What is a cell wall?
Robert Hooke is the one who coined the term ‘cell’ in the year 1665. A structural and functional unit of life is a cell which is the basic unit of an organism. Only fungi, plants, and bacteria contain the cell wall. The cell wall is mainly composed of cellulose and is present outside the plasma membrane which helps to support the structure of plants.
Explain the structure of the cell wall with a diagram.
Plant cells contain cell walls that are present outside to cover the cell. It is a rigid, flexible, and tough structure that can be found outside the plasma membrane. Long fibers of carbohydrates (such as lignin, pectin, and hemicellulose) and cellulose together form the cell walls. The cell wall contains cotton fiber and wood as major components. The cells of animals do not have a cell wall structure.
What is the function of the cell wall?
- Cells of organisms include some important structures for proper functioning.
- The cell wall of the cell mainly protects the cell to avoid physical damage. It also protects the cell from invading pathogens.
- The cell wall-containing organisms get structural support from the cell wall.
- It helps to maintain the strength and shape of the cell. Also, it helps to regulate the growth of the cell.
- In cell signalling and communications, the cell membrane plays an essential function.
- It decides the entry of a selected substance into the cell as it is a selectively permeable membrane.
- Both endocytosis and exocytosis are balanced by this structure. This structure also protects the internal material of the cell.
Distinguish between Cell wall and Cell membrane.
Cell Wall |
Cell membrane |
1. This is the outermost part and is present in the plant cell.
2. Cell wall of the organisms is made up of chitin, lignin, pectin, sugar, cellulose, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. 3. It is not present in the animals. 4. Metabolically, this structure is inactive. |
1. 1. This is the outermost covering and is present in the animal cell.
2. 2. Cell wall of the organisms is made up of carbohydrates and lipoproteins.
3. 3. It is present in animals. 4. Metabolically, this structure is active. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do animals have cell wall structures?
No, the cells of animals do not have a cell wall structure.
Why cell wall is different from the cell membrane?
Basically, cell walls and cell membranes both are different from each other. Not only living organisms but also plants contain cell membranes. Organisms like fungi, a few bacteria, and plants have a cell wall in their cell.
Which component is the primary in the cell wall?
The cellulose component is the primary in the cell wall of plants.
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