The Plant Cell

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The Plant Cell

Cell Wall
Size: Around 1µ
Basic Function:
* Hold the shape of the cell.
* Strengthen the cell.
Covering the cell membrane of the plant cell, there is the cell wall. The cell wall is composed of two
layers of rigid, hard cellulose embedded in compounds like pectin and lignin. Pores in the cell wall allow
molecules to pass through. The cell wall has two parts. The primary cell wall is formed during the growth
of the cell. After the cell has stopped growing, a secondary cell wall forms. This secondary wall is made of
lignin and cellulose, woven together tightly, to prevent further growth and to form and strong protective
barrier.

Cytoplasm
Size: Unmeasurable
Basic Function:
* Helps dissolve waste products
* Creates a "medium" for vesicles to travel through
* Aids in cell metabolism
* Serves as a home for the cytoskeleton.
The cytoplasm is the jelly-like material that makes up much of the cell. It is 80% water and usually clear
in color. It also contains many salts. The liquid portion is referred to as cytosol. In fact, "cytoplasm" means
"cell substance." The cytoplasm is also the home of the cytoskeleton, a network of
cytoplasmic filaments that are responsible for the movement of the cell. The cytoplasm is constantly
moving and churning due to cytoplasmic streaming.

Golgi Apparatus
Size: Between 2 and 3µ
Basic Function:
* Serves as "processing center" for cell.
* Packages and processes new proteins.
* Prepares proteins for secretion or storag...

Submitted by: digitalessays
Date Submitted: 05-30-07 9:38pm
Category: Social Issues
Words: 828
Pages: 3.31