How do cells of petals vs. the stem of the same plant compare? (BioE80 Spr2015)
May 26, 2015 • 10:29 PM UTC
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steven92
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Although one might not notice it at first, the engineering quad is actually a rich reservoir of floral diversity. We initially examined a wide variety of plants and not surprisingly, found plants cells of different shapes, sizes, and colors. However, we were particularly interested in comparing and contrasting the cells from different parts of the same plant. To this end, we examined both the green stem and purple petals of the plant seen below:
Cells of Green Stem:
The cells from the green stem appear to be fairly rigid, rectangular, and large. The rigidness is likely the result of the cell wall that is needed to give the plant structure. The dark green color is from the chloroplasts. There are noticeable large gaps between the cells (perhaps allowing for ion/molecule exchange between cells).
Cells of Purple Petal:
Cells of Purple Petal:
The cells from the purple petal tend to be round and relatively small. Because there does not seem to be a rigid structure, the gaps between cells are less defined and much smaller.
Given our knowledge that all cells of the same plant have the same DNA, it was quite fascinating to see how cells from different parts of the same plant can vary drastically in size, shape, color, and structure (e.g., rigidness). The results we saw provided us with a firsthand testament to cell differentiation, in which cells become more specialized as they grow. Exploring how these cell features evolve over time (as the plant ages) would be an interesting follow-up question.
Contributors: Steven Lee & Trisha Jani
Given our knowledge that all cells of the same plant have the same DNA, it was quite fascinating to see how cells from different parts of the same plant can vary drastically in size, shape, color, and structure (e.g., rigidness). The results we saw provided us with a firsthand testament to cell differentiation, in which cells become more specialized as they grow. Exploring how these cell features evolve over time (as the plant ages) would be an interesting follow-up question.
Contributors: Steven Lee & Trisha Jani
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