Which characteristic is common in the structure of a plant cell compared to an animal cell?

The presence of a cell wall is a distinctive feature of plant cells that separates them from animal cells. While both plant and animal cells possess a cell membrane, the cell wall provides additional support and structure that is essential for plants. The cell wall is primarily made of cellulose, which gives it rigidity and helps maintain the shape of the plant cell. This characteristic is vital for plants as it allows them to withstand external pressures and maintain turgor pressure, assisting in their upright growth.

In contrast, animal cells do not have a cell wall; they only have a flexible cell membrane which allows for a greater variety of shapes and cellular functions. The presence of a cell wall in plant cells is an adaptation that supports their role in photosynthesis and structural integrity within a stationary environment. Thus, the cell wall is a key structural component that defines plant cells and is not found in animal cells, highlighting its importance in comparing the two cell types.