The cells vegetables are eukaryotic cells present in plants. They are eukaryotes because genetic information (deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) is surrounded by a membrane, forming a nucleus.
They differ from animal cells by the fact that plant cells are larger. In addition, animal cells can vary in size, while plant cells usually have more or less the same dimensions.
Vegetable cells are characterized by having a rectangular or square shape, have a set of unique structures, such as the cell wall (which stiffens the cell and influences the rectangular shape of the cell), plastids (such as chloroplasts) and large vacuoles.
East cell type plays a key role, since it is in these photosynthesis : a process through which autotrophic organisms (such as plants) produce food in the form of glucose.
Parts and functions of the plant cell
1- Golgi apparatus
He Golgi apparatus is a set of cavities, one on the other. This organelle has two functions:
- Store the substances that the cell will dispose of.
- Produce, store and transport certain substances that the cell needs, such as proteins.
2- Cytoplasmic membrane
Eukaryotic cell membrane.
The cytoplasmic membrane is a very thin layer that surrounds the cell, separating it from the rest of the medium while maintaining the cytoplasm and the organelles inside the cell.
This layer is semi-permeable, which means that it allows the passage of water and other substances.
3- Cell wall
The cell wall is a structure that is present only in plant cells. This is the outermost layer of the cell, which surrounds and protects the cytoplasmic membrane.
It is composed of cellulose, is rigid and much less permeable than the cytoplasmic membrane.
In this way, it regulates the passage of different substances and avoids the exit of the water. In addition to this, said wall gives rigidity and shape to the cell.
4- Core
Vegetable eukaryotic cell.
The nucleus is the structure containing the hereditary information of the cell in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This nucleic acid carries information about the functioning of the cell and about the characteristics of the individual.
The nucleus is surrounded by a membrane, similar in composition to the cytoplasmic membrane.
However, the nuclear membrane has pores (called nuclear pores), which allow the exchange of substances between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. In this way, the nucleic acids can enter and exit the nucleus.
5-Nucleolus
The nucleolus is a structure that lies within the nucleus. This is involved in the synthesis of proteins. It also helps to synthesize ribonucleic acid (RNA).
6- Cytoplasm
He cytoplasm is a substance similar to a gel, which is kept inside the cell thanks to the cytoplasmic membrane. This substance is also known as hyaloplasm.
Contains water, enzymes and salts necessary for the cell to function. Also, in the cytoplasm are the other organelles of the cell (as the nucleus).
7- Cytoskeleton
The cytoskeleton is made up of a network of fibers found in the cytoplasm. This network helps maintain the shape of the cell, while giving stability to the cell wall.
8- Plasmodesma
He plasmodesma is a set of pores or channels present in the cell wall. Through these pores, the different cells of a plant can be kept in communication.
In the same way, the plasmodesma allows the exchange of molecules (like proteins).
9- Chloroplasts
The chloroplasts are only present in plant cells. These are disc shaped and are formed by a set of membranes. In these membranes, smaller structures, called grains, are found.
Within chloroplasts, chlorophyll is found. This is a green pigment, responsible for the color of the leaves of the plants. Also, this pigment is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis (through which plants obtain food).
10- Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum is a network of membranes, similar to sacs. This structure can be found anywhere in the cytoplasm.
Two types are distinguished: (a) the rough endoplasmic reticulum, whose surface is covered by ribosomes and (b) the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, which lacks ribosomes.
In general terms, the function of this organelle is the transport of substances within the cell. It also participates in the synthesis of proteins and lipids.
11- Microtubules
Microtubules are tubes of proteins. Their function is similar to that of the cytoskeleton, since they act as an internal skeleton, maintaining the shape of the plant cells.
They also participate in the processes of mitosis and meiosis , since they intervene in the movement of the chromosomes.
12- Mitochondria
The mitochondria are spherical organelles, formed by a double membrane (similar to the cytoplasmic membrane).
In these organelles respiration is carried out at the cellular level. On the other hand, they have as function to create energy for the cell.
This is achieved through a series of enzymes, which digest the macromolecules present in the cell.
13- Ribosomes
The ribosomes are very small organelles, with spherical shape. They are usually on the rough endoplasmic reticulum, but some are free in the cytoplasm. They are made up of RNA and proteins.
These are involved in the synthesis of macromolecules, mainly proteins.
14- Peroxisomes
Peroxisomes are structures that contain enzymes enclosed in a membrane. These structures are involved in photorespiration in plants.
15- Vacuoles
The vacuoles are large organelles present in plant cells. These organelles are composed of water, amino acids, enzymes, sugars, salts and oxygen. Its functions include regulating the entry and exit of substances.
In addition, they retain the substances before allowing them to come in contact with the other organelles. They metabolize substances that are beneficial to the cell and store and discard those that are harmful.
References
- Plant cell. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from wikipedia.org
- Learn About Plant Cell Structures and Organelles. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from thoughtco.com
- Plant Cell. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from plantcell.org
- Plant Cell. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from biology.tutorvista.com
- Plant Cell Structure. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from ck12.org
- Molecular Expressions Cell Biology: Plant Cell Structure. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from micromagnet.fsu.edu
- Plant Cell Anatomy. Retrieved on September 5, 2017, from enchantedlearning.com.