32. Select the cell parts that are present in plant cells but not animal cells (there may be more than one answer):
Answer: D
Chloroplasts are present in plant cells but not in animal cells.
Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that are responsible for photosynthesis, a process essential for converting sunlight into chemical energy. Animal cells do not contain chloroplasts, as they do not perform photosynthesis.
A) Cell membrane
The cell membrane is a fundamental structure found in both plant and animal cells, serving as a protective barrier and regulating the movement of substances in and out of the cell. Therefore, it is not exclusive to plant cells.
B) Cell wall
The cell wall is a rigid outer layer that provides structural support and protection to plant cells. While it is a defining feature of plant cells, it is absent in animal cells, which rely on the cell membrane alone for structural integrity.
C) Ribosome
Ribosomes are universal cellular structures involved in protein synthesis and are present in both plant and animal cells. Thus, they do not distinguish plant cells from animal cells.
D) Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are unique to plant cells and some algae, facilitating the process of photosynthesis. They are not found in animal cells, which is why this option correctly identifies an organelle present only in plant cells.
Conclusion
Chloroplasts are essential for plant cells as they enable photosynthesis, distinguishing them from animal cells that lack this organelle. While options A and C are common to both cell types, and option B is specific to plants but not the correct answer here, only option D clearly identifies an organelle exclusively found in plant cells.