Plant Cell Structure
and Function
By Carragh Knapp
Cell Structure (Key Features)
Click the one you would like to know more about…
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Nucleus
Nucleolus
Mitochondria
Golgi bodies
Ribosomes
Lysosomes
Rough and Smooth
Endoplasmic
Reticulum
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Cytoplasm
 Plasma membrane
 Microtubules *
 Plastids*
 Vacuole *
 Chloroplasts *
*= [Click and then press
spacebar]
 Inter-Relationships
Nucleus and Nucleolus
The Nucleus holds the genetic makeup or
Chromosomes of the plant cell. Through a
microscope, it also appears that there is
another nucleus within the nucleus. This is
the nucleolus and is made of a
combination of RNA and protein.
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http://www.biology4kids.com/files/cell
_nucleus.html
Mitochondria and Golgi Bodies
(apparatus)
 The
Mitochondria is where respiration
occurs. The Mitochondria requires oxygen
and releases carbon dioxide as its waste.
 Golgi bodies help to move protein around
the cell. They also assist in protein
recognition.
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Ribosomes and Lysosomes
 Ribosomes
are the protein builders of
cells. When they attatch themselves to the
Endoplasmic Reticulum it is called Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum. Here protein
molecules are created.
 Lysosome enzymes break down cell waste
and foreign particles. This means that they
are also responsible for digestion when
food is absorbed.
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Rough and Smooth Endoplasmic
Reticulum
Endoplasmic Reticulum breaks down fats
and moves substances around the cell.
 Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum is called
that because it has Ribosomes attached to
it. Enzyme proteins are created here.
 Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum has no
Ribosomes attached.
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Microtubules, Plastids,
Chloroplasts and Vacuoles

Microtubules are made of protein and help
define cell structure and cell movement.
 Plastids are membrane bound structures in plant
cells. These include green chloroplasts which
are in charge of carrying out photosynthesis.
 Chloroplasts are the organelle responsible for
food production. They create the sugars that are
later broken down by Mitochondria.
 Vacuoles are bubbles in cells which are used for
storage. They can also contain wastes to stop
the cell from poisoning itself.
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Cytoplasm and Plasma Membrane
(Cell Membrane)
 The
Cytoplasm is a watery solution which
contains the cell organelles (e.g.
Nucleolus, mitochondria etc.)
 The Plasma Membrane is like a bouncer. It
controls what substances come in and out
of the cell.
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How The Organelles Work Together
It is important for organelles to work interdependently if the cell is
planning to survive. It is essential that a plant cell has every organelle,
as they are so reliant upon each others functions. Below you can see
how different organelles relate to and rely upon each other…
Cytoplasm
Cell solution which
contains organelles
Smooth and Rough
Endoplasmic Reticulum
Breaks down fats after they
are absorbed
Golgi Apparatus
Substances transported
around cell
Plastids including
Chloroplasts
Chloroplasts are in charge
of food production, they
make sugar used by the
Mitochondria for
respiration
Nucleus and Nucleolus
Controls cell using
genetic information
(therefore relates to
every organelle)
Vacuoles
-In plant cells a large
water vacuole helps to
keep cell shape
-Can store waste
Mitochondria
Releases carbon
dioxide as it’s
respiration waste
Ribosomes
Protein building
blocks
Lysosomes
-Breaks down cell waste
-Digest food
Microtubules
Help to define cell
structure and movement
Cell Membrane
Chooses what is absorbed,
including food source
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