What feature is unique to plant cells compared to animal cells?

Plant cells are distinct from animal cells primarily due to the presence of cell walls. This feature is critical for various reasons: the cell wall provides structural support that helps maintain the shape of the plant cell, allowing it to stand upright and resist external pressures. It is primarily composed of cellulose, a carbohydrate that forms a rigid framework around the cell membrane.

In addition to structural support, the cell wall also plays a role in protecting the cell from pathogens and helps regulate the movement of substances in and out of the cell. This protective barrier is not found in animal cells, which instead have flexible cell membranes.

The other features mentioned, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes, are common to both plant and animal cells. While each cell type has its own unique structures and functions that enable it to thrive in its respective environment, the cell wall remains a defining characteristic that distinguishes plant cells.