Concept:The distinguishing feature is the ability to sell shares to the general public.
Explanation:A private limited company keeps its shares among a small, selected group of owners.
Its shares cannot be offered openly to the public for subscription.
A public limited company, on the other hand, can invite the public to buy shares.
It may also list its shares on a stock exchange so that anyone can purchase or sell them.
Features like limited liability, legal entity status, and perpetual existence are common to both types of companies.
These common features do not separate the two forms.
Therefore, the key difference is the public sale of shares.
Answer:D. Sales of shares to the public.