What is a key difference between plant and animal cells?

Plant cells have a rigid cell wall, which is a key distinguishing feature compared to animal cells. The cell wall is primarily made of cellulose and provides structure, support, and protection to the plant. It allows plants to maintain their shape and withstand turgor pressure, which is crucial for their upright growth. This rigidity enables plants to grow tall and remain stable in their environment.

In contrast, animal cells only have a flexible cell membrane, which allows for various shapes and movements but does not provide the same level of structural support as a cell wall. The presence of chloroplasts is another feature associated with plant cells, as they are responsible for photosynthesis, a process animal cells do not perform. While animal cells can have vacuoles, they are often smaller and less prominent than those found in plant cells, where they serve different roles, including storage and maintaining turgor pressure. This solidifies the distinction between their cellular structures and functions.