Plant and animal cells share some common structures but also have distinct differences. Both contain organelles like the nucleus, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, and cytoplasm that carry out basic cell functions. Plant cells additionally contain a cell wall, chloroplasts, and central vacuole not found in animal cells. The nucleus acts as the cell's control center while mitochondria generate energy and chloroplasts carry out photosynthesis in plant cells. Cell membranes envelop cells and regulate what enters and exits through selective permeability.