The contents of a plant cell are in some ways very similar to the contents of an animal cell. Both have a cell nucleus, surrounded by a nuclear membrane and this contains the genetic information of the cell in the form of deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA.
Both also have mitochondria, which provide energy, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth) and ribosomes. Plant cells also have a cell membrane which completely encloses the cytoplasm.
There are also some important differences. Plant cells have a water filled vacuole, which fills with water to make the plant cell turgid. Turgid plant cells in non-woody stems and leaves allow the plant to stay upright and hold itself in place.
Plant cells also have a rigid cell wall, which means they can't really change shape very much. This is another structural feature that allows plants to hold themselves up. The other unique organelle in a plant cell is the chloroplast, the site in the cell where the process of photosynthesis occurs.
Both also have mitochondria, which provide energy, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (rough and smooth) and ribosomes. Plant cells also have a cell membrane which completely encloses the cytoplasm.
There are also some important differences. Plant cells have a water filled vacuole, which fills with water to make the plant cell turgid. Turgid plant cells in non-woody stems and leaves allow the plant to stay upright and hold itself in place.
Plant cells also have a rigid cell wall, which means they can't really change shape very much. This is another structural feature that allows plants to hold themselves up. The other unique organelle in a plant cell is the chloroplast, the site in the cell where the process of photosynthesis occurs.
