Specialized Plant Cells

Study Notes

Specialized Plant Cells

Cell Differentiation: When a cell develops adaptations to perform a specific function, this process is called differentiation.
Root Hair Cells: These cells are responsible for absorbing water and dissolved minerals from the soil. They are located on the root surface and have adaptations that increase their surface area for absorption.
- Root hairs: These extensions increase the surface area of the root, allowing for more efficient absorption of water.
- Lack of chloroplasts: Since root hair cells are underground and don't receive sunlight, they don't need chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
Xylem Cells: Xylem cells form long tubes that transport water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves. They have strong, rigid walls to provide support for the plant.
- Thick walls with lignin: Lignin is a chemical that makes the cell walls strong and rigid, providing structural support. The rigid cell walls cause the xylem cells to die.
- No end walls: The walls between xylem cells break down entirely, forming a continuous tube for easy water transport.
- No internal structures: Xylem cells lack nuclei, cytoplasm, vacuoles, and chloroplasts, facilitating water and mineral movement.
Phloem Cells: Phloem cells transport dissolved sugars (produced during photosynthesis) throughout the plant.
- Phloem vessel cells: These cells lack nuclei and have limited cytoplasm. The end walls have pores called sieve plates that allow dissolved sugars to move through the cell.
- Phloem companion cells: These cells provide energy for the phloem vessel cells, as they have fewer mitochondria. Companion cells are connected to phloem vessel cells by plasmodesmata.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of specialized plant cells, including root hair cells and xylem cells. This quiz covers how these cells differentiate and adapt to their functions, such as water absorption and nutrient transport. Test your knowledge on plant cell structure and function!