View source for Plant Cell

==Key Stage 3==
===Meaning===
A '''plant cell''' is a [[Cell (Biology)|cell]] that has a [[Cell Membrane|cell membrane]], [[Cell Wall|cell wall]], [[cytoplasm]], [[mitochondria]], [[chloroplast]]s, a [[Permanent Vacuole|permanent vacuole]] and a [[Nucleus (Biology)|nucleus]].

===About Plant Cells===
: '''Plant cells''' have more parts than an [[Animal Cell|animal cell]].

{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:PlantCellDiagram.png|center|400px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of a typical '''plant cell'''.
|}

: There are several [[Specialised Plant Cell|specialised plant cells]] that you should know:
*[[Palisade Cell]]
*[[Spongy Mesophyll Cell]]
*[[Guard Cell]]
*[[Xylem Cell]]
*[[Root Hair Cell]]

===Examples===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:LeafCrossSection.png|center|400px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |This [[leaf]] cross section shows [[Palisade Cell|palisade cell]]s are the second from the top, [[Spongy Mesophyll Cell|spongy mesophyll cells]] in the middle, two [[Guard Cell|guard cell]]s at the top and some [[Xylem Cell|xylem cell]]s surrounded by purple stained cells.
|}

==Key Stage 4==
===Meaning===
A '''plant cell''' is a [[Eukaryotic Cell|eukaryotic]] [[Cell (Biology)|cell]] that has a [[Cell Membrane|cell membrane]], [[Cell Wall|cell wall]], [[cytoplasm]], [[mitochondria]], [[chloroplast]]s, a [[Permanent Vacuole|permanent vacuole]] and a [[Cell Nucleus|nucleus]].

===About Plant Cells===
: As a [[Eukaryotic Cell|eukaryotic cell]] a '''plant cell''' contains membrane bound [[organelle]]s, including a [[nucleus]], several [[mitochondria]] and a [[Permanent Vacuole|permanent vacuole]].
: '''Plant cells''' can be distinguished from [[Animal Cell|animal cells]] in that they have a [[Cell Wall|cell wall]] made of [[cellulose]], a [[Permanent Vacuole|permanent vacuole]] and may have [[chloroplast]]s (depending on where those [[Cell (Biology)|cells]] are in the [[plant]]).
: '''Plant cells''' can store [[starch]] in the [[cytoplasm]], which is shown when they are [[dye]]d with [[Iodine Solution|Iodine solution]] prior to being viewed under a [[Light Microscope|light microscope]].
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:PlantCellDiagram.png|center|400px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:400px; text-align:center;" |A [[diagram]] of a typical '''plant cell'''.
|}

: There are several [[Specialised Plant Cell|specialised plant cells]] that you should know:
*[[Palisade Cell]]
*[[Spongy Mesophyll Cell]]
*[[Guard Cell]]
*[[Xylem Cell]]
*[[Phloem Cell]]
*[[Root Hair Cell]]

===Examples===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|[[File:LeafCrossSection.png|center|400px]]
|-
| style="height:20px; width:200px; text-align:center;" |This [[leaf]] cross section shows [[Palisade Cell|palisade cell]]s are the second from the top, [[Spongy Mesophyll Cell|spongy mesophyll cells]] in the middle, two [[Guard Cell|guard cell]]s at the top and some [[Xylem Cell|xylem cell]]s surrounded by [[Phloem Cell|phloem cells]].
|}


===References===
====AQA====

:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0008158754/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0008158754&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=27ad53b0283feeff7fc5ae04a9e205f429 ''Plant cell, pages 22, 54-5, 60-1, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945598/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945598&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=ad276ad49df77ab4b40ab4fd0fe10166 ''Plant cells, page 11, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945954/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945954&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=100574c08fbbb64318256eb79ed61a76 ''Plant cells, page 24, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782946381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782946381&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=5ec5fc3f6429e30c1d9ab9bca2bccf93 ''Plant cells, page 24, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy; Biology, CGP, AQA '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1471851354/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1471851354&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=9012a0d354024419214fb3ad5ac44ba0 ''Plant cells, pages 6, 9-10, 58, GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 1, Hodder, AQA '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0198359373/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=0198359373&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=952a73bbb09d222ecc4b50d200679849 ''Plant cells, pages 6-7, 12-13, 15, 18-19, 23, 28-29, 31, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA '']

====Edexcel====

:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1782945741/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1782945741&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=30da4f2178da182547b62a7329d13b57 ''Plant cells, page 11, GCSE Combined Science; The Revision Guide, CGP, Edexcel '']
:[https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1292120207/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1634&creative=6738&creativeASIN=1292120207&linkCode=as2&tag=nrjc-21&linkId=22455ff53961978667722edaa64c0be5 ''Plant cells, pages 4-5, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel '']


== Beyond the Curriculum ==

=== Exploring the Fascinating World of Plant Cells ===

Your school curriculum introduces you to the fundamental aspects of plant cells, but there's a captivating universe of knowledge beyond the basics. Let's dive deeper into the intriguing world of plant cells and uncover some exciting facts that go beyond the standard curriculum:

==== Cell Wall Composition: More Than Just Protection ====

While you learn about the plant cell's cell wall, did you know that this sturdy structure is primarily composed of cellulose? Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on Earth and plays a critical role in providing plants with strength and support. It's also a source of dietary fiber for humans.

==== Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis: The Power of Green ====

Plant cells house chloroplasts, the green organelles responsible for photosynthesis. This incredible process converts sunlight into chemical energy, producing oxygen as a byproduct. Without photosynthesis, life on Earth as we know it would not be possible. Dive deeper into the mechanics of photosynthesis to understand its pivotal role in the ecosystem.

==== Permanent Vacuole: The Plant's Water Reservoir ====

The permanent vacuole in plant cells isn't just a storage space; it's a vital organelle responsible for maintaining turgor pressure and regulating cell size. This unique feature allows plants to stand upright and remain hydrated, even in challenging environmental conditions.

==== Specialized Plant Cells: A World of Diversity ====

Beyond the typical plant cell, specialized plant cells take on unique roles within the organism. Explore the intricacies of palisade cells, spongy mesophyll cells, guard cells, xylem cells, phloem cells, and root hair cells. Each has a specific function that contributes to the plant's growth, survival, and reproduction.

==== Starch Storage: A Clue to Plant Health ====

Plant cells can store starch granules, and this can be observed when they are dyed with iodine solution. This simple experiment reveals the presence of starch and provides insights into a plant's metabolic activity. Understanding starch storage is crucial for assessing a plant's health and nutritional status.

=== Ongoing Plant Cell Research ===

Beyond the classroom, scientists are continually unraveling the mysteries of plant cells. Topics like plant cell signaling, response to environmental stress, and genetic modifications for crop improvement are at the forefront of plant biology research. Stay curious, and you might contribute to the future of agriculture and ecological conservation.

=== Embark on Your Botanical Journey ===

As you progress in your scientific studies, remember that plant cells are more than just classroom content. They are the foundation of life on Earth and a gateway to exciting scientific discoveries. Explore these fascinating aspects of plant cells further to cultivate your passion for biology and environmental science.