Structure of a plant cell

The structure of the plant cell differs slightly from the cellular structures of the animal organism. First of all, this is connected with the way of life of the plant and a unique way of feeding - with a few exceptions all plant organisms are autotrophs and are able to independently form organic substances from inorganic ones. In most cases, organic elements are formed by photosynthesis. It is interesting that the released oxygen is only a by-product of photosynthetic reactions.

Vegetative cell: the structure of the shell

The presence of a solid cell wall is one of the features of plant cells. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the structure of a plant cell from this component. It is this structure that creates mechanical protection around the protoplast. In addition, the wall is a certain source of ions, as well as an antibacterial barrier. In young cells, only the formation of the primary membrane can be observed. The main components of the structure are fibers of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. As for the thickness, in different species this index will vary.

In the process of life, the cell wall can thicken. The formation of the secondary and tertiary walls occurs by superimposing subsequent layers on the primary shell. It is often observed the deposition of lignin or suberin in the cavities between cellulose fibers - such a cell can no longer grow or stretch.

The structure of the plant cell: the basic elements of the protoplast

The protoplast of the cell consists of the nucleus, cytoplasm and other organelles. It is worth noting that organelles of the cell can be divided into membrane and non-membranes.

The cytoplasm is a multicomponent system in which the main stages of metabolism and transport of substances occur. The substance of the cytoplasm contains a network of microfilaments - thin fibrillar proteins, which cause the movement of structures. There are also microtubules, as well as centrioles, which participate in mitotic division of the cell.

Another group of important organelles are ribosomes, which are a non-membrane structure. Each ribosome consists of a small and a large subunit. By and large, these organelles are nothing more than a complex of protein elements and a specific ribosomal RNA. Such structures are involved in the processes of protein synthesis.

Structure of plant cells: characteristics of membrane organelles

Most of the components of the plant cell consist of membranes.

The nucleus is a small spherical or elongated formation that consists of the nucleolus, nucleoplasm, chromatin and nuclear envelope. The main function of the nucleus is the transfer of hereditary information, as well as the synthesis of RNA.

The endoplasmic reticulum is a system of canals and cisterns. There is granular EPS (its surface is covered by ribosomes) and smooth EPS. The functions of this organelle are very diverse. On the ribosomes, protein components are synthesized, which then undergo modification already inside the EPS tanks. In addition, the structure is responsible for the transport of substances.

Vacuol is a membrane structure containing cellular juice. This organelle maintains the osmotic balance and provides the turgor cell. In addition, unnecessary substances are collected inside the vacuole, which are then ejected outwards by the formation of bubbles. Sometimes useful cellular substances dissolve in the cell sap.

Plastids are an integral part of the plant cell. In most cases, they are represented by chloroplasts. Plastids consist of two membranes, and the inner forms protrusions - thylakoids. It contains light-sensitive pigments. It is in chloroplasts that such important photosynthetic processes are carried out.

The plant cell also has other organelles - these are mitochondria (responsible for cellular respiration), the Golgi apparatus (provides redistribution and transport of substances within the cell).

Nevertheless, the main features of the structure of the plant cell are visible - it has a strong cell wall, a plastid system and a vacuole.