•

6 Feb 2026

•

1 page

Structure of Eukaryotic Plant Cell | A Level Biology OCR

Chloe

@chloesneep

Ever wondered what makes plant cells tick? From the powerhouse... Show more

# Eukaryotic plant cell

Ribosome
- free floating in Cytoplasm or attached to
endoplasmic reticulum (rough E.R.), not surrounded
by membrane

Eukaryotic Plant Cell Structure

Plant cells are like bustling cities with specialised districts, each performing vital functions. The cell wall made of cellulose provides structural support - think of it as the city's protective walls. Meanwhile, plasmodesmata act like tunnels connecting neighbouring cells, allowing communication and transport between them.

The cell-surface membrane controls what enters and exits the cell through its phospholipid bilayer structure. This partially permeable barrier ensures only the right materials get through. Inside, the cytosol serves as the liquid medium where all organelles float - it's basically the cell's internal ocean.

The nucleus is the command centre, containing chromatin and surrounded by a double membrane with pores. These nuclear pores are like security checkpoints, letting mRNA and ribosomes out whilst allowing enzymes and signalling molecules in. The nucleolus inside works as the ribosome factory.

Key Tip: Remember that plant cells have three unique features: cell walls, chloroplasts, and large vacuoles - these distinguish them from animal cells.

Ribosomes handle protein synthesis and can be found floating freely in the cytoplasm or attached to the rough endoplasmic reticulum. The rough ER has ribosomes covering its surface, whilst smooth ER lacks ribosomes and focuses on producing lipids, carbohydrates, and steroids.

Chloroplasts are the green powerhouses larger than mitochondria, surrounded by double membranes. Inside, thylakoids stack to form grana structures containing chlorophyll - this is where photosynthesis happens. Mitochondria serve as the cell's energy factories, with their inner membrane folded into cristae containing enzymes for aerobic respiration.

The Golgi apparatus works like a post office, modifying and packaging proteins into vesicles for transport. The cytoskeleton and microtubule network provide structural support and transport highways, moving cell contents using ATP energy. Finally, the large vacuole surrounded by the tonoplast membrane helps maintain cell pressure and stores materials.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Biology

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

AQA Biology: Key Concepts

Explore essential AQA Biology topics including Photosynthesis, Respiration, Homeostasis, Genetics, and Ecology. This comprehensive knowledge organizer covers key concepts such as energy transfer, hormonal control, and genetic variation, providing a solid foundation for your studies. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological processes.

Biology

A-Level Biology Year 1 Overview

Comprehensive summary of AQA A-Level Biology Year 1, covering key topics such as cellular structure, protein synthesis, immune response, gas exchange, and more. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding biological concepts. Includes detailed insights into cellular processes, biological classification, and the circulatory system.

Biology

GCSE Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive summary of key concepts in GCSE AQA Biology Paper 1, covering topics such as cell structure, photosynthesis, respiration, disease biology, antibiotic resistance, and transport systems. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.

Biology

Biology paper 1 Summary

Notes for Biology paper 1 contains the full course for AQA higher combined!

Biology

A-Level Biology Year 2 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in AQA A-Level Biology Year 2, including neuronal communication, genetic modification, nutrient cycles, and hormonal control. This resource is designed to aid understanding of complex topics such as action potentials, photosynthesis, and speciation. Ideal for exam preparation and revision.

Biology

Circulatory System Overview

Explore the structure and function of the heart and blood vessels in the circulatory system. This summary covers the roles of arteries, veins, and capillaries, detailing how blood is transported throughout the body. Ideal for AQA GCSE Biology students preparing for exams.

Biology

Menstrual Cycle Hormones

Explore the key hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, including FSH, LH, estrogen, and progesterone. Understand their roles in egg maturation, ovulation, and the maintenance of the uterine lining. This summary provides a clear overview of hormonal coordination in human reproduction, ideal for GCSE Biology students.

Biology

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

Criminology

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

Key Quotes from Macbeth

Explore essential quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' that highlight key themes such as ambition, guilt, and deception. This analysis includes significant lines from characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, along with their context in the play. Ideal for students studying character development and thematic elements in literature.

English Literature

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.6/5

App Store

4.7/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Biology

•

843

•

6 Feb 2026

•

1 page

Structure of Eukaryotic Plant Cell | A Level Biology OCR

Chloe

@chloesneep

Ever wondered what makes plant cells tick? From the powerhouse mitochondria to the food-making chloroplasts, each tiny component in a plant cell has a crucial job that keeps life going. Understanding these cellular structures is your key to mastering biology.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Eukaryotic Plant Cell Structure

Key Tip: Remember that plant cells have three unique features: cell walls, chloroplasts, and large vacuoles - these distinguish them from animal cells.