logo
AAT Bioquest

What are the differences between mitochondria and Plastids?

Posted March 27, 2023


Answer

Basis of differentiation

Mitochondria

Plastids

Definition

Mitochondria are a type of organelles in which the processes of energy production and respiration occur

Plastids are double membrane organelles in which the production and storage of molecules and photosynthesis occur in the cell

Presence of pigments

Do not contain pigments

Most plastids contain pigments 

Cell type found in

Found in both animal and plant cells 

Only found in plant and algae cells

Function

Primarily involved in the energy production by cellular respiration

Primarily involved in the food production and storage in the cell, photosynthesis

Foldings

Inner mitochondrial membrane contain folds called cristae

No folds exist in the inner membrane of plastids

Presence of chambers in matrix

Completely separated chambers are found inside the matrix

Do not have completely separated chambers inside the matrix

DNA

Mitochondria have their own DNA inside the organelle

Only Chloroplasts have their own DNA

Types

Structure may differ based on the needs of the cell

Chloroplasts, chromoplasts, and leucoplasts are 3 types of plastids  

Additional resources

The Genetic Systems of Mitochondria and Plastids

Mitochondria

Cell Navigator® Mitochondrion Staining Kit *Blue Fluorescence*

MitoLite™ Blue FX490