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What Structures Are Not Found in Animal Cells?

Answer – Animal cells are devoid of a cell wall, chloroplasts, a large vacuole, and plasmodesmata.

Explanation: 

Below are the structures that are present exclusively in plant cells and not in animal cells.

1. Cell wall: In addition to a cell membrane, plant cells also have an outer cell wall. Composed of cellulose, this structure protects plant cells and also gives them their distinct rectangular shape.

2. Chloroplasts: Unlike animals, plants prepare their own food (glucose) through photosynthesis. This occurs in the chloroplasts of their cells. The glucose produced during photosynthesis is broken down by mitochondria to release energy for the plant.

3. Central vacuole: While animal cells have vacuoles, they are not as large as the ones in plant cells. The large central vacuole in plant cells is responsible for regulating water concentration in varying environmental conditions and also for maintaining cell shape.

4. Plasmodesmata: These are the innumerable junctions that directly connect the cytoplasm of neighboring plant cells, enabling the transport of nutrients across their cell walls. The counterparts in animal cells are known as desmosomes.


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