Cells are the smallest and fundamental units of life. There are two main types of cells - prokaryotic cells, which are microscopic and consist of a single cell, and eukaryotic cells, which have more complex structures. Plant and animal cells contain similar organelles but also have some differences. Plant cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis and a cell wall, while animal cells lack these structures. Both cell types contain a nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, and ribosomes that allow the cell to carry out essential functions.