Plant cells

What is a plant cell?

A plant cell is a type of eukaryotic cell that is characterized by the presence of a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.

Cell Wall

A rigid outer layer that provides structural support and protection to the plant cell.

Plasma Membrane

A semi-permeable membrane that surrounds the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.

Chloroplast

An organelle that conducts photosynthesis, converting sunlight into chemical energy (glucose) using chlorophyll.

Mitochondria

Organelles responsible for cellular respiration, converting glucose into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Vacuole

A large storage sac that holds water, nutrients, and waste products; it also helps maintain turgor pressure.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell, containing genetic material (DNA) and regulating cell activities.

Nucleolus

A structure within the nucleus where ribosome assembly begins.

Ribosome

Small structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

An organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis; it comes in two forms: rough (with ribosomes) and smooth (without ribosomes).

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins and lipids for secretion or delivery to other organelles.

Peroxisome

An organelle that contains enzymes to break down fatty acids and detoxify harmful substances.

Cytoplasm

The jelly-like substance within the cell membrane that contains organelles and is the site of metabolic processes.

Cytoskeleton

A network of protein filaments and tubules that provide support, shape, and movement to the cell.

Plasmodesmata

Microscopic channels that connect plant cells, allowing for communication and transport of materials.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

Cellulose

A carbohydrate that makes up the plant cell wall, providing rigidity and strength.

Microtubules

Protein filaments that make up part of the cytoskeleton, involved in maintaining cell shape and facilitating cell division.

Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum

A type of ER that is involved in lipid synthesis and detoxification, lacking ribosomes.

Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum

A type of ER with ribosomes on its surface, primarily responsible for protein synthesis.

Lysosome

An organelle containing digestive enzymes to break down waste materials and cellular debris.

Plastic

A category of organelles, including chloroplasts, that are involved in the storage of products like starch or pigments.

Starch Granules

Stored forms of energy in plant cells, often found in chloroplasts.

Tonoplast

The membrane surrounding the central vacuole, controlling the movement of ions and molecules in and out of the vacuole.

Auxin

A plant hormone that regulates growth and development, influencing processes such as cell elongation.