Plant cell Structure

Question 1

What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Answer 1

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus (e.g., bacteria), while eukaryotic cells have a nucleus (e.g., plants and animals).

Question 2

Why do organisms with smaller cells have an advantage?

Answer 2

Smaller cells have a larger surface area-to-volume ratio, allowing more efficient communication between the nucleus and other parts of the cell.

Question 3

What are the main components of plant cell walls?

Answer 3

Cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, lignin, proteins, and minerals.

Question 4

What is the function of plasmodesmata in plant cells?

Answer 4

Plasmodesmata are tiny channels that allow fluids and dissolved substances to pass between plant cells, facilitating cell communication.

Question 5

What is the primary role of the plant cell wall?

Answer 5

The cell wall maintains cell shape, controls cell expansion, provides protection, regulates transport, and stores food reserves.

Question 6

What is the function of the plasma membrane?

Answer 6

The plasma membrane regulates the movement of substances into and out of the cell and helps produce and assemble cellulose for the cell wall.

Question 7

What is the role of the nucleus in a plant cell?

Answer 7

The nucleus stores hereditary information, controls cell growth and differentiation, and directs cellular activities.

Question 8

What are chloroplasts and their primary function?

Answer 8

Chloroplasts are plastids in plant cells that contain chlorophyll and are the main site of photosynthesis

Question 9

What are mitochondria known for?

Answer 9

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, where cellular respiration takes place, producing energy in the form of ATP.

Question 10

What is the role of vacuoles in plant cells?

Answer 10

Vacuoles store cell sap, maintain cell pressure and pH, and are involved in the breakdown of waste products

Question 11

What is the cytoplasm in a plant cell?

Answer 11

The cytoplasm includes all cellular components between the plasma membrane and the nucleus, containing organelles dispersed in a fluid called cytosol.

Question 12

What is the difference between cytoplasm and protoplasm?

Answer 12

The cytoplasm is all the contents inside the cell membrane excluding the nucleus, while protoplasm includes both the cytoplasm and the nucleus.​

Question 13

What are dictyosomes, and what is their function?

Answer 13

Dictyosomes are stacks of flattened discs that modify and package proteins and polysaccharides for secretion. They are part of the Golgi apparatus in plant cells.

Question 14

What is the main function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in plant cells?

Answer 14

The ER synthesizes membranes and modifies proteins. The rough ER is associated with protein synthesis, while the smooth ER is involved in lipid secretion.

Question 15

What are ribosomes, and where are they found in plant cells?

Answer 15

Ribosomes are small, spherical organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They are found either floating in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough ER.

Question 16

What are chromoplasts, and how do they differ from chloroplasts?

Answer 16

Chromoplasts are plastids responsible for storing pigments (yellow, orange, or red) in plants. They develop from chloroplasts when chlorophyll disappears.

Question 17

What is the primary function of leucoplasts in plant cells?

Answer 17

Leucoplasts are colorless plastids involved in the synthesis of starches (amyloplasts) and oils (elaioplasts).

Question 18

What are peroxisomes and glyoxisomes?

Answer 18

Peroxisomes contain enzymes needed for photorespiration, while glyoxisomes aid in converting fats to carbohydrates during seed germination.

Question 19

What is the cytoskeleton, and what are its components?

Answer 19

The cytoskeleton is a network of fibers (microtubules and microfilaments) that provide structure to the cell and facilitate movement within it​.

Question 20

How do microtubules function in plant cells?

Answer 20

Microtubules help with cell division, the movement of organelles, and the addition of cellulose to the cell wall.

Question 21

What is the role of microfilaments in plant cells?

Answer 21

Microfilaments are involved in cytoplasmic streaming, which helps distribute materials within the cell.

Question 22

What is the middle lamella in plant cell walls?

Answer 22

The middle lamella is a layer rich in pectins that cements adjacent plant cells together​.

Question 23

What is the function of glycoproteins in plant cell walls?

Answer 23

Glycoproteins in plant cell walls contribute to cell structure and function by interacting with other cell wall components.

Question 24

What is lignin, and where is it found in plant cells?

Answer 24

Lignin is a complex polymer found in secondary cell walls that provides rigidity and strength​.

Question 25

What are primary and secondary cell walls?

Answer 25

Primary cell walls are thin and flexible, allowing for cell growth, while secondary cell walls are thicker, more rigid, and contain more cellulose and lignin.

Question 26

What is cellulose, and why is it important in plant cells?

Answer 26

Cellulose is a carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls, providing rigidity and strength.

Question 27

What is hemicellulose’s role in the cell wall?

Answer 27

Hemicellulose is a glue-like substance that helps hold cellulose fibrils together in the cell wall​.

Question 28

What is the function of pectin in plant cells?

Answer 28

Pectin is found in the middle lamella and primary cell walls, helping to hold plant cells together and providing stiffness.

Question 29

How do plasmodesmata facilitate communication between plant cells?

Answer 29

Plasmodesmata are channels between adjacent cells that allow the passage of fluids, dissolved substances, and small molecules​.

Question 30

What is the composition of the plasma membrane in plant cells?

Answer 30

The plasma membrane is composed of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates, controlling the movement of substances into and out of the cell​.

Question 31

What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum, and what do they do?

Answer 31

The rough ER is involved in protein synthesis and storage, while the smooth ER is associated with lipid secretion and the synthesis of membranes.

Question 32

What role does the nucleolus play in the nucleus?

Answer 32

The nucleolus is responsible for assembling ribosomal subunits, which are essential for protein synthesis.

Question 33

What is the function of mitochondria in plant cells?

Answer 33

Mitochondria are the site of cellular respiration, converting energy from organic molecules into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Question 34

What are vacuoles, and what do they store?

Answer 34

Vacuoles are large, membrane-bound organelles that store cell sap, which includes water, salts, sugars, and pigments, and help maintain cell pressure.

Question 35

What are the components of the cytoskeleton in plant cells?

Answer 35

The cytoskeleton is composed of microtubules and microfilaments, which provide structural support and facilitate the movement of organelles.

Question 36

What are microbodies, and what types exist in plant cells?

Answer 36

Microbodies are small organelles that contain enzymes. Types include peroxisomes, which are involved in photorespiration, and glyoxisomes, which convert fats to carbohydrates during seed germination​.

Question 37

What is the role of chloroplasts in plant cells?

Answer 37

Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll and are responsible for photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy.

Question 38

What is cyclosis, or cytoplasmic streaming?

Answer 38

Cyclosis is the movement of the cytoplasm within plant cells, helping to distribute organelles and facilitating exchanges of materials within the cell.

Question 39

What are chromoplasts, and where are they found?

Answer 39

Chromoplasts contain pigments like carotenoids, giving yellow, orange, and red colors to plant parts such as fruits and flowers.

Question 40

How does the structure of mitochondria support its function?

Answer 40

Mitochondria have two membranes, with the inner membrane forming cristae to increase the surface area for enzymes involved in cellular respiration.

Question 41

What are amyloplasts, and what is their function?

Answer 41

Amyloplasts are a type of leucoplast that synthesize and store starch in plant cells​.

Question 42

What is the role of anthocyanins in plant vacuoles?

Answer 42

Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments stored in vacuoles that give red, blue, or purple color to flowers and some leaves.