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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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. |
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.