Which statement best describes a key difference between typical plant cells and human (animal) cells?

• A. Human cells contain mitochondria, whereas plant cells do not.
• B. Plant cells have a plasma membrane, whereas human cells do not.
• C. Human cells have DNA enclosed in a nucleus, whereas plant cells have DNA free in the cytoplasm.
• D. Plant cells usually have a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts, whereas human cells lack both.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the key organelles and structures present in both plant and human (animal) cells. Both cell types have mitochondria, a plasma membrane, and DNA enclosed in a nucleus.
2. Step 2: Understand that mitochondria are present in both plant and animal cells because they are essential for energy production through cellular respiration.
3. Step 3: Recognize that plant cells have unique features such as a rigid cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts, which are involved in photosynthesis, while human cells lack these structures.
4. Step 4: Note that both plant and human cells have a plasma membrane, so this is not a distinguishing feature between them.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the key difference is that plant cells usually have a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts, whereas human cells do not, making this the best description of their difference.