Question

Discuss the functions of the cell wall.

Answer 1

Hint: Cell wall is the outermost capsid of plant cells and other unicellular organisms. It is a specialised form of extracellular matrix found at the outer boundary of the cell. Cell walls are found in animal cells. Every cell consists of there layer that is primary cell wall, middle lamella and inner cell wall. Primary cell wall consists of cellulose.

Complete Answer:
- Composition of cell walls differs among organisms. Primary cell wall is usually thin and is composed of carbohydrates such as cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. These three components are interconnected in the mesh-like network, the secondary cell wall consists of cellulose, Xylan and lignin; these two layers are joined by lamella.
- Cell wall is flexible and provides strength to the cell by giving protection against any shock to the cell. Presence of membrane proteins which acts as membrane receptors provide site of induction of signal and hence becomes signalling surface. It can also differentiate between self and non self cells and can act as a defence mechanism.
- Presence of small Peter within the membrane acts as a transport gateway for small molecules which is required for the cell.

Note: Composition of cell walls of different organisms differ based on their adaptation as fungal cell walls consist of chitin and glucans which is not found in other organisms but every organism consists of cellulose as a common component of cell.