Biology, Answering the Big Questions of Life/CellWalls

What is a cell wall

A cell wall is a firm structure on the outside of a cell membrane that helps maintain osmotic pressure in a cell by making a limit that prevents the cell from expanding and bursting due to osmosis.

The cell wall also adds structure to multicellular organisms.

It must have openings to allow nutrients to pass freely into and out of the cell.

Cell Wall Structure

Cell Wall Materials

Cell walls are made of different materials in different kingdoms of organisms.

Archea

Bacteria - Peptidoglycan

Fungi - Chitin

Plantae - Cellulose, Lignin,