Plant cell structure and function

¶ … Plant Cell and describes the structure & function of each part

Parts of a Plant Cell:

Cell Wall'

Protoplast': is bounded by a Cell Membrane and contains Cytoplasm, which consists of:

Vacuoles

Organelles (consists of Plastids, Mitochondria, Ribosomes, Golgi Apparatus & Endoplasmic Reticulum)

Nucleus

Structure and Functions of Each Part

Cell Wall: The Cell Wall is composed mainly of Cellulose whose molecules are joined together in fibrils as layers and contains openings to make it permeable. Most Cell Walls also contain lignins, which add rigidity, and waxes, such as cutin and suberin, which reduce water loss from cells. Its main function is to protect the cellular contents, and provide structural support to the plant. It is also involved in transport, absorption, and secretion during a plant's life cycle.

Vacuole: Vacuoles are cavities filled with cell sap and bounded by a membrane. The cell sap is made up of water containing various dissolved sugars, salts, and other chemicals. Its main function is the storage of waters, various chemicals and insoluble wastes. It also provides structural support for the plant by producing turgor pressure against the cell wall.

Plastids: These are types of Organelles performing specialized functions, e.g., the chloroplast containing chlorophylls where photosynthesis is carried out; leucoplasts, involved in the synthesis of starch, oils, and proteins, and chromoplasts that manufacture carotenoids.

Mitochondria: are composed of modified double unit membrane (protein, lipid) with the inner membrane infolded to form cristae. It is the site of cellular respiration.