Cell Structure- plant cells have many features in common with animal cells, but are generally larger. Plant cells also have a number of unique structures, most of which help the plant to make its own food.

Around each plant is a cell wall. This is made up of a tough substance called cellulose, and helps the cell to keep its shape. Directly beneath the cell wall is a thin layer called the cell membrane. Animal cells have a cell membrane, but they do not have a cell wall.

Vacuoles are fluid-filled sacs. Most plant cells have one large, permanent vacuole filled with a sugary liquid called cell sap, which is made up of water and dissolved substances.

Specialized Cells- not all plants cells are exactly alike. Some have different shapes and structures, allowing the to do particular jobs. this is called specialization.

Palisade cells, for example, are found just beneath the upper surface of a leaf. They are column shaped, and contain a large number of chloroplasts.

Spongy cells are found inside a leaf, beneath the layer of palisade cells. They have an irregular shape, which allows air spaces to form between them.

Cell Division- cells can divide to create new cells for growth or repair. Cell division happens in two stages. In the first stage, called mitosis, the nucleus divides into two parts, each becoming a new nucleus. Each of the two new nuclei, called daughter nuclei, are identical to the original.

In the second stage of cell division, called cytokinesis, a dividing line called the cell plate forms, this runs down the middle of the cytoplasm. New cell walls build up along the cell plate, to separate the two new cells.

Plant tissue- cells of the same kind join together to form types of tissue. Most plants are made up of three types of tissue: dermal, ground and vascular.

Dermal tissue makes up the surface layer of most plants.

Ground tissue packs out most of the inside of younger plants.

Vascular tissue is responsible for transporting food, water and other substances around the planet.