Plant cells have three unique organelles that animal cells do not possess: chloroplasts, cell walls, and central vacuoles.
Chloroplasts: These are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis. They contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy, producing glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
Cell Walls: Plant cells are surrounded by a rigid cell wall made of cellulose. This structure provides support and protection, maintaining the cell’s shape and preventing it from bursting under pressure.
Central Vacuoles: These large, membrane-bound organelles occupy most of the cell’s volume. They store water, nutrients, and waste products, and help maintain turgor pressure, which is essential for the plant’s structural integrity.