Study of Plant Cells

The cell is the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known living organisms. A cell is the smallest unit of life that can replicate independently, and cells are often called the “building blocks of life”. The study of cells is called cell biology.

Plant cells are eukaryotic cells or cells with membrane bound nucleus. Generally, plant cells are larger than animal cells and are mostly similar in size and are rectangular or cube shaped. Plant cells are similar to animal cells in being eukaryotic and they have similar cell organelles.

Plant Cell Types:

Some plant cells synthesize and store organic products, while others help to transport nutrients throughout the plant. Following are different types of plant cells.

1. Parenchyma Cells – although not highly specialized, these cells synthesize and store organic products in the plant.
2. Collenchyma Cells – help to support plants while not restraining growth due to their lack of secondary walls and the absence of a hardening agent in their primary walls.
3. Sclerenchyma Cells – provide a support function in plants, but unlike collenchyma cells, they have a hardening agent and are much more rigid.