Plant Cell Anatomy

Distinctive features of plant cells include primary cell walls containing cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin, presence of plastids with the capability to perform photosynthesis and store starch, a large vacuole that regulates turgor pressure, absence of flagella or centrioles (except in gametes), and a unique method of cell division involving the formation of a cell plate or phragmoplast that separates the new daughter cells.

Plant cell walls are composed of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin, constructed outside the cell membrane. Their composition contrasts with the cell walls of fungi (made of chitin), bacteria (made of peptidoglycan), and archaea (made of pseudopeptidoglycan).

Lignin and suberin are secreted by the protoplast as secondary wall layers inside the primary cell wall, while cutin is secreted outside the primary cell wall and into the outer layers of the secondary cell wall of the epidermal cells of leaves, stems, and other above-ground organs to form the plant cuticle. They contribute to the structure and function of plant cells by providing shape to form tissue and organs, playing an important role in intercellular communication, and plant-microbe interactions.

<p>Cell walls in plant cells perform essential functions such as providing shape to form tissue and organs, and playing an important role in intercellular communication and plant-microbe interactions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The unique method of cell division in plant cells involves the formation of a cell plate or phragmoplast that separates the new daughter cells.</p> Signup and view all the answers