Plant cell in 3D
Open a cell and discover the structures inside. Explore the 3D model, inspect its parts and learn with guided explanations. Free on Atlas.
What you can learn
Connect energy conversion, transport and cell structure.
The cell wall supports the cell; the plasma membrane controls exchange at its boundary.
Chloroplasts capture light energy, while mitochondria support cellular respiration.
The nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus participate in information handling, protein production and transport. A large vacuole helps maintain turgor.
Try an investigation
Locate wall and membrane separately. Explain why a plant cell still needs mitochondria when chloroplasts are present.
Check your understanding
Which organelle carries out photosynthesis in green plant cells?
Chloroplast. Chloroplasts use light energy in photosynthesis. Not every plant cell has chloroplasts.
Which structure gives plant cells a strong outer support layer?
Cell wall. The plant cell wall contains cellulose and provides support outside the cell membrane.
What is one role of the large central vacuole?
Store cell sap and help maintain turgor. The vacuole stores substances and helps the cell maintain pressure against its wall.
Sources and model scope
Organelles are enlarged and simplified. Not every plant cell has the same organelles, shape or developmental state as this teaching example.