Plants and animals have differences, but both are made up of cells, the smallest unit of living organisms. DNA allows plants and animals to pass on their genes and adapt to their environment. Both plant and animal cells need nutrients and plants need light which they convert into energy. Plastids contain pigment needed for photosynthesis. Plant cells have a stiff cell wall while animal cells have a thin permeable membrane. Plants can communicate with each other, but animals have five senses.