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The basic difference between mitochondria and plastids is that Mitochondria occur in most animal and plant cells, whereas plastids do not occur in any animal cell. Mitochondria have ridges and matrix, whereas plastids do not have ridges or the same type of matrix. Chloroplasts have thylakoids and stroma.

All mitochondria have internal membranes, whereas only some plastids have internal membranes.

Plastids can vary in color, whereas mitochondria do not vary in color.

Some plastids are adapted to store biological macromolecules, whereas mitochondria are not adapted to store biological macromolecules.

Mitochondria play a role in thermogenesis, while plastids do not play a role in thermogenesis.

The plastids can participate in the production of glucose through photosynthesis, whereas the mitochondria do not participate in the production of glucose.

Difference between Mitochondria and Plastids in tabular form

	Mitochondria		Plastids
1.	They are found near the nucleus or aggregated in the peripheral cytoplasm.	1.	They are found the food in leaves, roots, green, stems.
2.	They are called the powerhouse of the cells as they provide energy by cellular respiration.	2.	They are called the food factories of the cells as they make food for plants by photosynthesis.
3.	They are bound by two membranes.	3.	They are also bound by two membranes.
4.	They contain respiratory enzymes.	4.	They contain pigments of various types.
5.	They are present both in plant and animal cells.	5.	They are present only in plant cells.
6.	Their number, shape, and structure vary widely.	6.	They also vary in number, shape and size.

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