Animal and plant cells have both similarities and differences. Both are the basic units of life and contain organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes. However, plant cells have a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a vacuole which animal cells lack. The cell wall provides structure and support, chloroplasts allow plants to photosynthesize, and the vacuole stores water and nutrients. Understanding these differences in cellular structures helps explain the distinct functions of animal and plant life.