What structure is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Plant cells possess chloroplasts, which are specialized organelles responsible for photosynthesis. This process allows plants to convert sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose, utilizing carbon dioxide and water. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy, and play a critical role in providing energy for the plant and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

In contrast, animal cells do not have chloroplasts because they do not perform photosynthesis. Instead, animals obtain energy from consuming other organisms, so they rely on different organelles and systems for energy metabolism. Understanding the unique functions of chloroplasts in plant cells highlights the key differences in how plant and animal cells derive energy and contributes to the overall understanding of cell biology.