Why do plant cells have a cell wall but animal cells do not?

The rigid cellulose cell wall gives plant cells structural support and shape and helps them withstand turgor pressure — animals rely on skeletons and connective tissue instead.

Do animal cells have chloroplasts?

No. Chloroplasts are found only in plant cells and algae, where they carry out photosynthesis. Animals obtain energy by consuming food.

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Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic, but differ in a few key structures related to how each organism lives and gets energy.

In short

Plant cells have a cellulose cell wall, chloroplasts and a large central vacuole; animal cells lack these but have centrioles and only small vacuoles.

Plant Cell vs Animal Cell — Comparison Table

Basis	Plant Cell	Animal Cell
Cell wall	Present (cellulose)	Absent
Chloroplast	Present	Absent
Vacuole	One large central vacuole	Small, many (if any)
Centrioles	Absent (in most higher plants)	Present
Shape	Fixed, rectangular	Irregular, rounded
Mode of nutrition	Autotrophic (photosynthesis)	Heterotrophic

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Frequently Asked Questions — Plant Cell vs Animal Cell

Why do plant cells have a cell wall but animal cells do not?: The rigid cellulose cell wall gives plant cells structural support and shape and helps them withstand turgor pressure — animals rely on skeletons and connective tissue instead.
Do animal cells have chloroplasts?: No. Chloroplasts are found only in plant cells and algae, where they carry out photosynthesis. Animals obtain energy by consuming food.

Difference Between Plant Cell and Animal Cell

Plant Cell vs Animal Cell — Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions — Plant Cell vs Animal Cell

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