大象传媒

Plant cells

Most life on Earth depends upon plants for energy. Plants capture light from the sun and use it to build up chemical stores of energy. This is called photosynthesis.

The basic structure of a plant cell is shown below. Photosynthesis relies on many structures in the cell all working together, each playing its role.

The diagram below shows the same plant cell, as viewed with the light microscope, and with the transmission electron microscope.

A view of cells under a light microscope and an electron microscope

Animal and plant cells have certain structures in common.

Cell structureFunction
CytoplasmWhere enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration.
NucleusContains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Cell membraneAllows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules.
Mitochondrion (plural is mitochondria)Contains enzymes for the reactions in aerobic respiration (in animals, plants and yeast).
RibosomeWhere amino acids are joined together to make a protein.
Cell structureCytoplasm
FunctionWhere enzymes and other proteins are made. Location of reactions in anaerobic respiration.
Cell structureNucleus
FunctionContains DNA which carries the genetic code for making enzymes and other proteins used in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis and respiration.
Cell structureCell membrane
FunctionAllows gases and water to diffuse freely into and out of the cell. Controls the transport of other molecules.
Cell structureMitochondrion (plural is mitochondria)
FunctionContains enzymes for the reactions in aerobic respiration (in animals, plants and yeast).
Cell structureRibosome
FunctionWhere amino acids are joined together to make a protein.

Plant cells also have additional structures:

StructureFunction
ChloroplastContains the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis, and the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
Cell wallMade from cellulose fibres. Strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
VacuoleFilled with cell sap to help support the cell.
StructureChloroplast
FunctionContains the green pigment, chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis, and the enzymes needed for photosynthesis.
StructureCell wall
FunctionMade from cellulose fibres. Strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
StructureVacuole
FunctionFilled with cell sap to help support the cell.

Animal cells may also have vacuoles, but these are small and temporary. In animals, they are commonly used to store or transport substances.