BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR.

Fasiha Qurashi

Plant Cells Structure and Function

The cell was first discovered in 1665 by an English scientist named Robert Hooke. While
looking through a microscope, he observed tiny box-like objects in a slice of cork (bark from
an oak tree) and named these boxes cells. Cells are the basic units of life, which make up all
living things. This idea forms the basis of the Cell Theory.
Cell Theory
The three main parts of the cell theory are:

1. All living things are made of cells.

2. The cell is the basic unit of structure and function in all living things.
3. Cells only come from other pre-existing cells by cell division.

Cells seen in a plant stem cross-section

(Source: RolfDieterMueller [CC BY 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons).

While some organisms are single-celled, others are made up of many cells. These organisms
are called multicellular (having many cells). Cells differ in their size and complexity.
Eukaryotes are organisms which are made up of large and complex cells,
whereas prokaryotes are organisms which are made up of small and simple cells. Animals and
plants are examples of eukaryotes (have eukaryotic cells) while bacteria are examples of
prokaryotes (have prokaryotic cells).
The cell is the basic unit of life in all organisms. Like humans and animals, plants are also
composed of several cells. The plant cell is surrounded by a cell wall which is involved in
providing shape to the plant cell. Apart from the cell wall, there are other organelles that are
associated with different cellular activities.
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

the plant cell, its structure and functions of different plant cell organelles.

Plant Cell:
“Plant cells are eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus along with specialized structures called
organelles that carry out certain specific functions.”

What is a Plant Cell?

Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that vary in several fundamental factors from other eukaryotic
organisms. Both plant and animal cells contain nucleus along with similar organelles. One of the
distinctive aspects of a plant cell is the presence of a cell wall outside the cell membrane.
Read more: Cells

Plant Cell Diagram

The plant cell is rectangular and comparatively larger than the animal cell. Even though plant
and animal cells are eukaryotic and share a few cell organelles, plant cells are quite distinct
when compared to animal cells as they perform different functions. Some of these differences
can be clearly understood when the cells are examined under an electron microscope.
Also Read: Cellulose in Digestion

Plant Cell Diagram showing different cell organelles

Plant Cell Structure

BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

Just like different organs within the body, plant cell structure includes various components
known as cell organelles that perform different functions to sustain itself. These organelles
include:

Cell Wall
It is a rigid layer which is composed of cellulose, glycoproteins, lignin, pectin and hemicellulose.
It is located outside the cell membrane. It comprises proteins, polysaccharides and cellulose.
The primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The
plant cell wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and to provide
form and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of the cell.
The formation of the cell wall is guided by microtubules. It consists of three layers, namely,
primary, secondary and the middle lamella. The primary cell wall is formed by cellulose laid
down by enzymes.
Also Read: Cell Wall

Cell membrane
It is the semi-permeable membrane that is present within the cell wall. It is composed of a thin
layer of protein and fat.
The cell membrane plays an important role in regulating the entry and exit of specific substances
within the cell.
For instance, cell membrane keeps toxins from entering inside, while nutrients and essential
minerals are transported across.
Also Read: Cell Wall and Cell Membrane

Nucleus
The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital
function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division,
metabolism and growth.

1. Nucleolus: It manufactures cell’s protein-producing structures and ribosomes.

2. Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allows
proteins and nucleic acids to pass through.

Explore more: The Nucleus

Plastids
They are membrane-bound organelles that have their own DNA. They are necessary to store
starch, to carry out the process of photosynthesis. It is also used in the synthesis of many
molecules, which form the building blocks of the cell. Some of the vital types of plastids and
their functions are stated below:
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

Leucoplasts
They are found in non-photosynthetic tissues of plants. They are used for the storage of protein,
lipid and starch.
Chloroplasts
It is an elongated organelle enclosed by phospholipid membrane. The chloroplast is shaped like a
disc and the stroma is the fluid within the chloroplast that comprises a circular DNA. Each
chloroplast contains a green coloured pigment called chlorophyll required for the process of
photosynthesis. The chlorophyll absorbs light energy from the sun and uses it to transform
carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
Also Read: Chloroplasts

Chromoplasts
They are heterogeneous, coloured plastid which is responsible for pigment synthesis and for
storage in photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms. Chromoplasts have red, orange and yellow
coloured pigments which provide colour to all ripe fruits and flowers.

Central Vacuole
It occupies around 30% of the cell’s volume in a mature plant cell. Tonoplast is a membrane that
surrounds central vacuole. The vital function of central vacuole apart from storage is to sustain
turgid pressure against the cell wall. The central vacuole consists of cell sap. It is a mixture of
salts, enzymes and other substances.
Also read: Vacuoles
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

Golgi Apparatus
They are found in all eukaryotic cells which are involved in distributing synthesized
macromolecules to various parts of the cell.
Explore more: Golgi Apparatus

Ribosomes
They are the smallest membrane-bound organelles which comprise RNA and protein. They are
the sites for protein synthesis, hence, also referred to as the protein factories of the cell.
Explore more: Ribosomes

Mitochondria
They are the double-membraned organelles found in the cytoplasm of all eukaryotic cells. They
provide energy by breaking down carbohydrate and sugar molecules, hence they are also referred
to as the “Powerhouse of the cell.”
Explore more: Mitochondria

Lysosome
Lysosomes are called suicidal bags as they hold digestive enzymes in an enclosed membrane.
They perform the function of cellular waste disposal by digesting worn-out organelles, food
particles and foreign bodies in the cell.
Also read: Lysosomes
Notes:
Amyloplast
An amyloplast is an organelle found in plant cells. Amyloplasts are plastids that produce and
store starch within internal membrane compartments. They are commonly found in
vegetative plant tissues, such as tubers (potatoes) and bulbs.
Raphides crystal
Raphides seem to be a defense mechanism against plant predators, as they are likely to tear and
harm the soft tissues of the throat or esophagus of a plant predator chewing on the plant's leaves.
Druse crystal
A druse is a group of crystals of calcium oxalate, silicates, or carbonates present in plants, and
are thought to be a defense against herbivory due to their toxicity.

Plant Cell Types

Cells of a matured and higher plant become specialized to perform certain vital functions that are
essential for their survival. Few plant cells are involved in the transportation of nutrients and
water, while others for storing food.
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

The specialized plant cells include parenchyma cells, sclerenchyma cells, collenchyma cells,
xylem cells and phloem cells.
Following are some of the different types of plant cells:

Collenchyma Cells
They are hard or rigid cells, which play a primary role in providing support to the plants when
there is restraining growth in a plant due to lack of hardening agent in primary walls.

Sclerenchyma Cells
These cells are more rigid compared to collenchyma cells and this is because of the presence of a
hardening agent. These cells are usually found in all plant roots and mainly involved in
providing support to the plants.

Parenchyma Cells
Parenchyma cells play a significant role in all plants. They are the living cells of plants, which
are involved in the production of leaves. They are also involved in the exchange of gases,
production of food, storage of organic products and cell metabolism. These cells are typically
more flexible than others because they are thinner.

Xylem Cells
Xylem cells are the transport cells in vascular plants. They help in the transport of water and
minerals from the roots to the leaves and other parts of the plants.

Phloem Cells
Phloem cells are other transport cells in vascular plants. They transport food prepared by the
leaves to different parts of the plants.
Refer more: Plant Tissue System

Plant Cell Functions

Plant cells are the building blocks of plants. Photosynthesis is the major function performed by
plant cells.
Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of the plant cell. It is the process of preparing food by
the plants, by utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Energy is produced in the form of
ATP in the process.
A few plant cells help in the transport of water and nutrients from the roots and leaves to
different parts of the plants.
Also read: Golgi Apparatus
To more about a plant cell, its definition, structure, diagram, types and functions, keep
visiting BYJU’S Biology website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

What is a plant cell?

A plant cell is a eukaryotic cell that contains a true nucleus and certain organelles to perform
specific functions. However, some of the organelles present in plant cells are different from other
eukaryotic cells.

What are the different types of plant cells?

The different types of plant cells include- collenchyma, sclerenchyma, parenchyma, xylem and
phloem.
Which organelles are found only in plant cells?
The organelles found only in plant cells include- chloroplast, cell wall, plastids, and a large
central vacuole. The chloroplasts contain a green pigment chlorophyll that is responsible for the
process of photosynthesis.
What is the composition of a plant cell wall?
The cell wall of a plant is made up of cellulose. Cellulose is a long, linear polymer of several
glucose molecules.
Where does photosynthesis occur in plant cells?
Photosynthesis occurs inside the chloroplast of the plant cells. Chloroplast consists of a green
pigment called chlorophyll. The light reactions occur within the thylakoids of the chloroplast
where the chlorophyll pigment is found.
Updated May 04, 2019

Differences Between Animal Cells and Plant Cells

Animal cells and plant cells are similar in that they are both eukaryotic cells. These cells have a
true nucleus, which houses DNA and is separated from other cellular structures by a nuclear
membrane. Both of these cell types have similar processes for reproduction, which
include mitosis and meiosis. Animal and plant cells obtain the energy they need to grow and
maintain normal cellular function through the process of cellular respiration. Both of these cell
types also contain cell structures known as organelles, which are specialized to perform functions
necessary for normal cellular operation. Animal and plant cells have some of the same cell
components in common including a nucleus, Golgi complex, endoplasmic
reticulum, ribosomes, mitochondria, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton, and cell (plasma) membrane.
While animal and plant cells have many common characteristics, they are also different.
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

Britannica / UIG / Getty Images

Size
Animal cells are generally smaller than plant cells. Animal cells range from 10 to 30
micrometers in length, while plant cells range from 10 and 100 micrometers in length.
Shape
Animal cells come in various sizes and tend to have round or irregular shapes. Plant cells are
more similar in size and are typically rectangular or cube shaped.
Energy Storage
Animals cells store energy in the form of the complex carbohydrate glycogen. Plant cells store
energy as starch.
Proteins
Of the 20 amino acids needed to produce proteins, only 10 can be produced naturally in animal
cells. The other so-called essential amino acids must be acquired through diet. Plants are capable
of synthesizing all 20 amino acids.
Differentiation
In animal cells, only stem cells are capable of converting to other cell types. Most plant cell
types are capable of differentiation.
Growth
Animal cells increase in size by increasing in cell numbers. Plant cells mainly increase cell size
by becoming larger. They grow by absorbing more water into the central vacuole.
Cell Wall
Animal cells do not have a cell wall but have a cell membrane. Plant cells have a cell wall
composed of cellulose as well as a cell membrane.
Centrioles
Animal cells contain these cylindrical structures that organize the assembly of microtubules
during cell division. Plant cells do not typically contain centrioles.
Cilia
Cilia are found in animal cells but not usually in plant cells. Cilia are microtubules that aid in
cellular locomotion.
BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

Cytokinesis
Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm during cell division, occurs in animal cells when a
cleavage furrow forms that pinches the cell membrane in half. In plant cell cytokinesis, a cell
plate is constructed that divides the cell.
Glyoxysomes
These structures are not found in animal cells but are present in plant cells. Glyoxysomes help to
degrade lipids, particularly in germinating seeds, for the production of sugar.
Lysosomes
Animal cells possess lysosomes which contain enzymes that digest cellular macromolecules.
Plant cells rarely contain lysosomes as the plant vacuole handles molecule degradation.
Plastids
Animal cells do not have plastids. Plant cells contain plastids such as chloroplasts, which are
needed for photosynthesis.
Plasmodesmata
Animal cells do not have plasmodesmata. Plant cells have plasmodesmata, which are pores
between plant cell walls that allow molecules and communication signals to pass between
individual plant cells.
Vacuole
Animal cells may have many small vacuoles. Plant cells have a large central vacuole that can
occupy up to 90% of the cell's volume.
Prokaryotic Cells

CNRI / Getty Images

Animal and plant eukaryotic cells are also different from prokaryotic cells like bacteria.
Prokaryotes are usually single-celled organisms, while animal and plant cells are generally
multicellular. Eukaryotic cells are more complex and larger than prokaryotic cells. Animal and
plant cells contain many organelles not found in prokaryotic cells. Prokaryotes have no true
nucleus as the DNA is not contained within a membrane, but is coiled up in a region of the
cytoplasm called the nucleoid. While animal and plant cells reproduce by mitosis or meiosis,
prokaryotes propagate most commonly by binary fission.

Other Eukaryotic Organisms

BIOS-17604 Plant Biochemistry 3(2-1) 1st Lecture by DR. Fasiha Qurashi

MAREK MIS / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images

Plant and animal cells are not the only types of eukaryotic cells. Protists and fungi are two other
types of eukaryotic organisms. Examples of protists include algae, euglena, and amoebas.
Examples of fungi include mushrooms, yeasts, and molds.

Links:
1. [Link]
functions
2. [Link]
3. [Link]