Cells are the fundamental units of life. All living organisms are composed of cells, which are needed for normal function. According to scientists, cells provide structure and stability, but they also provide energy to an organism. Cells are so small that they cannot be seen without magnification.
There are two primary types of cells known to exist. They are eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Animals, plants and fungi are the best examples of organisms that include eukaryotic cells. So, the cell is the simplest unit of life, while the plant cell represents the crucial element for the existence of life. There are numerous interesting facts you should know about plant cells. Below you can read some of them.
- A plant cell is the structural and functional unit for all plant organisms.
- There are millions of cells in an organism.
- A plant cell is extremely small. It is only visible on a microscope.
- As already mentioned, a plant cell can be included in the category of eukaryotic cells. These are the cells that have a well-defined nucleus.
- There are some important differences between plant and animal cells. However, there are also some similarities worth to be known.
- Plant cells have unique features that facilitate the process of photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis sunlight, water and carbon dioxide are transformed into energy, water and oxygen. This is an important process for the support of all forms of life.
- The main function of a plant cells is to carry all processes that are needed to facilitate plant life.
- The structure of the plant cell includes cellulose, chloroplasts, chlorophyll and vacuoles. Plasma membrane, nucleus, nucleolus and mitochondria are also included in the structure of a plant cell. The endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus and microtubules are other features of the plant cell.
- Both plant and animal cells include nucleus, cell membrane and mitochondria, which are part of their structure.
- There are two types of reproduction in plants. They can be asexual, when the cell splits in two, and sexual, when two cells combine to create one living cell.
- Plant cells have cell walls in which they can store water.
- Cell walls of plants are made up of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin.
So, there are both similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. They are both basic units of life, which compose all living organisms. However, plant and animal cells may have a different function and a different structure.