While plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic and contain membrane-bound organelles, they have distinct characteristics related to their different functions. Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, chloroplasts for photosynthesis, and a large central vacuole, while animal cells lack these features. Additionally, plant cells have a nucleus positioned on the side of the cell whereas animal cell nuclei are centered. These differences allow plant cells to perform photosynthesis and support plant structure, while animal cells fulfill different roles without a cell wall or ability to produce their own food.