Specialised Plant Cells

Plant cells also have specialised cells in different shapes and sizes, but not as many as animal cells.

Stomata are tiny holes on the underneath of leaves. They allow water vapour to leave the leaf. Guard cells surround each stomata and allow the stoma to open and close. Stomata close during hotter days to prevent water loss and most plants open their stomata at night.

Loss of water vapour through the stomata is called transpiration.

Gases also enter and leave the leaf via the stomata.

Are like straws that carry water and minerals up from the roots to all parts of the plant.

The cells are a dead ‘one-way’ street.

They are long thin tubes with strong walls which help support the plant

Phloem cells are thin-walled tubes that carry food to all parts of the plant

The food is in the form of sugar (glucose or sucrose) and is made in the leaves.

These cells are living and are like a two-way highway.

Root hair cells are found on the roots of plants. They are small hairs which increase the surface area and assist in absorbing water and dissolved minerals from the soil.