Plant cells
The cells of plants differ from those of animals in several characteristics. Plant cells are always surrounded by a cell wall composed of cellulose and other materials. The living part of a cell surrounded by the cell wall is called the protoplast. In the cytoplasm of some protoplasts, unique
Organelles called chloroplasts are found. They carry out the complex chemical reactions of photosynthesis. Protoplasts also usually have a large central vacuole filled with water and dissolved materials.
As in animals, the cells of plants are organized into tissues, cells that are similar in structure and function. In this part of the lab exercise, you will look at three types of plant cells.