Difference Between Mitochondria And Plastids

Mitochondria and plastids are two important organelles found in eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria and plastids are membranous organelles with fluid-filled sacs inside. The key difference between mitochondria and plastids is that mitochondria are involved in the energy production of cells through cellular respiration, while plastids perform various functions such as food storage and photosynthesis.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles, but they are bound to two different membranes. This is unusual for an intercellular organelle. These membranes function for the purpose of mitochondria, which are primarily responsible for energy production. This energy is produced, in other words, transformed, by chemicals passing through pathways inside the cell. This conversion process produces energy in the form of ATP because phosphate is a high-energy bond that fuels other reactions in the cell.

The purpose of the mitochondria is therefore to generate this energy. Some different cells have a different number of mitochondria because they require more energy. Muscle, for example, has many mitochondria, as does the liver, kidneys, to some extent, the brain, which lives on the energy generated by these mitochondria. So if you have a defect in the normal functioning of your mitochondria, you have symptoms in the muscles, in the brain, and sometimes in the kidneys; many types of symptoms. We may not know all the different diseases that cause mitochondrial dysfunction.

For more information, read: Mitochondria

Plastids

Plastids are membrane-bound organelles found in the cells of plants, algae, and some eukaryotic cells. This is the site of production and storage of important compounds used by autotrophic cells. Plastid is classified according to the type of pigment it contains. Types of Plastids are-

1. Chloroplasts: these are green plastids that contain the chlorophyll pigment used for photosynthesis.
2. Chromoplast: colored plastids used for the synthesis and storage of pigments. The pigment it contains is carotene, which gives fruits and flowers their different colors.
3. Aged plastids: are chloroplasts that undergo a process of aging. Occurs in leaves that are no longer photosynthetic (eg in autumn).
4. Leucoplasts: these are leucoplasts found in the non-photosynthetic parts of plants and used for the synthesis of monoterpenes. They are three types:-
   1. Amyloplasts: store starch.
   2. Proteosomes: store proteins.
   3. Oleosomes: storage of fats and oils.

Similarities Between Mitochondria and Plastids

The similarities between mitochondria and plastids are – 

• They have two membranes, 
• The outer membrane of plastids and mitochondria has pores.

Major Differences Between Mitochondria and Plastids

Conclusion 

Mitochondria and plastids are two types of membranous organelles in eukaryotes. Plastids are only found in plants and algae. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of cells, generating metabolic energy in a process called cellular respiration. Plastids are mainly involved in the production and storage of food in the cell. Chloroplasts are the type of plastid that performs photosynthesis.
The main difference between mitochondria and plastids is their function.