Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of plant cells?

Plant cells possess distinct features that set them apart from animal cells. One of the key characteristics of plant cells is the presence of a rigid cell wall, which provides structural support and protection. Additionally, plant cells contain chloroplasts, which are essential for the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants to convert light energy into chemical energy. Another notable feature of plant cells is the large central vacuole, which serves multiple functions including storage of nutrients, waste products, and maintaining turgor pressure to help keep the plant rigid.

In contrast, nervous tissue is not a characteristic of plant cells. Nervous tissue is specialized for transmitting electrical signals and is found in animals for communication within their bodies. Therefore, the presence of nervous tissue does not apply to plant cells, making this the correct answer. Understanding these characteristics helps to highlight the fundamental differences between plant and animal cells, essential knowledge in biology.