Plant Cell Structure

The structure of a plant cell is made up of several parts known as cell organelles that serve the cell’s various needs for survival. Among these organelles are:

Cell Wall

The polysaccharides cellulose, pectin, and hemicellulose make up this hard layer known as cell wall. The cell wall is present outside the cell membrane in plant cells. Additionally, it contains polymers like lignin, cutin, and suberin as well as glycoproteins. The main purpose of the cell wall is protection and support of the cell from the external environments. The plant cell wall also helps provide the cell form and structure while defending it from mechanical stress.

Cell Membrane

The plant cell consists of a semi-permeable membrane within cell wall. A thin coating of protein and fat makes up its structure. The cell membrane is crucial in controlling how certain molecules enter and leave the cell. For instance, the cell membrane transports nutrition and vital minerals while preventing the entry of contaminants.

Nucleus

The nucleus is present in every eukaryotic cell, a structure that is membrane-bound. A nucleus’s essential function is to store the DNA or genetic material needed for cell division, metabolism, and growth. Nucleus is further divided into:

• Nucleolus: It creates the ribosomes and protein-producing components of cells.
• Nucleopore: Nucleopores, which are gaps in the nuclear membrane that allow proteins and nucleic acids to flow through, are present.

Plastids

Plastids are DNA-containing membrane-bound organelles of plant cell. They help in photosynthesis and store starch. Additionally, it is employed in the synthesis of several compounds, which serve as cellular building blocks.

Following is a list of some important plastid kinds and their roles:

Leucoplasts

They are located in plants’ non-photosynthetic tissue. They are employed for carbohydrate, fat, and protein storage.

Chloroplasts

It is an extended organelle with a phospholipid membrane surrounding it. The fluid contained within the disc-shaped chloroplast, known as the stroma, contains circular DNA. Chlorophyll, a pigment with green color needed for photosynthesis, is found in every chloroplast. The sun’s light energy is captured by chlorophyll, which is then used to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose.

Chromoplasts

They are a type of colored, heterogeneous plastid that produces and stores pigment in plant cells. Red, orange, and yellow pigments found in chromoplasts give all ripe fruits and flowers their color.

Central Vacuole

In an adult plant cell, vacuoles take up around 30% to even 90% of the total volume. A membrane called the tonoplast encircles the core vacuole. Aside from storage, the central vacuole’s essential job is to maintain turgor pressure on the cell wall. Cell sap fills the central vacuole of the body. Salts, enzymes, and other compounds are mixed in with it.

Golgi Apparatus

Golgi Apparatus are present in all eukaryotic cells and are responsible for dispersing synthesized macromolecules to different cell regions. The Golgi body is made up of five to eight cisternae, or cup-shaped series of compartments. The Golgi apparatus is made up of layered pouches that are flattened and disc-shaped.

Ribosomes

They are the tiniest membrane-bound organelles of plant cell that contain both protein and RNA. They are also known as the cell’s protein factories since they are the sites of protein synthesis. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells contain ribosomes, which are specialized cell organelles. Ribosomes are essential for the synthesis of proteins in every living cell.

Mitochondria

All plant cells have these double-membraned organelles in their cytoplasm. Mitochondria produce energy via breakdown of sugar and carbohydrate molecules into the energy rich molecule i.e., ATP, and known as the “Powerhouse of the Cell.” They play crucial role in the breakdown of nutrients and the production of molecules that are high in energy for the plant cell

Centrosomes

These are the plant cell organelles that are responsible for the synthesis of microtubules and is also useful in the process of cell division by forming the mitotic spindle. They are composed of the centrioles that was first discovered in animal cells.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

These are the cell organelles that are formed by by a complex network of membranous tubules that are located in the cell cytoplasm. The ER is of two types; rough endoplasmic reticulum, and soft endoplasmic reticulum. The RER is embedded with ribosomes that are responsible for the protein synthesis. The SER are responsible for lipid synthesis and metabolism.

Peroxisomes

These are the plant cell organelles that have single membrane and small structure similar to lysosomes. They also contains hydrolytic enzymes that are used to hydrolysed fatty acids and other molecules. They also help in the detoxification of the cell.

A plant cell is a fundamental unit of a Plant’s structure. A plant cell is a eukaryotic cell, i.e., it has a defined nucleus enclosed within a membrane. Plant cells and animal cells difference occurs as they possess unique features that allow them to carry out essential functions.

Plant cell structure consists of a freely permeable cell wall. In this article, we will discuss plant cell parts and functions, its diagram and more in detail.