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Plant cells are classified into three types, based on the structure and function, viz.
parenchyma, collenchyma and sclerenchyma. The parenchyma cells are living, thinwalled 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.
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
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