Question

Sketch and describe in your own words the plant cell

Answer 1

• Cell membrane: A cell is composed of cell membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus. The cytoplasm and nucleus enclosed in the cell membrane together constitute the plasma membrane. It checks the transport of substances in the cell.

• Cell wall: In plants, an extra protective covering known as cellulose is present. It is called the cell wall and protects the plant cell from environmental variations.

• Cytoplasm: It is a jelly-like substance present between the cell membrane and nucleus. It contains various cell organelles, such as mitochondria and Golgi body.

• Nucleus: It is a dense spherical body located at the centre of the cell. It is surrounded by a porous nuclear membrane. It contains a spherical body called the nucleolus and thread-like structures called chromosomes. Chromosomes are the structures that carry genes and play an important role in inheritance. The entire living substance in a cell is known as the protoplast.

• Vacuoles: Vacuoles are fluid-filled membrane-bound structures in the cell. In plant cells, a single large vacuole is present.

• Plastids: They are present only in plant cells. Chloroplast is a plastid containing the green pigment called chlorophyll, which is required for photosynthesis.

• Mitochondria: They are involved in cellular respiration and, hence, are called ‘power houses of the cell’.