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May 17, 2023 · A plant cell is the basic building block of a plant. Plant cells, like all eukaryotic cells, contain a nucleus and other organelles, each with its distinct functions. However, plant cells also possess unique components that differentiate them from animal, fungal, and bacterial cells.
Cell membrane: Allows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules. Mitochondrion (plural is mitochondria)
How are cells structured? Learn about the size and function of plant and animal cells for GCSE Combined Science, AQA.
- Cell Wall. It is the outermost, protective layer of a plant cell having a thickness of 20-80 nm. Cell walls are made up of carbohydrates such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin and a complex organic polymer called lignin.
- Plastids. They are double membrane-bound organelles that have their own genetic material. Plastids are mainly of three types: a) Chloroplasts: Found in the green parts of a plant and algae that contain the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll.
- Central Vacuole. It is the large vesicle that make up almost 30 to 80% of the total plant cell volume. The central vacuole is often the largest organelle in the cell that is filled with fluid, ions, enzymes, and other molecules.
- Cell Membrane or Plasma Membrane. It is a thin, biological membrane having a thickness of 7.5-10 nm that separates the interior of the cell from the outside environment.
The cell membrane is important for compartmentalising different parts of the cell to allow metabolic functioning to occur and to control substances in the cell. It allows control of substances entering the cell and it allows the cell to compartmentalise waste into the vacuole.
Jan 18, 2024 · The central vacuole is a large, membrane-bound structure that fills much of the plant cell. The membrane surrounding the central vacuole is called the tonoplast . The central vacuole plays a key role in regulating the cell’s concentration of water in changing environmental conditions.
Jan 15, 2021 · Plant and animal cells are both eukaryotic cells, meaning they possess a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They share many common features, such as a cell membrane, nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, and more.
Research published open access with eLife Assessment and Public Reviews. Read Plant Biology research from epigenetics, genomics, metabolism to microbe interactions