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Plant Cells

Plant Cells with Visible Chloroplasts

Specialized Cells of the Leaf System

Backgrounders

Learn about the structure and function of the cells in leaves.

Seedling with sunlight

Light & Plants

Backgrounders

Learn about the process of photosynthesis and how it is affected by light levels.

Labo de Heather McFarlane's

Heather E. McFarlane

Career Profiles

Assistant Professor & Canada Research Chair in Plant Cell Biology

Heather R. McFarlane is an Assistant Professor & Canada Research Chair in Plant Cell Biology for the University of Toronto.
Coniferous and deciduous trees covered in snow

How Do Trees Survive in Winter?

STEM Explained

What adaptations and processes do trees in northern climates have to survive winter?

Tilia stem cross-section

Plant Cell Structures and Functions

Backgrounders

Learn about the many different structures that make up plant cells as well as what differentiates plant cells from animal cells.

Leaf and the Sun

Plant Functions

Backgrounders

Learn about the important plant functions of photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration

Screen capture from video "The Wacky History of Cell Theory”

The Wacky History of Cell Theory

STEM Explained

It took several scientists building on each other’s discoveries to come up with Cell Theory - one of the cornerstones of biology.

Water droplets on succulent leaves

How Do Plants Survive in the Desert?

STEM Explained

Plants need to exchange gases and water with their environment as part of photosynthesis. Some plant cells have evolved specifically for this purpose.

DNA "unzipping"

How can I obtain a sample of DNA?

Hands-on Activities

Be a biochemist! Learn how to extract DNA from an onion and find out what DNA looks like.

Massive algal bloom

Eutrophication: Why you should care about pond scum

STEM Explained

When fertilizers from agriculture get into lakes and rivers, big problems can result for aquatic ecosystems, food chains & webs!