Which cellular structure is present in plant cells but absent in animal cells?

Chloroplasts are the cellular structures present in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. These organelles contain the green pigment chlorophyll, which captures light energy. The presence of chloroplasts enables plants to produce their own food and oxygen, distinguishing them from animal cells, which do not have this capability.

While vacuoles are also more prominent in plant cells, especially large central vacuoles that store water and nutrients, they can also be found in some animal cells, albeit in smaller sizes. Mitochondria and nuclei are fundamental components found in both plant and animal cells, as they are essential for energy production and genetic material management, respectively. Thus, chloroplasts are uniquely associated with plant cells, reinforcing their role in the unique characteristics and functions of plants within the ecosystem.