Plant cells have a distinct set of features and characteristics. They are different to the cells of organisms from other kingdoms of life.
The cells of plants are eukaryotic. A eukaryotic cell is any cell with a ‘true’ nucleus and organelles. This immediately separates plant cells from the cells of bacteria and archaea.
Animals and fungi also have eukaryotic cells. Plant cells have a unique set of organelles that distinguishes them from the cells of animals and fungi. The presence of organelles called chloroplasts, vacuoles and a cell wall are three key features of the cells of plants.
Plant cells are relatively large and can differ considerably within a plant. There is a large diversity of different types of cells found through stems, leaves and roots.
Different types of plant cells
There is a wide range of cells found in plants. Within the leaves alone there is a variety of cells that perform different functions such as providing protection, photosynthesizing or transporting water. They same level of variety occurs in stems, roots and flowers. Here I describe only a few of the different types of cells from different parts of a plant.