Final answer:
The presence of a cell wall is the characteristic that distinguishes a plant cell from an animal cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic that distinguishes a plant cell from an animal cell is the presence of a cell wall. Plant cells have a cell wall, which is a rigid layer outside the cell membrane that provides structural support and protection. Animal cells do not have cell walls. In addition to the cell wall, plant cells also have a large central vacuole and chloroplasts, which are not found in animal cells.