Question

This model of a plant cell shows the structures that are likely to be observed in a typical plant cell. Cells from actual plants may differ from the model if the cells are specialized for specific functions.

How could this model be changed to BEST represent a specialized leaf cell?
A) Remove the cell wall because only cells in plants stems have cell walls.
B) Remove the mitochondria because leaf cells don’t need much energy.
C) Add tiny hairs because leaf cells need to take in water.
D) Add chloroplasts because leaves are where photosynthesis occurs.
E) Remove the plasma membrane because a leaf cell has a cell wall instead of a plasma membrane.

Answer 1

To best represent a specialized leaf cell, the model of a plant cell should include chloroplasts since they are the site of photosynthesis in leaves. Option D is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks how a model of a plant cell can be improved to best represent a specialized leaf cell. In the context of plant cells, they have specific structures not found in animal cells, such as a cell wall, large central vacuole, and plastids like chloroplasts. The cell wall provides structural support and shape, the large central vacuole maintains cell pressure and size, and plastids such as chloroplasts and chromoplasts play roles in photosynthesis and pigment storage, respectively.

In the case of a specialized leaf cell, the correct change to the model would be to add chloroplasts if they are not already present because leaves are the primary site of photosynthesis. Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, which captures light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, the fundamental process of photosynthesis.

Therefore, answer D) Add chloroplasts because leaves are where photosynthesis occurs, is the best option to accurately represent a specialized leaf cell. The other options are not factual or are misrepresentative of what is found in leaf cells.