Python lists are ordered collections used to store multiple items in a single variable. They are mutable, meaning their elements can be changed, added, or removed after the list is created. Tuples, on the other hand, are also ordered collections but are immutable, which means their contents cannot be altered once defined. This immutability makes tuples faster and more memory-efficient than lists. Lists are typically used when data may need to change, while tuples are preferred for fixed data. Both play a key role in Python programming and are essential topics in a Python certification course.