Vacuoles are important parts of both plant and animal cells. However, they are quite different in how they look, how big they are, and what they do.

1. Size:

   • Plant Cells: Usually have one big vacuole in the center. This vacuole can take up about 30% to 90% of the cell.
   • Animal Cells: Typically have several small vacuoles. These are much smaller than the ones in plant cells and only take up around 5% to 10% of the cell.

2. Function:

   • Plant Cells: The big vacuole stores water, nutrients, and waste. It helps keep the plant standing tall by maintaining something called turgor pressure. When the vacuole is full, it pushes against the cell wall, giving the plant support.
   • Animal Cells: The smaller vacuoles mainly store ions, waste, and nutrients.

3. Composition:

   • Plant Vacuoles: Often have cell sap inside. Cell sap is a mix of water, sugars, salts, and colors that can change how a plant looks and tastes.
   • Animal Vacuoles: Usually do not have color pigments and help with digestion and getting rid of waste.

In short, plant vacuoles are larger and help support the plant structure. Animal vacuoles are smaller and mostly help with storing and breaking down materials.