What is a key characteristic that distinguishes plant cells from animal cells?

A key characteristic that distinguishes plant cells from animal cells is the presence of large central vacuoles. In plant cells, vacuoles play essential roles in storage, maintaining turgor pressure, and contributing to the cell's overall structure. They can store nutrients, waste products, and other substances, helping to regulate the cell's internal environment.

While animal cells do have vacuoles, they are generally smaller and less prominent compared to plant cells, which typically contain a large central vacuole that occupies a significant portion of the cell’s volume. This structural difference reflects the varied functions of plant and animal cells and their adaptations to their environments.

The other options pertain to cellular structures that are found in both plant and animal cells. Cell membranes are present in both types of cells, as are chromosomes, which carry genetic information. Ribosomes are also found in both, as they are essential for protein synthesis in all living cells. This clarity establishes vacuoles as a distinctive feature that highlights the differences in the form and function of plant cells compared to animal cells.