What characteristic do vacuoles in plant cells provide that is not found in animal cells?

Vacuoles in plant cells play a vital role in providing structural support, which is fundamentally different from their function in animal cells. These large, central vacuoles are filled with a solution of water, ions, and various substances, creating turgor pressure against the cell wall. This pressure helps maintain the cell's shape and overall rigidity, allowing plants to stand upright without the need for an internal skeleton.

In contrast, animal cells generally have smaller vacuoles that are not involved in maintaining structure, as animal cells often rely on a different arrangement of cytoskeleton elements for support. Additionally, while both plant and animal cells can store nutrients, it is the mechanical support provided by the vacuoles in plant cells that distinguishes them in terms of structural function.