Which component is found in plant cells but not in animal cells?

Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that are essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. These organelles contain chlorophyll, the pigment that captures sunlight, and are responsible for producing glucose and oxygen from carbon dioxide and water. This function is crucial for plant survival and growth, as it allows plants to create their own food.

In contrast, animal cells lack chloroplasts because animals do not perform photosynthesis; they obtain energy by consuming other organisms. While both plant and animal cells contain structures like the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes, it is the presence of chloroplasts that distinctly characterizes plant cells, making them different from animal cells. Understanding the roles of chloroplasts helps highlight the differences in energy acquisition between plants and animals.