Inside Plant Cells: Structure and Function Explained

Design and InstallationGarden Caregarden TriviaIndoor plantsPlant Health Care
Written By Peter Morris

Plant vs Animal cells

 Plants, like animals, have eukaryotic cells - meaning they possess a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.Although they share many common features, they have 2 main differences.First, plant cells have a cell wall that surrounds the cell membrane - animal cells do not. This allows them to form an upright structure without the need for a skeleton. Second, they have two organelles that animal cells lack - chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole. These allow them to produce their own food through photosynthesis.

Typical plant and animal cell comparison

Inside a Plant Cell

 So what's inside these cells you ask ! Check out the diagram below : 

Diagram of a plant cell

Cytoplasm

This is the liquid that everything floats in which allow things to move around as needed.

Cyclosis (cytoplasmic streaming) is the process where chloroplasts move around inside the cell to obtain the best possible light from the sun !Google cytoplasmic streaming - its fascinating to watch !

Organelles

ChloroplastsThis is a complex sugar producing organelle made of several disk layers loaded with the photosynthetic pigment we call chlorophyll.

Chloroplasts near the air pores (stoma).

ChromoplastsA place where colors are chemically manufactured for the flowers, fruits or tissue that need them.NucleusBasically – the library of everything - for the storage of DNA.Endoplasmic reticulumA manufacturing center for proteins (with the help from ribosomes) and lipids.Golgi apparatusGreat name ! - what it does is store the synthesized proteins and fats in the cell then delivers them where needed like of like a food delivery service.RibosomesTiny organelle that synthesized proteins by reading the DNA (or actually a simpler copy called RNA).MitochondriaThe energy maker! Converts raw materials ( CO2 + H2O ) into usable energy.VacuoleA big storage tank of food and water that also regulates internal pressure – it is the basic structure needed to keep plants upright !Lysosomes !!! MY FAVORITE OF THEM ALL !These hold digestive enzymes that usually perform the function of cellular waste disposal. They digest worn-out organelles, food particles and foreign bodies in the cell – kind of like an amoeba! They attach themselves then release their digestive enzymes.BUT - if the cell itself is attacked by a something (Virus, bacteria, fungus) they rupture inside the cell and LIQUIFY everything - the good, the bad and the ugly all at once ! 

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   Article written by our Staff Horticulturist, Peter B Morris, BSc, MSc, MBAAll photographs used with permission @SHUTTERSTOCK  

Peter Morris

Peter was born and raised on a beautiful green island in the midst of a tropical rainforest. He was introduced into the world of plants at the age of six when his grandmother, an avid Spanish gardener herself, asked him to help her grow seeds for her pepper garden. He was hooked! By the time he was a teen, he had his own rose and orchid collection numbering in the hundreds. Botany was in his blood, and that is what he set out to study.

His passion brought him to NY in the late seventies to further his education. His tenacity allowed him to work full time at Plant Specialists while he completed a MS in Plant Biology. As a manager at the time he felt unsatisfied with his knowledge of business and business processes. Peter felt compelled to learn, so he then pursued and completed an MBA in Quality Management within a few short years.

Peter’s other passion is teaching. His natural ability is quickly consumed by our staff in all subjects in Botany, Horticulture, and Landscaping. He created an immense reference library of more than 3,500 plants providing an invaluable resource for our staff.

Peter’s breadth of knowledge and wisdom allows him to effectively diagnose the needs of plants. Sometimes just by walking into a garden he can create a prescription that fixes even the hardest issue. He is our Staff Botanist, Diagnostician, and all around Mentor. Recently, he has put his immense knowledge and skills into developing a new department that focuses on Plant Healthcare. As he puts it, “Magic through Science”. The PHC staff that surround him have avidly consumed his teachings. Substantially developing their own plant wisdom, many have taken on difficult plant health issues with spectacular results.

Plant Healthcare has been an instant success with customers! The proper treatment of insects and diseases including Organic methods has made pest control a necessity for every plant. Correcting hormonal imbalances caused by planting in containers or refurbishing soils leached of nutrients by irrigation systems are big challenges PHC has become quite comfortable addressing. The scientific approach to the complex demands of keeping plants healthy in our harsh city environment has made many a customer say WOW!

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