Plant cell

• What is the function of the chloroplast envelope?

  It is a double plasma membrane that surrounds the whole chloroplast and is very selective on what it lets through
• Where does the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis occur in the chloroplast?

  In the grana
• What are thylakoids and what do they contain?

  Thylakoids are disk-like structures that contain chlorophyll, a photosynthetic pigment
• How do thylakoids connect with each other in the chloroplast?

  Some thylakoids have tubular extensions that join with other thylakoids in other grana
• What occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast?

  The light-independent reaction occurs here, which involves the synthesis of sugars
• What is found in the stroma besides the light-independent reaction components?

  Other structures such as starch grains
• What is the equivalent of starch grains found in animal cells?

  Glycogen is a form of starch found in animal tissue
• What are the adaptations of chloroplasts for photosynthesis?

  • Membranes of the grana provide a large surface area for chlorophyll, enzymes, and electron carriers
  • Stroma contains enzymes for the light-independent reaction
  • Chloroplasts contain DNA and ribosomes to manufacture proteins for photosynthesis
• What is the structure of the plant cell wall?

  It is made of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a matrix
• What is the function of the middle lamella in plant cells?

  It glues adjacent cells together
• Why does a cell wall need to be strong?

  To give strength to the plant as a whole and to allow continuous movement of water
• When might the strength of the cell wall be tested?

  During osmotic pressure, mechanical stress, growth, and development
• How does the cell wall of fungi differ from that of plants?

  Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin, while plant cell walls are made of cellulose
• What surrounds the vacuole in plant cells?

  A single membrane called the tonoplast
• What is the function of the vacuole in plant cells?

  It supports plants by becoming turgid and serves as a temporary food store
• What might the vacuole contain?

  Fluid, pigments, and temporary food stores
• Why are pigmented petals useful to plants?

  They attract pollinators and aid in reproduction