Which of the following is NOT a similarity between plant and animal cells?

Both plant and animal cells share several fundamental structures that are essential for their function, including the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane. These components are critical for processes such as genetic material storage, nutrient processing, and regulation of what enters and exits the cell.

The nucleus serves as the control center, containing the cell’s genetic material and coordinating activities like growth and reproduction. The cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance that fills the cell and houses the organelles where many metabolic processes occur. The cell membrane provides a protective barrier for the cell while also allowing communication and transport of materials in and out of the cell.

Chloroplasts, however, are distinct to plant cells and some algae, functioning in the process of photosynthesis by capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This is a significant difference between plant and animal cells, which do not have chloroplasts since they do not carry out photosynthesis. Thus, the absence of chloroplasts in animal cells highlights a key distinction in their cellular makeup.