The cell is the basic unit of all living organisms, including plants and animals. To describe the main parts of a plant cell with its chief functions, in brief, it consists of a cell wall, which provides it a proper shape. Other than the cell wall, many cell organelles form the plant’s internal and external structures, associated with distinct cellular activities. Before getting any further, let’s start with the basics of a plant cell.
To know more about cells present in a human body, read:-
What is a Plant Cell?
Plant cells are eukaryotic cells that have a nucleus with specialized structures known as organelles carrying out specific functions. However, it has all the features that other cellular organisms have as well. But, the only distinctive feature in a plant cell is the cell wall present outside the cellular membrane, protecting the inner organelles.
What are the Main Parts of a Plant Cell?
Before getting into the main parts of a plant cell and its key function, it is essential to understand the basic structure of the plant cell. The basic structure suggests that the plant cell is rectangular and looks larger than the usual animal cell structure. Like the animal cells, they’re eukaryotic cells and perform distinct functions. While examining a cell under an electron microscope, one gets to see the cell organelles present within it. Here are the main plant cell parts, along with their chief function that keeps the plant cell in a stable state.
Cell Wall
The cell wall in a plant is a distinctive feature that distinguishes it from other organisms. The plant cell wall is a rigid layer that comprises of nutritive layers such as cellulose, glycoproteins, lignin, pectin, and hemicellulose. Microtubules are a special structure that helps in the formation of the cell wall by the help of laid down cellulose by an enzyme. There are three distinct layers of the cell wall, namely primary, secondary, and middle lamella.
Cell Membrane
The cell membrane is a semi-permeable membrane that resides within the cell wall. This part of the plant cell is composed of a thin layer of protein and fat. The key function of this layer is that it regulates the entry and exit of essential nutrients and essential minerals. Moreso, the cell membrane prevents the toxins from entering and helps the nutrients and essential minerals to transport across.
Nucleus
The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure and the heart of the plant cell. It stores DNA or hereditary information needed for cell division, metabolism, and growth.
Plastids
This part of the plant cell is a membrane-bound structure that comprises of its nucleus.
Plastids contain leucoplasts and chloroplasts.
Leucoplasts store protein, lipids, and starch
Chloroplasts absorb light energy from the sun and use it to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
Chloroplast
The chloroplasts are heterogeneous, colored plastids responsible for carrying out the process of pigment synthesis. It provides color to ripe fruits and flowers.
The other parts of a plant cell include:-
Vacuole
Sustain turgid pressure against the cell wall.
Golgi Apparatus
Found in all eukaryotic cells involved in distributing synthesized molecules.
Ribosome
It is the site for protein synthesis.
Others:
Mitochondria and Chloroplasts
These are the chief parts of the plant cells with their crucial functions in carrying out the cellular activities. If you have biology practical or assignment to complete, you can get instant inline assignment help from us. We have a team of biology experts to support you 24*7.
