Cells may be the smallest unit of a biological makeup, but a cell itself is made up of separate components. If you remember middle school biology, then you know that a cell is mainly made up of three parts.
However, to refresh your memory, a general animal cell is basically made up of a nucleus, cell membrane, and cytoplasm. But do plant cells have cytoplasm too? Yes, they do! Let’s find out more about it.
What is Cytoplasm?
The cytoplasm is a jelly-like substance within a cell that surrounds the nucleus and is enclosed by the cell membrane. A lot of other structures that help with cell functionality are present in the cytoplasm.
It is common knowledge that a great portion of the cytoplasm is made up of water. Apart from that, different types of nutrients and minerals are also available within the cytoplasm of a cell. To break it down even further, a cytoplasm contains the following components:
Cytosol
A large portion of the cytoplasm is made up of a substance called cytosol. Water and complex protein structures are within this structure.
Organelle
Organelles are basically high-functioning, tiny organs within the cytoplasm. Mitochondria, more familiarly known as the “powerhouse of the cell”, are categorized as organelles and an important part of the cytoplasm.
Cytoplasmic inclusions
As the name itself suggests, these are small compositions included in the cytoplasm. The inclusions usually don’t dissolve, which is why they are found to be floating around in the cytosol.
Along with proteins, other materials such as fat and starch lying on the cytosol are classified as inclusions. These are stored as energy repositories for the cell.
Is cytoplasm present in plant cells?
Like typical animal cells, plant cells also have cytoplasm containing salts and minerals. Organelles are different in plant cells compared to animal cells, but they basically serve the same functions in the case of plants.
The cytoplasm thus also acts as a medium for organelles and other substances to float around. It also provides overall structure to the plant cell along with other significant purposes.
Is cytoplasm important for plants?
Considering all other cell structures and components, the cytoplasm is present in plant cells, which means it is very important for the plant itself. One of the most important reasons why cytoplasm is important for plants is the fact that it provides a rigid structure for the cells.
Without the cytoplasm, the cell would not have a proper structure, and plants would not be able to maintain their shape and stature. The cytoplasm is the prime channel and storage area for water transfer. And as water is a major factor in the growth and survivability of plants, you can already tell how important the cytoplasm is.
What are the functions of cytoplasm?
Aside from providing the primary support structure for the cell and plants, the cytoplasm has various functions. Those include:
1. Providing necessary enzymes
Digestion does not just occur in the human gut. All complex molecules need to be broken down into smaller units so that they can be assimilated for cell growth and function.
Enzymes are certain proteins that facilitate the breakdown of such molecules. Both animal and plant cell cytoplasm contains essential enzymes that speed up chemical processes.
The watery make-up of the cytoplasm makes it the perfect holder for the enzymes without causing any interfering reactions. These protein structures are also necessary for breaking down waste substances, which would otherwise endanger the organism’s life.
2. Housing organelles
Organelles require a soft area to stay on, and the cytoplasm provides that platform. Animal cells contain essential organelles, with the common ones being the nucleus, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, vacuoles, and vesicles. These are all extremely important for various cell activities.
Plant cells also contain vital organelles in the cytoplasm but are different from those in animal cells. The main organelles found here are chloroplasts, large vacuoles, cell wall, and plastids.
For photosynthesis to occur, the green pigment found inside chloroplasts is required. The pigment called chlorophyll absorbs the sunlight, which in turn helps to make food for the plant.
Plastids and the large vacuole are used to store sugar, which the plant later uses for energy. They also store other proteins and ions necessary for the growth of the plant.
So with the presence of cytoplasm, the organelles can stay properly in place and carry out their functions as needed.
3. Driving metabolic activities
Most of the vital metabolic activities occur in the cytoplasm of the cell. As it holds all the structures containing important ions and enzymes, it is understandable why the cell’s chemical processes occur here.
4. Maintaining structure and gradient
Even though this has been mentioned already, it is important to note it again. This is because being the support structure for cells is the main function of the cytoplasm.
From time to time, different ions are required to enter and leave the cell for nutrition. For this phenomenon to happen, the cytoplasm creates a difference in gradient for the in-house ions and the ones available outside the cell. As a result, the cell stays firm and taught, keeping the plant upright.
What would happen to plant cells without cytoplasm?
Given the fact that cytoplasm provides structure and support to the overall cell, it is easy to guess what would happen if it were absent. Without the cytoplasm, the organelles would fall off, and the other essential nutrients will not be able to stay within the cell.
How is the composition of plant cell cytoplasm different from that of other cell types?
The main difference in the cytoplasm composition of a plant cell versus an animal cell is the type of organelles they have. Due to the fact that a plant cell cytoplasm has different sets of organelles present, its metabolic and chemical activities are also different than others.
Since osmosis occurs mostly in plant cells, the cytoplasm is enclosed by a cell wall, with permeability for water molecules. When there is variance in water molecule concentration inside and outside the cell, water has to enter or leave the cell by osmosis. The presence of the cell wall surrounding the cytoplasm is what makes this possible.
Also, as a plant cell cytoplasm has different kinds of organelles compared to other cells, the nutrition they obtain is autotrophic. This means that plants can produce their own food with a mixture of chemicals and light. Other cells’ nutrition is heterotrophic, where external energy and food sources are needed.
Conclusion
The cytoplasm is an essential part of the make-up of a cell, be it a plant or animal cell. The majority of the vital functions occur within the cytoplasm for plant cells, including providing a solid structure. So plant cells do not just have a cytoplasm but cannot exist without it!
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