Here's why:

* Plant cells: Plant cells have a large, central vacuole that takes up most of the cell's volume. This vacuole is filled with cell sap, a watery solution containing dissolved sugars, salts, and other nutrients. The vacuole plays crucial roles in maintaining turgor pressure (keeping the cell rigid), storing nutrients and waste products, and regulating water balance.

* Animal cells: Animal cells do have vacuoles, but they are much smaller and less prominent than those in plant cells. These vacuoles in animal cells are primarily involved in storage and waste removal.

So, the presence of a large, permanent vacuole is a characteristic feature that distinguishes plant cells from animal cells.