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

• A. Human cells have a cell wall made of chitin, whereas plant cells have no cell wall.
• B. Human cells contain chloroplasts for photosynthesis, whereas plant cells do not.
• C. Plant cells usually have a cellulose cell wall and chloroplasts, whereas human cells lack both.
• D. Plant cells lack mitochondria, whereas human cells contain mitochondria.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key structural components that differentiate plant cells from human (animal) cells, focusing on cell walls, chloroplasts, and mitochondria.
2. Recall that plant cells typically have a rigid cell wall made of cellulose, which provides structural support, while human cells do not have a cell wall at all.
3. Understand that plant cells contain chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for photosynthesis, enabling them to convert light energy into chemical energy; human cells lack chloroplasts.
4. Recognize that both plant and human cells contain mitochondria, which are the organelles responsible for cellular respiration and energy production.
5. Evaluate each statement based on these facts to determine which one correctly describes the key differences between typical plant and human cells.