| Criteria | Animal Mitochondria | Plant Mitochondria | Remarks |
| Cell Type | Found in animal cells | Found in plant cells | Both are double-membraned organelles found in eukaryotes |
| Primary Function | ATP production via aerobic respiration | ATP production via aerobic respiration | Functions are similar, but plant mitochondria also coordinate with chloroplasts |
| Interaction with Other Organelles | Primarily interact with the nucleus and cytosol | Interact with both the nucleus and chloroplasts | Cross-talk with chloroplasts is crucial for metabolic balance in plant cells |
| Energy Sources | Primarily oxidize carbohydrates and fatty acids | Oxidize carbohydrates, fatty acids, and photorespiratory substrates | Plant mitochondria participate in photorespiration and alternate metabolism pathways |
| Photorespiration Role | No role in photorespiration | Active role in photorespiration through glycolate metabolism | Unique to plants; linked to photosynthesis and photorespiration processes |
| Electron Transport Chain (ETC) | Contains Complex I–IV and ATP synthase | Contains Complex I–IV and ATP synthase, but also alternative oxidase (AOX) | AOX provides flexibility and reduces ROS generation under stress in plants |
| Presence of Mitochondrial DNA | Present, circular, maternally inherited | Present, circular, maternally inherited | mtDNA encodes essential components of the respiratory chain in both |
| Cristae Structure | Well-defined, variable depending on energy demand | Well-defined but may show morphological differences under light exposure | Structural organization varies with physiological conditions |
| Response to Light | Not light-dependent | Influenced by light due to coordination with chloroplasts | Plant mitochondria adjust respiration based on photosynthetic activity |
| Presence of Plastids | Absent in animal cells | Present (chloroplasts coexist) | Co-presence of mitochondria and chloroplasts in plants leads to metabolic coordination |
