Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane, Structure
Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane: Cell wall is a rigid structure that surrounds some cells and protects them from harmful organisms, while the cell membrane is a flexible covering that protects the inside of a cell from the outside environment.
Krati Saraswat29 May, 2025
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Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane: It is important to understand the difference between cell wall and the cell membrane because they are commonly confused.
A cell wall in plant cells is a fundamental distinction between the two. Conversely, the cell membrane is present in all living organisms, including animals and plants. Although both are vital components of cells, the cell wall and cell membrane have distinct properties. They work together to protect the cell from the outside world and provide structural support. It is important to note that the cell wall is unique to plant cells, whereas the cell membrane is found in all cell types. This article explains the difference between the cell wall and the cell membrane.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
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Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane Overview
Cell walls and cell membranes are critical components of all living organisms. Plants, fungi, and certain bacteria are the only cells with a cell wall. The cell wall is traditionally defined as a layer of polysaccharides outside the plasma membrane that provides rigidity and structural and supportive functions. The cell wall of fungi is made of chitin, also found in arthropod exoskeletons. In contrast, the cell membrane is present in all living organisms, including plants. It is the outermost layer of animal cells and encloses various cellular organelles. Unlike the rigid cell wall, the cell membrane is pliable, allowing it to change shape as needed. Additionally, it exhibits metabolic activity and has selective permeability.Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane
Cell wall and membrane stand out as vital organelles for all living organisms to function. Despite differences in appearance and function, the cell membrane and cell wall play important roles in the proper functioning of living entities. While a cell wall has a rigid structure and cannot change shape, a cell membrane has natural flexibility and can change shape and size. However, the inherent rigidity of a cell wall is essential in providing structural support to the cells. The table below outlines the key difference between cell wall and cell membrane.
| Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Cell Wall | Cell Membrane |
| Meaning | A sturdy, substantial structure is visible under a light microscope, present in plant, fungal, and bacterial cells, providing rigidity and shape. | A delicate, thin structure visible under an electron microscope, present in all cell types, offering protection to the protoplasm and facilitating molecule passage. |
| Composition | Formed from chitin (fungi), cellulose (plant cells), and peptidoglycan (bacteria). | Formed from proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. |
| Presence | Found in plant cells, fungi, bacteria, and algae. | Present in all cell types. |
| Receptors | Lacks receptors. | Contains receptors facilitating cell-to-cell communication. |
| Structure | Thick layers visible under a light microscope. | Thin layers visible under an electron microscope. |
| Permeability | Completely permeable. | Semi-permeable. |
| Thickness | Thickness increases with cell life. | Thickness remains constant throughout the cell's lifespan. |
| Nutrition | No nutritional requirements from the cell; serves for deposition. | Requires proper nutrition for survival. |
Definition of Cell Wall
A cell wall is the outermost layer of a plant cell. The cell wall is a flexible and complex structure outside the cell membrane. The cell wall is often composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, the long fiber of carbohydrates, lignin, and pectin. It regulates cell proliferation while also protecting it from physical injury. Endosmosis can cause a cell to perish. It allows smaller molecules to enter due to its rough and porous surface. In addition, if the pressure inside the cell rises, the cell wall stops it from expanding or rupturing. The cell wall also serves as a barrier for some biomolecules to enter and depart and a conduit for many other metabolic chemicals to enter and exit. In certain plants, the cell wall is composed of a single layer, but in others, the cell wall is composed of two layers. The cell is waterproofed thanks to these two layers.
Cell Wall Structure
- Primary Cell Wall
- The Middle Lamella
- The Secondary Cell Wall
Function of Cell Wall
The cell wall is the outermost layer of plant cells and is only found in plants and certain fungi, bacteria, and algae. The cell wall outside the cell membrane is typically robust, flexible, and occasionally rigid. Cellulose and extended carbohydrate fibres such as hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin are the primary components of the cell wall. The primary roles of the cell wall include:- Protecting the cell from physical damage and intrusion by pathogens.
- Regulating and directing the growth of the cell.
- Providing structural support and strength and preserving the cell's shape.
- Serving as a storage repository for carbohydrates, particularly in seeds, to facilitate plant growth.
- Allowing the unhindered passage of smaller molecules.
Definition of Cell Membrane
The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is the outer layer of animal cells. It is composed of proteins and lipids, and is semipermeable, meaning that it allows some substances to pass through it but not others. The semipermeable nature of the membrane plays an essential role in regulating the passage of substances into and out of the cell. The membrane also helps to maintain a controlled environment within the cell and protects it from physical damage. The cell membrane is responsible for selective permeability, which is the ability of the membrane to allow some substances to pass through it while preventing others from doing so. This selective permeability is fundamental to establishing and maintaining a stable internal milieu. The cell membrane also facilitates interactions between the cell and its external environment.Function of Cell Membrane
The plasma membrane, also known as the cell membrane, is the outermost layer of animal cells. It consists of a semipermeable barrier composed of lipids and proteins, which restricts the boundary between the external environment and living systems. This membrane regulates the entry and exit of solutes and solvents between the cell and its surroundings. Depending on its permeability characteristics, the plasma membrane can be semipermeable, impermeable, porous, or selectively permeable. Key functions of the plasma membrane, or cell membrane, include:- Safeguarding the internal integrity of the cell.
- Providing support and preserving the cell's structure.
- Endocytosis and exocytosis are balanced to control cell growth.
- Facilitating cell signaling and communication.
- Operating as a selectively permeable barrier, enabling the entry of specifically chosen substances into the cell.
Similarities Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane
While a cell wall and a cell membrane exhibit notable differences, they share several similarities, as outlined below:- The cell wall and cell membrane protect the cell from external mechanical stresses.
- They play a crucial role in providing shape and rigidity to the cell.
- Acting as the primary conduits for the entry and exit of molecules, both the cell wall and cell membrane function as essential channels for molecular transport.
- The cell wall and cell membrane collectively constitute the outermost layer of a cell.
Difference Between Cell Wall and Cell Membrane FAQs
What are three differences between cell walls and cell membranes?
A cell wall is rigid and maintains a constant shape, while a cell membrane is flexible and can change shape and size. The cell wall provides structural support to the cells, while the cell membrane is present in the inner lining of the cell. The cell wall is a thick and rigid layer, while the cell membrane is a thin and delicate layer.
Where is DNA located in the cell?
Most DNA is located in the cell nucleus, known as nuclear DNA, with a small amount also found in the mitochondria (mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA). Mitochondria are cellular structures that convert food energy into a usable cell form.
Who discovered the cell wall?
Robert Hooke, an English scientist, discovered the cell wall in 1665. Using a self-constructed microscope, he examined a small slice of cork and observed tiny compartments, coining the term "cellula," later changed to cells.
Does the cell wall and cell membrane have the same function?
While all cells have a cell membrane with slight variations, others also possess cell walls. Although cell walls offer additional protection and support, they do not replace the function of the cell membrane, which is composed of a lipid bilayer and is selectively permeable.
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