10 Difference between Mitochondria and Plastids

Mitochondria and Plastids

Mitochondria and plastids are the Organelles which are found in Eukaryotic Cells. Mitochondria are known as the “POWERHOUSE” of the cell, as they generate the majority of the cell’s energy through the process of Cellular Respiration. Plastids, on the other hand, are involved in various functions such as the storage of food and pigments, and the synthesis of compounds like pigments, amino acids, lipids, and starch. Both Plastid and Mitochondria have their own genetic material .

Difference between Mitochondria and Plastids

Factors	Mitochondria	Plastids
Location	Mitochondria is found in all eukaryotic cells.	Plastids are found only in plant cells.
Function	Mitochondria produces ATP.	Plastids produce glucose and store it as starch.
Size	Smaller in size.	Comparatively larger in size.
Pigments	In mitochondria, pigments are present.	In plastids, pigments are absent.
Major role	Cell respiration.	Photosynthesis.
Animal & Plant cell presence	Found in both animal and plant cells.	Found only in plant cells and algae.
Glucose Production	Glucose is produced.	Glucose is not produced.
Color	Color of mitochondria does not vary.	Color of plastids varies due to the presence of pigments.
Heat production	Mitochondria produces heat while playing a role in thermogenesis.	Plastids do not play any role in thermogenesis.
Presence of Folds	In inner mitochondrial membranes, folds are found which are referred to as Cristae.	No folds are found in the inner membranes of Plastids.