Plant Cell
PLANT CELL Introduction Plant cell is the basic unit of structure and function in nearly all plants. The range of specialization and the character of association of plant cells are very wide. In the simplest plant forms a single cell constitutes a whole organism and carries out all the life functions. In just slightly more complex forms, cells are associated structurally, but each cell appears to carry out the fundamental life functions, although certain ones may be specialized for participation in reproductive processes. In the most advanced plants, cells are associated in functionally specialized tissues, and associated tissues make up organs such as the leaves, stem, and root. Practically, every cell in the tissue of higher plants is a tiny, many-sided compartment enclosed by a water-impregnated wall otherwise composed principally of cellulose and other compounds closely related to carbohydrates. Plant cells vary greatly in size, shape and kinds. The development of a new cell, whether it arises by division or by fusion, involves its subsequent enlargement and maturation. Objectives: 1. To study the structure of plant cell, its organelles and other inclusions. 2. To relate cellular structures with functions. 3. To compare the structure and components of cells from different plant parts. Results and Discussion Plants are multicellular organisms composed of millions of cells with specialized functions. At maturity, such specialized cells may differ greatly from one another in their structures. However, all plant cells have the same basic eukaryotic organization. Cells contain a nucleus, a cytoplasm and subcellular organelles and they are enclosed in a membrane that defines their boundaries. In the Hydrilla leaf, observed under the microscope, Cells were so distinct that the outline and the rectangular shape of the cells were clearly seen. Individual cell
Middle lamella
Chloroplasts
Middle lamella
Chloroplasts