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Why Do Plant Cells Need Energy?

Plant cells have parts similar to those of most other cells, including animal cells and unicellular organisms such as fungi and algae, but structures like chloroplast and the chlorophyll in chloroplast are unique to plant cells. These unique parts serve specific functions of converting energy in the form of sunlight into molecules of sugars. Energy is required for all the functions of cells.

  1. Source of Energy

    • Plant cells obtain energy from the process of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. These are complicated processes which require carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients absorbed by the plant from the soil.

    Photosynthesis and Respiration

    • Photosynthesis is an important function of a plant cell, involving the conversion of sunlight into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a nucleotide that transports chemical energy within cells. Respiration is the process of utilizing energy for performing various functions in plant cells.

    Formation of Protoplasm

    • The "living material" of plant cells is known as protoplasm, which is essentially made of protein complexes and nitrogenous compounds. Plant cells synthesize this protoplasm, an active process that requires the use of energy.

    Absorption

    • Plants have to absorb water and other essential nutrients from soil for fulfillment of physiological functions of plant cells. This process of absorption of nutrients also requires energy.

    Transpiration and Translocation

    • Transpiration is the process of loss of water from the leaves of a plant, which may also consume energy. In the process of translocation, the transfer of various molecules in plant cells consumes energy. These plant cells performing the translocation of materials need energy for in order to function.

    Storage

    • Molecules required for future use by a plant are stored in the plant's cells. The synthesis of these storage molecules involves processes that require energy.

    Reproduction

    • Some processes involved in plant reproduction, including flowering, formation of seeds, and germinations of seeds, make particular demands on the nutrient supply of plants.

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