The cell is the basic unit of life. Plant cells (unlike animal cells) are surrounded by a thick, rigid cell wall. Plant cells have several structures not found in other eukaryotes. In particular, organelles called chloroplasts allow plants to capture the...
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The cell is the basic unit of life. Plant cells (unlike animal cells) are surrounded by a thick, rigid cell wall. Plant cells have several structures not found in other eukaryotes. In particular, organelles called chloroplasts allow plants to capture the energy of the Sun in energy-rich molecules; cell walls allow plants to have rigid structures as varied as wood trunks and supple leaves; and vacuoles allow plant cells to change size. Cell Parts Cell Wall The most important feature distinguishing the cells of plants from those of animals is the cell wall. In plants, this wall protects the cellular contents and limits cell size. It also has important structural and physiological roles in the life of the plant, being involved in transport, absorption, and secretion. Plant cells also contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll gives plants their green color and allows them to perform photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to make their own food by using carbon dioxide, water, and s
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