PLANT CELL FUNCTIONS

NUCLEUS- The nucleus is a membrane-bound structure that is present only in eukaryotic cells. The vital
function of a nucleus is to store DNA or hereditary information required for cell division, metabolism
and growth.

NUCLEAR ENVELOPE- separates the contents of the nucleus from the cytoplasm and provides the
structural framework of the nucleus. The nuclear membranes, acting as barriers that prevent the free
passage of molecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm, maintain the nucleus as a distinct
biochemical compartment.

NUCLEAR PORE- to allow RNA and proteins to pass through the nuclear envelope. These transport
channels contribute to the selective permeability of the nuclear envelope. It manufactures cells’ protein-
producing structures and ribosomes.

NUCLEOLUS- A structure within the cell nucleus that plays a number of important roles in the life of a
plant cell. This includes:

RNA synthesis and processing: The nucleolus is responsible for the synthesis and processing of ribosomal
RNA (rRNA), which is a key component of ribosomes. Ribosomes are the cellular structures that carry
out protein synthesis.

Assembly of ribosomes: The nucleolus is also involved in the assembly of ribosomes from rRNA and
proteins. This process is critical for the proper functioning of the cell's protein synthesis machinery.

Regulation of cell growth and division: The nucleolus plays a role in regulating cell growth and division. It
is thought that changes in the size and activity of the nucleolus may be linked to changes in cell growth
and division.

Storage of genetic information: The nucleolus also acts as a storage site for genetic information,
including genes that code for rRNA.

NUCLEOPLASM- is the protoplasm contained within the plant cell nucleus and can best be described as
the fluid-filled matrix that is contained within the nuclear membrane. The nucleoplasm plays several
important roles in the cell, including maintaining the structural integrity of the nucleus, facilitating the
transcription and replication of DNA, and regulating gene expression. It also helps to protect the genetic
material from damage and infection by viruses or other pathogens.

CYTOPLASM- It maintains the shape of the cell, provides crucial support to the internal structures and is
the suspension medium for the organelles. The cytoplasm in plant cells houses chloroplasts, which
contain chlorophyll.

CELL WALL- provides a structural framework to support plant growth and acts as the first line of defense
when the plant encounters pathogens. The cell wall must also retain some flexibility, such that when
subjected to developmental, biotic, or abiotic stimuli it can be rapidly remodeled in response. The
primary function of the cell wall is to protect and provide structural support to the cell. The plant cell
wall is also involved in protecting the cell against mechanical stress and providing form and structure to
the cell. It also filters the molecules passing in and out of it.
CELL MEMBRANE- present in all living organisms, including plants. The main role of the cell membrane is
to provide protection to the cell from its surroundings. The cell membrane or plasma membrane
controls the passage of some solutes and water into and out of the cell.

The Endoplasmic reticulum- is a membrane-bound cell organelle generally found in all eukaryotic cells.
It is of 2 types:

ROUGH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM- involved in the synthesis of proteins. Associated with many roles in
protein synthesis, which also include post-translational modifications, folding, and sorting. Membrane-
bound ribosomes in the RER translate the mature mRNA transcript into amino acids that are attached to
become polypeptides.

SMOOTH ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM- Functions like, Lipid metabolism: The SER is involved in the
synthesis and modification of lipids, including phospholipids and steroids.

Carbohydrate metabolism: The SER plays a role in the synthesis and processing of carbohydrates,
including the breakdown of glycogen and the synthesis of glucose.

Detoxification: The SER is involved in detoxifying harmful compounds, such as drugs and environmental
toxins.

Calcium storage: The SER stores calcium ions, which are important for cell signaling and other processes.

Protein synthesis: The SER is involved in the synthesis and modification of proteins, including the
addition of sugars to proteins (glycosylation) and the folding of proteins.

In short, plays an important role in the metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, as well as the
detoxification of harmful compounds and the storage of calcium ions in plant cells.

CYTOSKELETON- a highly dynamic and versatile intracellular scaffold composed of microtubules and
actin microfilaments and plays an important role in many aspects of plant cell growth and development,
including such fundamental processes as cell division, cell expansion, and intracellular organization and
motility.

VACUOLE- a membrane-bound cell organelle. The main function of vacuoles is the storage of many
important molecules like amino acids, sugars, various organic acids, and some proteins. In plants, the
vacuoles are very large in size and filled with cell sap that helps to maintain the trugidity and rigidity of
the cell. Vacuoles help maintain water balance. Sometimes a single vacuole can take up most of the
interior space of the plant cell.

MITOCHONDRIA- powerhouse of the cell. They convert organic molecules into energy for the cell. It is
responsible for the production of energy in the form of ATP which is gained by digestion, absorption and
respiration in the cell. Mitochondria are surrounded by a double-membrane system - an inner
membrane and an outer membrane. The folds of the inner membrane, which is called cristae, are the
site of energy conversion. Mitochondria are typically shaped like cucumber, rods or ball.

CHLOROPLAST- produce energy through photosynthesis and oxygen-release processes, which sustain
plant growth and crop yield. As such, chloroplasts are responsible for the biosynthesis of active
compounds such as amino acids, phytohormones, nucleotides, vitamins, lipids, and secondary
metabolites.

VESICLE- can help transport materials that an organism needs to survive and recycle waste materials.
They can also absorb and destroy toxic substances and pathogens to prevent cell damage and infection.

LYSOSOME- function as the digestive system of the cell, serving both to degrade material taken up from
outside the cell and to digest obsolete components of the cell itself.

GOLGI APPARATUS- functions as a factory in which proteins received from the ER are further processed
and sorted for transport to their eventual destinations: lysosomes, the plasma membrane, or secretion.
In plant cells, the Golgi apparatus further serves as the site at which the complex polysaccharides of the
cell wall are synthesized. The Golgi apparatus is thus involved in processing the broad range of cellular
constituents that travel along the secretory pathway.

PEROXISOME- eukaryotic organelles that are highly dynamic both in morphology and metabolism. Plant
peroxisomes are involved in numerous processes, including primary and secondary metabolism,
development, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.

RIBOSOME- They take part in protein synthesis, Two or more ribosomes engaged in protein synthesis on
the same m-RNA strand form polyribosomes. It functions as a template bringing together different
components involved in protein synthesis. The translation of genetic code, which involves interaction of
amino acid-tRNA complex with mRNA, is co-ordinated by ribosomes. They are also protective in
function.

PLASMODESMATA- facilitate the movement of molecules between cells, ranging from small
photosynthetic products to large proteins and mRNA. In vascular tissue, plasmodesmata are crucial for
the movement of nutrients. They are also crucial during development because, unlike animal cells, plant
cells do not move.