White
Oct 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

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