What is a key difference between animal cells and plant cells?

A key difference that underscores the distinction between animal cells and plant cells is that animal cells lack chloroplasts. Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that enable the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This organelle contains chlorophyll, which is essential for this conversion and gives plants their green color.

While it’s true that plant cells contain larger central vacuoles, which serve to maintain turgor pressure and store substances, animal cells typically have smaller vacuoles. Additionally, plant cells possess a cell wall made of cellulose that provides structural support, which is not found in animal cells. Integral proteins are present in both plant and animal cells, playing vital roles in cellular functions like transport and communication.

Understanding the presence of chloroplasts in plant cells but absence in animal cells is fundamental to the differing roles these cells play in their respective organisms, particularly in relation to energy production and the process of photosynthesis.