Plant Cell Definition
“Plant cells are eukaryotic cells with a true nucleus along with specialized
structures called organelles that carry out certain specific functions.”
Table of Contents
What is a Plant Cell?
Plant Cell Diagram
Plant Cell Structure
Plant Cell Types
Plant Cell 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 a 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 Structure
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 polysaccharides cellulose, pectin and
hemicellulose. It is located outside the cell membrane. It also comprises glycoproteins
and polymers such as lignin, cutin, or suberin.
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 providing form and structure to the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and
out of it.
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 cells’ protein-producing structures and ribosomes.
2. Nucleopore: Nuclear membrane is perforated with holes called nucleopore that allow
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 and 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:
Leucoplasts
They are found in the non-photosynthetic tissue 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 the central vacuole. The vital function of the central vacuole
apart from storage is to sustain turgor 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
Golgi Apparatus
They are found in all eukaryotic cells, which are involved in distributing synthesised
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. In plants, the role of lysosomes
is undertaken by the vacuoles.
Also read: Lysosomes
Plant Cell Types
Cells of a matured and higher plant become specialised 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.
The specialised 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 utilising 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.
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.
