Plant Cells

Plant cells are the fundamental unit of life in all plants. They are eukaryotic cells, meaning they have a nucleus, organelles, and a cell membrane. Plant cells are generally larger than animal cells and are surrounded by a rigid cell wall made of cellulose. This cell wall provides structure and protection to the plant cell. Inside the cell, the nucleus houses genetic material, such as DNA. Organelles, such as the chloroplast and mitochondria, are responsible for the cell’s energy production, while other organelles, such as the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, are involved in the synthesis and transport of proteins. Lastly, the vacuole is a large organelle that helps provide structure and regulate the cell’s internal environment by storing water and other molecules. All of these components make up a plant cell and are necessary for the survival of the plant.