Plant cells: common structures and specialised cells
I can identify common structures of plant cells and relate each structure to its function.
Plant cells: common structures and specialised cells
I can identify common structures of plant cells and relate each structure to its function.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The plant cell model describes the common structures of plant cells.
- Some of these structures are common with animal cells, such as the cytoplasm, cell membrane, nucleus and mitochondria.
- Plant cells have additional structures, i.e. the cell wall, chloroplasts and vacuole; each has a specific function.
- Specialised cells in plants have shapes, sizes and structures that are adapted for the jobs the cells do.
- Examples of specialised plant cells include root hair cells and palisade cells.
Common misconception
A palisade cell is not a specialised cell as it is used as the plant cell model. All plant cells contain chloroplasts.
Presentation outlines that the palisade cell is a specialised cell. Question in the check for understanding that is designed to show chloroplasts are not in root hair cells.
Keywords
Cell wall - A subcellular structure made from cellulose fibres that strengthens the cell and supports the plant.
Chloroplast - A subcellular structure that contains the green pigment chlorophyll, which absorbs light for photosynthesis.
Permanent vacuole - A subcellular structure filled with cell sap that helps keep the cell turgid.
Photosynthesis - A chemical reaction that plants use to make glucose, taking place in the chloroplasts.
Active transport - The net movement of particles from a low to high concentration, against a concentration gradient, using energy.
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
contains cellulose; provides strength to cell and support to plant
contains chlorophyll where photosynthesis takes place
contains cell sap which helps keep the cell turgid
Exit quiz
6 Questions
cover the outer surface of roots and absorb water and minerals
transport water upwards from roots to leaves
control if the stomata are open or closed
transport glucose and amino acids up and down the plant
can be packed together
absorb lots of light energy
where photosythesis occurs