Pronunciation: [plˈant sˈɛl] (IPA) 
The term "plant cell" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /plænt sɛl/. The first syllable, "plant," is pronounced with a short "a" sound represented by the symbol /æ/ and a silent "t" at the end. The second syllable, "cell," is pronounced with an "e" sound represented by the symbol /ɛ/ and a silent "l" at the end. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the term "plant cell" in English.
A plant cell is the fundamental structural and functional unit of a plant, constituting various components that enable it to carry out essential biological processes. Plant cells possess several unique features that distinguish them from animal cells, including a rigid cell wall made primarily of cellulose, which surrounds the cell membrane. This cell wall provides external support and protection, maintaining the cell's shape and preventing excessive water uptake.
Within the cell, numerous organelles are present to facilitate various functions. The most prominent of these is the chloroplast, which contains chlorophyll responsible for capturing sunlight to enable photosynthesis, the process through which plants convert light energy into chemical energy to synthesize organic compounds. These organelles are generally larger and more numerous in plant cells compared to animal cells.
Other vital organelles in plant cells include the nucleus, which houses the genetic material in the form of DNA, and the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, involved in protein synthesis, processing, and transportation. Additionally, plant cells have large central vacuoles, which aid in maintaining cell turgidity and storing water, ions, and nutrients. Mitochondria are also present in plant cells, playing a crucial role in energy production through cellular respiration.
Overall, plant cells are highly specialized units that collaborate to support the growth, development, and functioning of plants. The distinctive features and organelles of plant cells enable them to efficiently carry out essential processes such as photosynthesis, nutrient storage, and energy generation.
The word "plant cell" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "plant" ultimately traces back to the Latin word "planta", which originally meant "a shoot, a sprout, or a plant". It comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*plā" meaning "to spread out flat, to be flat".
The word "cell" comes from the Latin word "cellula", meaning "small room" or "compartment". This term was derived from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small chamber" or "storeroom".
When combined, "plant" and "cell" create the phrase "plant cell", referring to the basic structural and functional unit of a plant.
