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Different Parts of a Plant Cell

Plant cells are classified into three types, based on

the structure and function, viz. parenchyma,

collenchyma and sclerenchyma. The parenchyma

cells are living, thin-walled and undergo repeated

cell division for growth of the plant. They are mostly

present in the leaf epidermis, stem pith, root and

fruit pulp. Mature collenchyma cells are living, and

provide stretchable support to the plant. Lastly,

sclerenchyma cells (e.g. fiber cells) are hard, non-

living and give mechanical support to plants. Now,

let us see the different parts of a plant cell with their

significant roles.

Cell Wall

Cell wall is the outermost tough and rigid layer,

which comprises cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin and

at other times, lignin. As expected, it remains

connected with the cell walls of other cells. The

prime functions of cell wall are protection, giving structural support and helping in the filter mechanism.

Cell Membrane

Cell membrane, also called plasma membrane, is present inside the cell wall and surrounds the

cytoplasm. It connects the intracellular components (organelles and cytoplasm) with the extracellular

environment, and helps in protection and transportation. The cell membrane is permeable to specific

substances only.

Plasmodesmata

Plasmodesma (plural plasmodesmata) is a small opening, which connects plant cells with each other.

Present only in some types of algal cells and plants cells, this connecting channel enables transport of

materials and allows communication between the cells. In a single plant cell, about 1,000-100,000

plasmodesmata are present.

Nuclear Membrane

The nuclear membrane and the nuclear envelope mean one and same thing. As the name reveals, it is

the outer covering of the nucleus. It separates the cytoplasmic contents from the nuclear contents.

Nonetheless, minute pores (nuclear pores) are present for exchanging materials between the nucleus

and cytoplasm.

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Nucleus

Nucleus is a specialized organelle, which contains the plant's hereditary material i.e. DNA

(Deoxyribonucleic Acid). Inside the nucleus, a dense, spherical body called nucleolus is present. The

nucleus contains structures, which regulates the cell cycle, growth, protein synthesis and reproductive

function.

Vacuole

Vacuoles are large membrane-bound compartments, which store water and compounds. They function

as storage, excretory and secretory organelles. The membrane surrounding a vacuole is called tonoplast.

A mature plant cell has a single vacuole at the near center of the cell (central vacuole), which

contributes to about 30-80 percent of the cell's volume.

Cytoplasm

Cytoplasm is filled up by cytosol, which is a gelatinous and semitransparent fluid. All the organelles of

the plant cell are present in this cytoplasm. This part of the plant cell is the site for cell division,

glycolysis and many other cellular activities. Also, the cytoskeleton elements (microtubules and

microfilaments) are present in the cytosol.

Plastid (Chloroplast)

Plastids are organelles responsible for photosynthetic activity, manufacturing and storage of chemical

compounds in plants. Chloroplast is an important form of plastid containing chlorophyll pigment, which

helps in harvesting light energy and converting it to chemical energy. Likewise, chromoplast and other

plastids are present in a plant cell.

Mitochondria

Mitochondria (singular mitochondrion) are oblong shaped organelles, which are also known as 'the

powerhouse of the cell'. They are responsible for breaking down complex carbohydrate and sugar

molecules to simpler forms, which the plants can use. Other than this, mitochondria are crucial for cell

signaling, cycle, division, growth and death.

Endoplasmic Reticulum

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) organelle plays a major role in manufacturing and storage of chemical

compounds, like glycogen and steroids. It is also involved in translation and transportation of protein. ER

is also connected to the nuclear membrane, so as to make a channel between the cytoplasm and the

nucleus.

Golgi Apparatus

Golgi apparatus also known as golgi complex and golgi body. It is an organelle responsible for processing

of macromolecules (like carbohydrates, proteins and fats) and packaging them into membrane-bound

vesicles for transportation purposes. Golgi bodies are present near to the nucleus of the plant cell.

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Ribosome

Ribosomes are organelles, which are made up of 60% RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) and 40% protein, and play

an important role in protein translation. It won't be wrong to say that the main site of protein synthesis

is ribosome. Endoplasmic reticulum having ribosomes is referred to as rough endoplasmic reticulum

(RER).

Microbodies

Microbodies are single, membrane-bound, globular shaped organelles, which are found in the

cytoplasm. They range in size from 0.5-1 micrometer, and contain degradative enzymes. Many kinds of

microbodies are present in a plant cell, of which the two most common types are peroxisomes and

glyoxysomes.

Microtubules

Microtubules are straight, hollow, tubular cylinders, which are major elements of the cytoskeleton.

These plant cell structures are involved in synthesizing cell wall. Function wise, they are crucial for

structural support, cell division and transport of vesicles. Microtubules in a plant cell are simpler, as

compared to those of an animal cell.

Microfilaments

Microfilaments are thin, filament like structures found in the cytosol, which contain actin subunits.

These along with the microtubules make up the cytoskeleton of plants cells. Similar to the microtubules,

the microfilaments are responsible for giving structural support, flexibility and shape to the cell.

In the overall functioning of a plant cell, the above cell parts coordinate in a specific manner. As you

have seen, lysosomes are absent in plant cells. While vacuole is large and single in a plant cell, the

animal cell houses smaller vacuoles in larger numbers. Likewise, for understanding the differences

between plant and animal cells, you can study the cells separately along with the types of organelles

present in them.