What main features are there in animal and plant cells? What functions do these elements serve?

Features/organelles present in both animal and plant cells include: the nucleus (where the DNA/genetic information is stored - this controls the activities of the cell), the cell membrane (a thin containing layer which controls what moves in or out of the cell), the cytoplasm (which contains the organelles and is the site of most chemical processes in the cell), the mitochondria (where aerobic respiration takes place), and ribosomes (where proteins are synthesised).

Features/organelles present only in plant cells include: the cellulose cell wall (which helps to maintain the cell's rigidity and support the plant), chloroplasts (where photosynthesis takes place), and the large, permanent vacuole (which stores water and solutes and also helps to maintain the cell's rigidity/turgor when full of water).