The average number of mitochondria in an animal cell typically ranges from 1000 to 2000, depending on the cell type and its energy requirements. For instance, muscle cells, which have higher energy demands, may contain even more, while less active cells might have fewer mitochondria.
In contrast, plant cells generally contain fewer mitochondria, averaging around 100 to 500 per cell. This difference largely stems from the presence of chloroplasts in plant cells, which perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy. As a result, plant cells can rely more on chloroplasts to generate energy, reducing their need for a high number of mitochondria.
In summary, while animal cells tend to have more mitochondria due to their reliance on aerobic respiration for energy, plant cells have fewer mitochondria, supplementing their energy needs primarily through photosynthesis using chloroplasts.