What key structures do plant cells have that differentiate them from animal cells?

Plant cells are characterized by several unique structures that set them apart from animal cells, most notably the cell wall, chloroplasts, and large central vacuoles.

The cell wall provides structural support and protection; it is composed of cellulose and gives plants their rigidity, which allows them to maintain their shape even when water is lost or taken up. In contrast, animal cells lack this additional layer, which contributes to their more flexible and varied shapes.

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process is essential for plant survival and growth and is unique to plant cells. Animal cells do not have chloroplasts because they do not perform photosynthesis; instead, they obtain energy through different means, such as consuming plants or other organisms.

The large central vacuole in plant cells serves multiple purposes, including storing nutrients and waste products, maintaining turgor pressure to keep the plant upright, and contributing to cell growth by expanding the cell's internal volume. While animal cells have small vacuoles, they are generally not as prominent or multifunctional as the large central vacuole found in plant cells.

The other options mention structures that are either common to both plant