Cell Diversity In Plants
Palisade Cells
Long and cylindrical – pack together closely with little space for air to circulate
Large vacuole so chloroplasts are nearer the edge of the cell, reducing diffusion distance
Many chloroplasts for photosynthesis
Cytoskeleton thread sand motor proteins to move chloroplasts depending on sunlight
intensity
Guard Cells
Chloroplasts convert light energy to ATP which is used to fuel active transport
Actively transports potassium ions from surrounding cells into guard cell, lowering their
water potential
Water enters from surrounding cells via osmosis causing guard cells to swell at their
flexible tips and open the stomata (gap between guard cells)
Air enters the stomata and gaseous exchange occurs
Stomata close at night to reduce water loss
Palisade Cells
Long and cylindrical – pack together closely with little space for air to circulate
Large vacuole so chloroplasts are nearer the edge of the cell, reducing diffusion distance
Many chloroplasts for photosynthesis
Cytoskeleton thread sand motor proteins to move chloroplasts depending on sunlight
intensity
Guard Cells
Chloroplasts convert light energy to ATP which is used to fuel active transport
Actively transports potassium ions from surrounding cells into guard cell, lowering their
water potential
Water enters from surrounding cells via osmosis causing guard cells to swell at their
flexible tips and open the stomata (gap between guard cells)
Air enters the stomata and gaseous exchange occurs
Stomata close at night to reduce water loss
