Structure and

function of Plant
cell ...............

SUBMITTED TO;
Dr Sonal Tripathi
PRESENTATION by ……….

AADYA BSC LIFE SCIENCE

ROLL:238859 THIRD SEMESTER
DEPARTMENT OF
ZOOLOGY
 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Sonal
Tripathi, Department of Zoology, School of Life sciences, for
guiding me and supporting me throughout this project. Their
expertise and insights were invaluable in helping me understand
the my presentation topic. Additionally , I appreciate the
contribution of various scientific researchers and authors whose
work I have used in this presentation.
Lastly, I thank my peers and colleagues for their encouragement
and feedback throughout this project.
 Definition of Plant cell
A plant cell is the basic structural and functional unit of plants.
It is a type of eukaryotic cell, which means it has a true nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.
Plant cells have unique structures and components that differentiate them
from animal cells, enabling them to carry out essential functions like
photosynthesis, storage, and support.

Components of Plant cell:

1.Cell wall:
A plant cell wall is a rigid, outermost layer that surrounds the cell membrane of plant
cells. It provides structural support, protection, and defines the shape of the cell. The
cell wall is a key feature that differentiates plant cells from animal cells, which do not
have a cell wall.
Some key features of cell wall are:
1.The cell wall provides mechanical strength to the plant cell, allowing it to
maintain a fixed shape.
2.It protects the cell from physical damage and pathogenic organisms, such
as bacteria and fungi. It also prevents the cell from bursting when water
enters the cell by osmosis, thanks to its rigidity
3. The cell wall is porous, allowing water, nutrients,
and other small molecules to pass through while
restricting larger molecules. It plays a key role in
water retention and regulation, facilitating the
movement of water and solutes in and out of the
cell.
4. Plant cell walls contain small channels called
plasmodesmata, which connect adjacent cells.
These channels allow the transport of materials
and communication between cells, helping
coordinate functions and responses across
tissues.

Composition of cell wall:

The plant cell wall is composed of several
layers and materials that give it its strength
and functionality ,they are such as cellulose,
hemicellulose, pectin and lignin.
3.Nucleus
•Structure: Contains the cell’s genetic material (DNA)
organized into chromosomes. It is surrounded by a nuclear
envelope with nuclear pores.
•Function: Acts as the control center of the cell, regulating
gene expression, cell growth, and reproduction (cell
division). The nucleus also coordinates the synthesis of
proteins and enzymes needed for various cellular
processes.

4.Vacuole
•Structure: A large central vacuole filled with cell sap
(a mix of water, enzymes, ions, salts, and other
substances).
•Function: Maintains turgor pressure against the cell
wall, which helps maintain the cell’s shape and
provides structural support. The vacuole also stores
nutrients and waste products, degrades unwanted
substances, and is involved in the regulation of pH
and ion balance.
5. Mitochondria
•Structure:
•Double-membraned organelles with their own DNA, the
inner membrane is highly folded into structures called
cristae.
•Function: Known as the "powerhouses" of the cell,
mitochondria generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through
cellular respiration, which provides energy for various
cellular processes.

6.Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

•Types
•Rough ER: Studded with ribosomes on its surface.
•Smooth ER: Lacks ribosomes.
•Function: The rough ER is involved in the synthesis and
transport of proteins, while the smooth ER is involved in the
synthesis of lipids, detoxification of harmful substances, and
calcium storage
7.Golgi Apparatus (Golgi Body)

•Structure: A series of flattened, membrane-

bound sacs (cisternae).
•Function: Modifies, sorts, and packages proteins
and lipids received from the ER for transport to
their final destinations within or outside of the
cell.

8.Ribosomes

•Structure: Small complexes of RNA and

protein, either floating freely in the cytoplasm
or attached to the rough ER.
•Function: The site of protein synthesis, where
mRNA is translated into polypeptide chains
(proteins
9.Cytoplasm
•Structure: A jelly-like substance that fills the
cell, containing water, salts, and organic
molecules.
•Function: Provides a medium for chemical
reactions to occur and supports the organelles.
It also allows for the movement of materials
around the cell.

10. Cytoskeleton
•Components: Microtubules, microfilaments,
and intermediate filaments.
•Function: Provides structural support for the
cell, maintains the cell's shape, assists in
intracellular transport, and plays a role in cell
division and movement.
11. Peroxisomes
•Structure: Membrane-bound organelles that contain
enzymes.
•Function: Involved in various metabolic processes,
including the breakdown of fatty acids, detoxification of
harmful substances, and conversion of hydrogen peroxide
(a toxic byproduct) into water and oxygen.

12. Plastids
It is a group of double-membrane-bound
organelles found in the cells of plants and
some algae. Plastids are involved in various
essential functions, such as photosynthesis,
storage of products like starch, and
synthesis of many types of molecules
required for plant cell function. Plastids are
unique to plant cells and are not found in
animal cells.
Plastids can differentiate into various forms
depending on the cell’s needs. The main
types of plastids include:
1.Chloroplasts:
1. Structure: Contain an outer
membrane, an inner membrane, and a
series of internal membranes called
thylakoids, which are organized into
stacks called grana. Chloroplasts also
contain chlorophyll, the green pigment
that captures light energy.
2. Function: The primary function of
chloroplasts is photosynthesis. They
convert light energy into chemical
energy (glucose) through the light-
dependent and light-independent
reactions (Calvin cycle). Chloroplasts
also synthesize fatty acids, amino
acids, and are involved in immune
responses in plants.
2.Chromoplasts:
1. Structure: Contain pigments such as carotenoids (yellow,
orange, and red pigments) but lack chlorophyll.
2. Function: Responsible for the vivid colors of fruits, flowers,
and leaves (particularly during the fall when chlorophyll
breaks down). Chromoplasts help in attracting pollinators and
dispersing seeds. They can also develop from chloroplasts
when chlorophyll degrades, changing the color of a plant
tissue.
3. Leucoplast
Structure: Non-pigmented plastids that are colorless.
Function: Primarily involved in the storage and synthesis of
important molecules. Leucoplasts can further differentiate into
specialized forms:
1.Amyloplasts: Store starch and are involved in converting
starch back into sugar when the plant needs energy. They
are commonly found in roots and tubers, such as potatoes.
2.Elaioplasts: Store fats and oils, usually found in seeds.
3.Proteinoplasts: Store proteins, typically found in seeds
and nuts.
Unique Feature of plastids :

•Double Membrane: All plastids are

surrounded by a double membrane.

•Own DNA: Plastids contain their own

circular DNA, similar to bacterial DNA, and
have ribosomes resembling those of
prokaryotes. This supports the
endosymbiotic origin theory.

•Ability to Differentiate: Plastids can

differentiate and change their form based
on the cell's requirements (e.g.,
chloroplasts can become chromoplasts
during fruit ripening).
Functions of plant cells:
Plant cells perform a wide range of functions essential for the growth, development, and survival of
plants. Each component or organelle within a plant cell has specific roles that contribute to the cell's
overall function. Here are the primary functions of a plant cell:
1. Photosynthesis
•Organelles Involved: Chloroplasts.
Function: Plant cells convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose) through photosynthesis, a
process that occurs in chloroplasts. Chlorophyll, the green pigment within chloroplasts, captures light
energy, which is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process
provides energy for the plant and oxygen for the environment.
2.Storage of Nutrients and Energy
•Organelles Involved: Vacuoles, amyloplasts (a type of leucoplast), and elaioplasts.
Function: Plant cells store nutrients, water, and waste products in vacuoles. Vacuoles also help maintain
cell turgor pressure, which supports the plant's structure. Amyloplasts store starch, a form of energy,
while elaioplasts store fats and oils.

3.Structural Support and Protection

•Organelles Involved: Cell wall, vacuole, cytoskeleton.
Function: The cell wall, primarily composed of cellulose, provides structural support, shape, and protection to the
plant cell, helping it withstand mechanical stress and resist pathogen attack. The large central vacuole also maintains
turgor pressure, contributing to the rigidity and structural integrity of the plant.
4.Regulation of Growth and Development
•Organelles Involved: Nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi apparatus, ribosomes.
•Function: The nucleus contains the cell's genetic material (DNA) and regulates cell growth,
development, and division. The ER and Golgi apparatus are involved in synthesizing, modifying,
packaging, and transporting proteins and lipids necessary for cell growth and function. Ribosomes
synthesize proteins, including enzymes that regulate metabolic processes and cell signaling .
5. Metabolism and Energy Production
•Organelles Involved: Mitochondria, cytoplasm.
•Function: Mitochondria, known as the "powerhouses" of the cell, produce ATP (adenosine
triphosphate). It helps in cellular respiration, providing energy for various cellular activities. The
cytoplasm contains enzymes that facilitate metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis, and serves as a
medium for metabolic reactions.

6. Biosynthesis of Vital Compounds

•Organelles Involved: Chloroplasts, ER, Golgi apparatus, ribosomes.
•Function: Plant cells synthesize various organic compounds essential for their function and growth
Chloroplasts synthesize glucose during photosynthesis. The ER and Golgi apparatus are involved in
the synthesis and processing of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Ribosomes are responsible for
protein synthesis.
7.Defense and Stress Response
Organelles Involved: Cell wall, vacuole, peroxisomes,
chloroplasts Function: The cell wall provides a physical
barrier against pathogens. Vacuoles store defensive
chemicals that deter herbivores and pathogens. Peroxisomes
break down toxic substances and neutralize harmful reactive
oxygen species (ROS) produced during stress. Chloroplasts
also play a role in signaling pathways involved in the plant's
immune response.
8.Pigmentation and Attraction of Pollinators:
•Organelles Involved: Chromoplasts.
•Function: Chromoplasts contain pigments such as
carotenoids that provide red, orange, and yellow colors to
flowers and fruits. These pigments help attract pollinators
and animals that aid in seed dispersal.

Therefore, Plant cells are complex and highly specialized,

equipped with unique structures that enable them to perform
essential functions like photosynthesis, storage, growth, and
structural support. These components work together to
ensure the plant's survival, growth, and reproduction.
Thank
You!!!